Dear Deirdre and Susan,
Just a short note to say that I am having a wonderful experience in South Korea. Eoin and myself have already been offered a year long extension on our contracts. We have yet to decide but I am seriously considering it. It was difficult to deal with the change but now that I am entering my third month I am comfortable and happy. It’s quite a small town and in regards to the language it is sink or swim.
I have surrounded myself with plenty of Korea friends so I’m learning the language fairly quickly. I have the reading down to a tee so the speaking will come soon.
anyway thanks for the opportunity,
Victor Flood May 2006
Hey,
Ian Bowers here, just letting you know that i got over here fine. The school
is really nice, new and professional. I wont be moving in to my apartment
until Saturday but i here that it's good and only 5 mintues away from the
school. We are also in a really good location. I couldn’t recommend it enough
if another vacancy opens. Thanks again for all your help. And I'll mail
again soon with an update.
Ian Bowers May 2006
Hi,
Things are great here. The school is fine and the staff v friendly. I really like the school and I'm adjusting to the shift-work. In terms of saving money, there's lots of OT available so most people are saving 800+ euro/month.
You are thrown in at the deep end here though, so I wouldn't advise that you send a first time teacher here.
Thanks again for everything,
Mark Kelly April 2006
Hey there,
Just to let you know that I am settling into the
Korean life. It has been three weeks already but it
feels as though I was always here. The teaching is
interesting and fun. The other teachers both Foreign
and Korean are very helpful.
My flight was fine and I was met by Michelle before I
was put onto another flight to Busan. I was met at
Busan airport by a representative of the ECC school.
Everything has worked out well and I have received my
flight money.
Thank you for all your help.
Sheena Diviney April 2006
Hi all,
I have been in Korea for three months! Time is flying by! i live in Choeonju, a city 1 hour south of Seoul! I love it because all the westerners are very close! There is a great night life and I love the school! Im lucky because the director of our school is so kind! It took me a while to get used to teaching and it can be a little stressful but it is also rewarding! A number of teachers at our school have prolonged their contracts! Good Times!
Ellen Caulfield March 2006
Hi Deirdre and Susan,
Just writing to let you know that everything is going really well. I love the school that I’m in- the kids are fantastic, easy to get along with and eager to learn. Makes a pretty big difference from secondary school back home! Everything else, with regards to settling in, is going great too. I think that the food over here is fantastic because of the variation and the fact that it’s pretty healthy as well, but I never would imagine that sugary snacks are such a staple of the Korean diet.
Most of all, I love the night life here- I’ve been to Seoul a couple of times now, the sheer size and the variety of things to do are wonderful. I’m happy about places staying open to the early hours of the morning. Last night, I found myself in a karoke room with all of the teachers from our school and the neighbouring school and I never thought that I would ever subject anyone else to my singing voice, but somehow found myself coerced into swinging ‘Twist and Shout’, which was an interesting experience to say the least!
So, in short, I’m having a fantastic time here, and I can say that. After nearly four weeks here, I’ve had no real problems adjusting and settling in, and am more than happy with my school, flatmates, and living arrangements.
Regards,
Michelle
Michelle Hennessy Jan 06
Susan Hender here in Seoul. I have been here for 5 weeks and so far, and all is going well. It probably worked out better that I started working the 1st full day I was here as I didn't have time to think where I was and what to do. The teaching hours are good, 4-8.30pm and the 4 other foreigners (2 are Irish) are great & we eat out and party a lot together. I am good friends with another of your teachers who's up in Daewha so see her quite a bit.
Thanks and have a happy Christmas!
Susan Hender Dec. 2005
Dear ESL
My name is Brian Keane. You sent me out to Geoje-Do, Korea about 2 months ago It took a bit of getting used to but I really like it now.
I just thought I’d drop you a line to say “ Thank You “. I ‘ll be in touch if there are any problems, but that doesn’t look on the cards.
