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Expat Living
Finding the Balance
Stressors and Countermeasures for the Expat Teacher Written and photographed by Katy Clements
COMMUNITY
T
eaching English in Korea is a popular outlet for adventurous people looking for a new experience. The epic mountain ranges, cuisine, and culture make South Korea one of the most sought-after destinations. Many teachers, though, are swayed by the prospect of earning a good salary, housing, and flight reimbursement. As of 2017, it was reported that more than 12,000 people in Korea held an E2 visa, with the majority being from the United States. Though that number is staggering, many teachers find themselves struggling in their first couple of years. Many leave Asia after their first contract is up, and some even leave mid-contract, forcing their schools to either close the position or find a replacement.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
September 2020
When I first began teaching, I had just turned thirty and had never even been on an airplane, let alone
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abroad. I had assumed that there would be a few stressors like the language barrier and time change, but I was unaware of the many hidden pressures there would be. Looking back on my misadventures working in an academy, I have compiled a list of a few hidden stressors that you could possibly encounter and ways to help you manage.
When I stepped back and examined my actions, I saw that it was because
1. Do Not Panic
In one of the academies I taught at, I was never informed of anything beforehand. Occasionally, new children would appear in my class without warning, or my class would be led by another teacher, throwing my syllabus off schedule. In the beginning, I was annoyed, confused, and overwrought with worry brought on by the suddenness of it all. After a year or so, I learned that this is usually the case in South Korea. I have learned to lighten my schedule and depend on my coworkers to teach more. I have also learned to have hidden pictures, UNO cards, and silly songs prepared in advance. Learning to roll with the punches took a lot of pressure off my shoulders, and made me a more fun and lighthearted teacher.
2. Trust Yourself and Be Consistent
It can be tempting to break habits you develop in class, but do not do it. If you usually start your class by reading aloud, then you should always do so. Children rely on consistency, and if they do not have structure, they become unmanageable. In my first years as a teacher, I had numerous students with behavior problems. The stress caused by this became so overwhelming that I wanted to quit.
I was not consistent with rules, routine, and rewards. I began to be more consistent and the children began to know what would happen if they acted a certain way. It was a lifesaver!
3. Do Not Live to Work
I think a lot of people who come to South Korea to jazz up their resume or to only save money lose
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