Chapter 2: So, you're the adventurous type and you want a global experience.
Go to Japan. Or Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Saudi Arabia. But if you insist on trying your hand in South Korea, there are a few things you should know.
1) If you're going to teach here understand your position and value: you are a quaint fixture at best. Something to gawk at, show off and then put on a shelf to be completely ignored. NETs are a necessary evil and nothing more, despite the fact that most Koreans after years of English lessons, can not speak English. No one at your school will talk to you on a professional level and certainly you will be ignored at social teachers dinners and outings. Mostly because the Korean English teachers can not speak English.
2) You are not going to get rich working as a NET in South Korea. You will make just enough to buy food and travel within South Korea. Before coming here you should have ample savings (or mom and dad) in case of emergency or for traveling outside of Korea. Or, for an emergency escape.
Also know that landlords are notorious for ripping off the foreigners, so don't expect that 900,000 won deposit back at the end of your service and your school will not help you fight for it. Anything that breaks down in your apartment, its your fault and you have to pay for it. Also, watch your bank account very closely while here.
Also know that you will be put in the smallest, cheapest possible apartment available in the area of your school. My apartment is the size of a bedroom with a bathroom crammed inside. I have one tiny window that half is glazed over, so there is little sunshine in the room. I have had neighbors attempt to get into my room in the middle of the night. There isn't any security on the building at all. Anyone can come in at anytime, day or night. There are not double locks on the doors and no one feels inclined to change that despite the middle of the night incidents. I have had my bike bag, folded chair and rugs stolen. I have also had bed bugs. Yes, nasty, horrible bed bugs.
School administration and your co-teachers have zero appreciation for any complaints you may register with them. They will mostly go ignored and will only cause you further isolation at your work place.
Understand the national health services well. Make sure you present your ARC each time you visit the doctor or they will overcharge you. It was researched that foreigners are often overcharged at doctors offices, clinics and hospitals between 20 and 30 percent.
3) Any thoughts of coming here and dating Korean men? Know that that is all it will be, dating for sex. Western women are nothing more than a sexual pursuit for Korean men. White women are referred to as the White Horse and riding it is most Korean men's fantasy (African and Latino women, you're a pursuit too, but I don't know the derogatory terms and I can not speak of your experiences). But an actual relationship has the chance of a snow ball in Hell. Korean men answer to their mothers and their mothers want nothing to do with Western women. Particularly if it means marrying their precious, pro-creative sons. Xenophobia is alive and well here and mixed babies are not well received. And sexism is nurtured by mothers and wives alike.
There is a joke that goes around and its something like this:
A Korean man's dream is a CEO job with a German company, a French villa and a Japanese wife.
A Korean man's nightmare is working at a Korean company, living in Korea with an American wife.
I have never been offended by that joke. I'm actually VERY proud of that joke. Keep up the good work, American girls. They simply can not handle intelligent women with independent minds. Of course, not many American men can either.
Also, be aware that most Korean men are married by the age of 30. If you're dating Korean men, count on ending up on dates with married Korean men, often. Infidelity here is a game and they all play it. Even the women are getting in on this game as they are tired of waiting at home for their husbands who are out with other women.
4) Dating Western men. LOL!!! Doubtful. They come here to date Korean women who are desperate to meet Western men. After getting to know Korean men, I can't blame them. But even on a social level the Western men are not responsive or supportive of their Western female cohorts. Its a phenomenon I simply find disgusting.
5) Bring your Big Girl panties. If you're young and have never left your country, you're in for a ride and there aren't any seat belts. If you're middle-aged, like me, it can be quite lonely and uncertain. South Korea, like the USA, is quite superficial and values the youthful look (they HATE wrinkles). Few recruiting companies hire over 40 and once here there are very few people over 40 to socialize with. Most NETs are green, twenty-something college graduates who have never even left their countries and in this horrid economy, desperate for a paying job. They want nothing to do with mature adults that are the same age as their parents. The expat community here is fickle and not united. There is little comfort in seeking support from your fellow expat Americans unless you hang out at the expat bars.
6) Also know that there are American, Canadian and British recruiting companies. Many of them practice discrimination in age and nationality. Few hire over 40 and Canadians hire Canadians, British hire British and American hire American. The Korean companies hire young and cheap, and mostly American.
7) Bring lots of books, clothing (especially if you're full figured), toys (you know what I mean) and make friends as soon as you can. Form a posse as you will need a support group.
8) Take up a hobby while here. Korean lessons. Calligraphy. Join a hiking group.
9) And in all seriousness, if you choose to come here, understand that Culture Shock is real.
If you're coming here for the culture, you can get that online and in about an hour. In general, Koreans do not invite foreigners to their homes or to family holidays.
Perhaps after reading this, you, the reader, may be asking yourself, 'Why did the author move to South Korea'? One word, Dolmens. 40,000 of them. But I've seen them. So its time for me to head elsewhere. Off to filling out applications. Good luck!
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