All the best,
Brian Keane Nov 2005
Hello Deirdre and Susan,
Thank you for all your help in getting me ready for going to Korea. I know
it’s your job and everything but I think you both did it very well, so thanks again, much appreciated. I am just on the way back from a great weekend on Jeju-do, it’s gorgeous! Teaching is going fine, the kids are a bit giddier than I expected but they are generally pleasant. Tongyeong, my town, is small and I am the only European foreign teacher there, the Canadians and Americans are very nice and the school seems really well run, so I have no problems at all,
I hope you are all well,
Thanks again,
Mary Stokes Sept. 2005
Hi Susan it is Nathalia Byrne….really enjoying myself here. thanks for
all your help at home. you were both so good. The Orientation Weekend
Course was Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It really has given us the Irish a good help…..we all seem to be doing
well……no moaning and teaching well.
Oh yeah changed bedding and sheets here, starting to get into furniture....a
real lot of this in the markets. Next Monday off for festival.
I am doing charity work on Sunday with the homeless..............
thanks for every thing again...
warm regards Nathalia
Nathalia Byrne Sept. 2005
Hey how is it going. Colin Mc Carthy here just writing to you from Geoje to fill you in on how I’m getting on. Have just finished work after teaching 2 classes.
I am really after settling in now at this stage. Found it tough at the start to settle in – the culture shock hit me a bit harder than I expected it to. Also the school was going through a lot of changes at the time so it took about a month for all my furniture to be sorted out etc. But anyway, it’s all sorted out now and really starting to get into the routine here. The weather should start picking up soon and I’m looking forward to the summer.
My friend is really settling in too and we both love it here. We live in separate apartments in the same apartment block which is pretty cool. We have already travelled to Seoul for a weekend which was fascinating.
The teaching is going really well. After doing it for a month I’m getting the hang of it and am really enjoying it. Have no complaints here which is really cool and have a lot of time for relaxing and watching videos – something that’s hard to come by at home in Ireland. So, I just said I’d let you know how we are getting on so far. Thanks again for all your help.
Talk soon
Colin Mc Carthy April 2005
Aoife Quirke here, Sorry I wasn’t in touch sooner, I kept forgetting to mail. I’m setting in ok, still just trying to find my feet. I’ve meet all the lads from the orientation which is wicked. The school is great. I’ve landed on my feet in comparison to some others. The headmaster is lovely and the kids are great. I’m know my way there now. This was just to check in and say hi, thanks for all the support and help.
Aoife Quirke March 2005
Hi Deirdre and Susan,
Just sending a quick message to let ye know everything is going great here for the last two months. After the initial problem of waiting to get my own house while living with a couple, everything has gone smoothly.
It’s a great country. Haven’t looked back once since I got here. The school I’m in is really cool. There are a couple of problems with some of our housing issues, i.e. getting bills sent to us before our phones or gas are cut off, but apart from that the school is a great place to work with a great atmosphere. That always helps in a Job…. Makes the day so much better!!!
I love the life though. It’s really nice to have a bit of cash in my pocket for a change… I even managed to send some money home last week. It’s great after four years of college.
Anyway, hope all is ok back home. Spring has just arrived here. It makes the place seem like a total different country all over again.
Thanks for all your help and helping with making this year happen!
Damien Byrne March 2005
Hi Susan and Deirdre, just wanted to drop a quick email to say I got here safely. The school is really nice and Michelle is looking after me ! The city is amazing every time I turn around I seem to see something else that’s just totally insane!!! Anyway, thanks a million for all your help getting here, I’ll be in touch soon.
Thank you !!!!
Angela Boyle Feb. 2005
Hey Deirdre and Susan
Well its almost our third week in Korea and we’re loving it so far, the people are lovely – very friendly and our school is really nice the boss is really nice and he and his family have been looking after us so well. They have brought us to Temples, skiing and today we are heading to the swimming pool and saunas. We are finding the food very hard to get used to and for the first few days the smell of it was a bit sickening! Its is especially hard as I’m a vegetarian and most dishes have meat in them or taste of fist but I’m coming around to the Korean cuisine! Hope all is well in Ireland, thanks for all your help.
Fiona O’Driscoll and Robin White Jan. 05
I am really enjoying my experience so far. The school is amazing – the atmosphere is so warm and positive, but with the right level of discipline. The teachers foreign and Korean are all extremely friendly and kind, and I have been having a lot of fun with them, exploring Seoul and seeing the sights. Seoul is nothing like I expected but in all the good ways – I have the occasional communication problem but it is nothing serious and only to be expected. I also really like the food (well most of it – the seafood can be a little off putting, particularly when it has eyes!) and I have had lots of good nights out with my fellow teachers. Anyway I want to thank you for all you did for me. I really love the kids and an enjoying the experience of teaching, even the mistakes that I inevitably make! My confidence keeps growing, and I have lots of people giving me advice and support, so it can (hopefully) only make me better, So thank you, I am 100 % glad that I could come here!
Korrena Baile Dec 2004
Just to let you know how things are going in Gwang-ju. The school is fine and my classes are going well. Though I am only teaching 20 hours a week somehow I am in school all day… The apartment is lovely and very handy for school. I got my 100,000 won and my air fare in the first week and got my alien registration card in the second week. All the teachers are nice. The schools owner arranges day trips occasionally and we were on one last weekend. We have been told that we are not allowed to give private lessons, as it is in breach of our contract. Anyway, think that’s about it, I am enjoying myself and think I am going to enjoy the year. Thanks for all your help in setting everything up.
Melanie O’Carroll Nov 2004
Just a quick email to let you know that everything is going fine here and so far we’re having a good time. At the training at the moment and it’s a good way to meet other people in the same boat as us!
Thanks for all your help.
Norma Burke and Anne-Marie Finn Aug 2004
Just a quick note to let you know I’ve settled in grand over here in Busan. The school is very well organized, clean and efficient and I have adjusted to the lifestyle quite well although working Saturdays is something I’ll probably never get used to!...
Roy Lenahan Aug 2004
I've only been here a short time and I already feel at home-I love it!! The people are fantastic and so friendly. The kids that I'm teaching are wonderful and all the other teachers in the hogwan have made me feel really welcome! I'm glad took the chance in coming here......I've absolutely no regrets!!
Sharon Kelly, June 2004
I have been in Korea for approximately three months now and I have been enjoying it. Initially it was quite a culture shock, having travelled around most of Europe I thought I was prepared for anything a new country could throw at me but Korea is really quite different to anything I had experienced. The people are quite friendly, they make an effort to present a good image of Korea and so will even go out of their way to help you, even complete strangers. There is quite a difference between the older and newer generations. The younger generation is quickly becoming more Westernised a young people are extremely interested in learning English and meeting with foreigners. The older generation are more serious and standoffish, though always respectful. The nightlife is also different, beer and cocktails are very cheap in local bars, though more expensive in the larger more modern towns and areas.
There are a number of places Like Itaewon and Hongde where Westerners hang out, if you feel homesick and there are also many places where you can experience Korean culture in their traditional style clubs and bars. The teaching is quite an experience. It is extremely gratifying to see students (especially the younger ones) develop from communicating very little to talking about everyday events and experiences. There is quite a lot of work (though this it seems varies from school to school and also from school types) in preparing for classes,. though the actual classes themselves can be really enjoyable when you get to know your students.
Seoul is such a densely populated city there are so many different activities to do. I live near a national park so I can go hill walking every weekend. There are many bars, clubs and DVD rooms which open at all hours. Also there are activities such as Karate, other martial arts, skiing. rock climbing, theatre, opera and a list of other things which are easy to enquire about. The language is quite difficult, being structured quite differently, but with a bit of effort you can pick up some conversational skills. I enjoy living here and can see myself spending more than a year or returning in the future.
Garrett Byrne May 2004
Just to let you know I have arrived and I’ve just completed my first weeks teaching, I’m having a great time, thank you for giving me this opportunity.
Trisha Adams May 2004
I have recently returned from South Korea, after a wonderful year. Thank you for setting me up with such a great school, so thanks again.
Siobhan Mc Nally May 2004
Hi, I can’t believe I’m here 5 weeks already – the time has flown by. I’m really settled now and absolutely love it. I was looking for a change as I felt as I was stuck in a rut in my job in Dublin and I guess I was looking for a culture shock too!! Seoul is an amazing city! It’s so diverse- where I’m living is very traditional with markets selling everything under the sun but then down town Seoul, which is only a few minutes away on the subway, is a bit like New York. I can’t believe how safe it is everywhere – It’s such a nice felling not having to be constantly on your guard on subways etc. I haven’t heard any bad stories at all, actually the opposite! A friend of mine left the equivalent of 200euro in the ATM machine the other day and when he copped on about a half an hour later, someone had left a note with a phone no. saying he would meet to return it whenever it would suit. I was a bit nervous about the teaching before I started but It’s absolutely fine! The majority of the kids are very eager to learn and very affectionate. I arrived just in time for ‘Teacher’s Day’ which is a bit like Mother’s Day over here – I got amazing presents! I’m delighted I came over – I’d seriously recommend it to anyone who wants a change. It’s brillant that everything is organised before you leave i.e. Job and accommodation etc. It really takes the nervousness out of the travelling. Also, everyone really looks out for the new people especially the other foreign teachers. I hope to do a bit of travelling while I’m here too – there’s so much to do around Korea and then there are package deals available to go diving in the Phillippines and to Vietnam etc. Thanks again for all your help ! I’ll keep you posted!
Lynda Mc Farland , June 2003
I returned from teaching in Korea in Nov where I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I was teaching in Incheon. Thank you for all your help.
Daire Brennan Aug 2003
Don't try and imagine what your life will be like in Korea, because it will be completely different - no expectations is a lot better than unfulfilled hopes. Disappointment will not enter the equation however. Korea grabs YOU and forces you to overcome jetlag or whatever else and take notice of this neon splattered metropolis Whilst not an attractive landscape, Korean people and their unlimited generosity makes up for the unending uniform buildings. You live for your time off in Korea - the teaching should be manageable to anyone - your social life will take it out of you! approach life in Korea as the amazing opportuinity it is and embrace it without wanting to alter it, it will give you back above and beyond what you put in
Rob Dolan Sept 2003
Just a quick note to let you know that all is going well so far. Have settled in fairly quickly and it seems to be a really nice city. Its weird being basically the only white person in this part of town, well part from another girl who works with me and lives beside me. Its grand tho and the locals don’t stare at you as much as I thought they would.
Colm Smyth April 2003
Got to Seoul safe and sound and I’m now nicely settled in. The school seems great and I’m living about 15 minutes walk away in my own apartment. Another teacher from Ireland lives in another apartment in the same house. There are actually quite a few Irish living in this area.
Leo Norris May 2003
Just a quick email to let you know I'm settling in ok. The school is really small, only one other foreign teacher. the kids are lovely and the school is well organised. I'm living near the subway and the school so it's very handy. It'll take me another few weeks until I'm settled ... I'm finding it very strange as there are no westeners around this area so communication is at a minimum!!
I'm sure I'll have found my feet by the new year.
Talk to you again,
Thanks
Eimear Breheny Dec 2002
Jeju is the largest of many small islands off the coast of the Korean peninsula where traditions and customs have survived much longer than on the mainlands the older generation here are very friendly and welcoming, and seem very pleased when a 'foreigner' can speak any small amount of Korean...
Many Asians visit this Island on honeymoon from China and japan and Korea, renowned for its romantic nature and beautiful scenery.
The younger generation are very lively, and they are always willing to lend a hand and become a friend. Jeju City is the larger of two cities on the island, the nightlife is exciting and the low cost of living, it's easy to enjoy your time here.
There are several beautiful beaches where many of the English teachers can get together and enjoy the glorious sunny weather of spring and summer, and a lot of good social spots to spend the evening.
The traditional foods on the Island are based around fish and other seafood and there are lots of spicy dishes to complement them. There are many Japanese, Chinese and Western style restaurants to please your palate.
In short, this island has managed to keep its beauty spots and cultural traditions(in the face of the expanding westernisation of the mainland ). Many English teachers from the mainland will come to Jeju for a short holiday ... I get to be on this Island for the whole time!!
There is always something to do involving mountain climbing, trekking, camping, bicycle rides and visiting ancient temples and folk villages, so there is never a dull moment
Jeju has cleaner air and water than the mainiands bigger cities, and it is less populated, Making for a relaxed enironment.
Alex McGreevy Aug 2002
Hi to all at ESL Opportunities
Hi Deirdre and Susan, just a quick note to let you know how I’m getting on in Korea, it’s great! I love the school I’m teaching at and the kids are brillant ( well most of them anyway!) The people here in Seoul are very friendly and the food is fantastic, and very very cheap. There are a lot of western teachers here as well which can be useful when finding your feet but you can keep it Korean just as easily. Anyway, thanks again for all your help and keep up the good work!
Ronan Spillane Oct 2002
Hi Susan and Deirdre,
Just a quick message to let you know that everything is going grand here in Asan. The school has been so welcoming, and my apartment is gorgeous.
As the school is only new I haven’t many classes as of yet - only six per week, but I’m here everyday from 1-9pm. I've met some teachers at a couple of other schools - Two guys from England and a girl from Scotland - there was talk about her moving into their flat as it has an extra bedroom, while she currently shares with one of the guys and has the living room as her bedroom. However, her boss is a bit stingy, so I don’t think he’s too keen (why should he put up 2 teachers when only one works for him!?), but we’ll see what happens.
The students are really good, and as the classes are small, the lessons are quite nice more like a teacher-student chat.
The city is a good size - I can walk to work every day, but there's plenty of shops entertainment, plus there!s a bigger city not far up the road.
The Korean English teachers are quite shy about speaking English, but they're slowly coming round. I'm often getting little notes handed to me rather than a direct question, but its sweet. The cook in the school is great - she's an excellent cook so I'm getting a real taste for Korean food, but she's also a total comedian. She can't speak English but you get a little pantomime everytime she says something so you hardly even need words She's great.
Think I've done all the practical things - went to register this morning, have opened a bank account and have gotten my air fare back. Just have to check about the med insurance but as its in the contract I'm sure they have it covered - they're very efficient here. I got a flat filled with all the smallest details, from a hairbrush, to kitchen stuff to batteries for my TV remote! Have been talking to Michelle Kim a couple of time so all in all, everything is grand! Just thought I would let you know!
Hope you're both doing well, best wishes from Julie
Julie Mc Candless Sept 2002
I have been in South Korea for nearly three months now and it has been a great experience.
The school I teach at is small but on the whole a very nice school to -work at. In the morning I teach kindergarten children whilst in the afternoons I teach elementary school children. Some of the Kindergarten children are absolutely adorable!! I just love being around them and helping them practice and improve their English. The elementary school are a bit of a mixture. Some are very nice students, some are very gifted students, with just a minority that are badly behaved and are a real challenge.
Last Sunday (15th December) was the big school event of the year where the kindergarten children put on a performance for all the parents to see. All of the teachers at the school prepared something. I was asked to prepare plays, so for the eldest children I wrote a Harry Potter play. It was a great success. The children did a great job and I was so proud of them. I was told that some of the parents were saying that the plays were better than the ones in previous years so that is something for me to proud of too, although the children were the real stars.
As for the other aspects of my life here, it has been a struggle at times due to the language barrier. I seem to be in a particularly non-English area (I can go weeks at a time without seeing a non-Korean). This has spurred me on to make a huge effort to learn Korean quickly. I'm getting better but I'm extremely shy about attempting Korean conversation with people. I think in another two or three months though I should be doing quite well with the language and my confidence should grow. This should ensure my Korean experience is an even more exciting one, making it easier to get to know new people and travel around.
Overall I have no regrets about coming. I sometimes feel rather lonely but on the whole it has been a great experience and I have met some very kind people.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Adrian Bozon Dec 2002
I think you are right in saying that this is not for everyone! Those who are not prepared to deviate slightly from the western way of life or not prepared to embrace and learn from a new culture - should not venture this way.
I'm getting into the swing of things regarding teaching... the students learn so quickly! After 2 classes I can already hold a type of conversation with children who, only on Monday were unable to say "Hello". I find that greatly satisfying.
I started teaching properly yesterday and it all went well. All of my students are new to ECC so it means starting from scratch, giving them names etc. They are all so well behaved.
The director has been very good to me and all the teachers, foreign and Korean are very helpful and have done their best to help me settle in.
I am sharing an apartment with two Irish girls from Dublin, with whom I am getting along really well.
I am really pleased with the professionalism of the school and Inchon almost feels like home already!
Dave Maloney Jan 2002
Hi, I'm Yvonne and I work as an English teacher in a small town in a beautiful part of Korea. Everyone here is very friendly and helpful. Korean people are very hospitable, like the Irish!
There are two English newspapers printed in Korea which are widely available and in Seoul there are English language channels. English is Korea's second language and people are keen to learn it. Korean food is a little hot but western food is widely available so if you don't like hot food (like me) you won't starve!
You will be able to contact other Irish teachers in Korea and travelling is easy if you want to go sightseeing. Living in Korea is a great cultural experience and the weather is always sunny!
Yvonne Callaghan April 2001
Everything is good here, so here are few lines about my life in Seoul.
I arrived in Seoul on the 25th of July 2001, I didn't really experience a culture shock because there is always somebody willing to help you in the first few weeks when you are trying to adjust to a new place. I had a number of experiences in the first week when a Korean voluntarily helped me out, like for banking, shopping etc.
As for teaching, it is okay, you mostly follow the teachers guide, the children are great especially when they get used to you, now and again you get the odd disruptive student, but they are in the minority. The hours you will work will depend on your school, the earliest I start is 3pm, but if you have to teach pre-school, you may start at 10am.
Outside school, there is so much to do and see, the biggest problem is getting the time to do everything. Sports and fitness are a major thing for Koreans, I play soccer, I go to the gym and I take taekwando classes.
I really enjoy going out in Seoul, there are many places if you want to meet foreigners or Koreans or both. The Irish appear to be increasing their numbers here, every weekend i meet a couple more.
Korean people are very kind, friendly and courteous and will go out of their way to make you welcome in their country.
Gerard McGroaty Oct. 2001
I have just returned from teaching in Korea and I can honestly say I had a brilliant time. Korea is a fantastic place with fantastic people and is a fascinating place to live. There is so much to do and see ,i.e. the palaces, the mountains, the temples that there is always something amazing to see. Korean people are great at socialising so that when your not visiting you can have a great time going to bars and restaurants and joining the locals for some soju. I would seriously recommend any body who is thinking of spending a year in Korea to do just that.
George Thornberry Oct. 2001
"I'm just finished a year contract in Korea, I was situated in Kwangju in the South West of the Country. I knew very little about Korea before going and it was my first trip to Asia, so I was a little nervous as to what to expect! Korea turned out to be really interesting and I made a lot of friends, both Koreans and other Westerners. Korea was so different to anywhere I'd been, the society is quite conservative and likes to hold to it's old traditions, and foreigners are still viewed as something special.
On the social side, I spent some of my free time out in the local expat. bar and going on weekend excursions with fellow teachers to see some of the amazing temples hidden in the mountains, and these temples see few foreigners so you are given special treatment by the monks, it was great! We also visited the beaches off the south coast and went camping a few times. Of course, there's also the cinema and everything you find in any decent sized city.
I got on very well with Korean people and even had a Korean girlfriend! I loved their food , Korea is famous for barbequed beef and in the restaurants you sit on the floor, and it almost seems compulsory to drink the local alcohol - Soju, which is quite strong and lends itself to a great night out!!
I'd recommend Korea to anyone who wants to see something different and at the same time save money, I won't forget Korea easily and I'm sure I'll visit again soon. Oh yeah , and the teaching was fine, its mostly conversational and following the course textbook, it can even be fun!"
Jim Helps Oct. 2000
My name is Rod and I'm currently an English conversationalist/teacher in Seoul, South Korea. My stay in Korea has been marvellous. I'm teaching at an English Institute located in Seoul and I intend to stay here for an indefinite period. My work colleagues are also from other English speaking countries such as Canada, New Zealand ,Scotland and America so even though I'm living in a foreign culture distant from my home I'm feeling right at home working with my new found friends. I pay much of my success here in Seoul to English Business. They are a legitimate and professional agent who will attend to your needs and concerns. They have attended to my needs and concerns promptly and warmly without any reservaton
I would have no hesitation in advising people to teach English in Korea for any period of time. Korea is a lovely country and the people are very polite and hospitable to foreigners. Your stay in Korea will be a memorable one especially with the help of English Business.
Rod from Melbourne, Australia May 2000