Finding the Balance

Stressors and Countermeasures for the Expat Teacher

Written and photographed by Katy Clements

Teaching English in Korea abroad. I had assumed that there When I stepped back and examined is a popular outlet for would be a few stressors like the my actions, I saw that it was because adventurous people looking language barrier and time change, for a new experience. The epic but I was unaware of the many hidden mountain ranges, cuisine, and pressures there would be. Looking culture make South Korea one of back on my misadventures working the most sought-after destinations. in an academy, I have compiled a list Many teachers, though, are swayed of a few hidden stressors that you by the prospect of earning a could possibly encounter and ways to good salary, housing, and flight help you manage. reimbursement. As of 2017, it was reported that more than 12,000 1. Do Not Panic people in Korea held an E2 visa, In one of the academies I taught at, with the majority being from the I was never informed of anything United States. Though that number beforehand. Occasionally, new is staggering, many teachers find children would appear in my class themselves struggling in their first without warning, or my class couple of years. Many leave Asia would be led by another teacher, after their first contract is up, and throwing my syllabus off schedule. some even leave mid-contract, In the beginning, I was annoyed, forcing their schools to either close confused, and overwrought with the position or find a replacement. worry brought on by the suddenness of it all. After a year or so, I learned When I first began teaching, I had that this is usually the case in South just turned thirty and had never Korea. I have learned to lighten even been on an airplane, let alone 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

perspective. I was so laser-focused on my endgame that for the fi rst few years, I did not experience much. My academy had me working nonstop, which I allowed, and I found myself becoming depressed. Th at changed when I made up my mind and decided to make a life for myself, whether permanent or temporary, here. I started to decorate my home, I dated, and I tried new things. I found that my spirits began to rise, and I wanted to stay in the city I loved with the friends I had made. I married my husband and we settled down. Living here permanently may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but live for more than just your endgame.

4. You Are Important

I hear oft en that teaching in South Korea is not legit, but I disagree. Th ough I realize that some schools are not ideal and their managers callous, most academies and public school principals are not looking for a fl akey fl y-by-night teacher. Th ere are genuine institutions looking for someone to help their business grow. If you belittle your position, it does not help your confi dence or selfesteem. Instead, try and realize how

important you are. Even if you are in a less than ideal job at the moment, do your best and work your way to a better school. Have faith in your abilities, take your job seriously, and do your part. It will work wonders for your well-being.

5. No Feedback Is Not Bad

When I fi rst began working, I was paranoid. I felt that I was an awful teacher and that was why I was not getting praise. Th is began to irritate me. I became jumpy and a perfectionist. In the West, we generally rely on positive feedback to assure us that we are heading in the right direction. I have learned throughout my career that that is not how it works here. Directors and principals believe that a good employee can be trusted and, apart from training occasionally, can be left to their own devices. You do not need to worry about having someone look over your shoulder. I have learned to relax and enjoy the peace!

6. Relieve Your Everyday Stress

Th is goes without saying, but you need to be proactive in relieving your everyday stress. Whether it is maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, taking medicine or vitamins, socializing, or journaling, you need to be practicing self-care. Part of being a good teacher is being good to yourself. If we let our bodies fall apart, then our minds will not be too far behind.

Th ese are just a few tips I have picked up during my tenure. I enjoy my job and life tremendously, but it was not until I adopted these outlooks that I began to fi ght my anxieties. Stress is real and burdensome. I hope these mantras help you as they have helped me.

The author

Katy Clements is a criminology major from Memphis, Tennessee. She lives in Mokpo with her husband and has worked in South Korea for years.

“Th e Mushroom Restaurant”

Written and photographed by Pia Jensen

Aft er living in Gwangju for almost three years, I know how rarely you come across a restaurant that has been around for more than 20 years, in the same location, and with the same owners. But I know of such a wonderful place.

About one year ago, a dear Korean friend of mine introduced me to what has since become one of my absolute favorite restaurants. Tucked away on the far side of Mudeung Mountain this place is the perfect spot for a good lunch or an evening or weekend drive. Being nonKorean, we didn’t know the right name of the restaurant, so in our world, we simply call it “the Mushroom Restaurant.” However, the correct name is actually Noeulnodeul (노을노들, short for 노을짙은노들강변, sunset cast on the riverside).

Th e restaurant has a really pretty, old-fashioned look and interior, with comfy seating and both smaller and larger rooms, depending on your mood. Th e focal point in the main room is the wood burner, which is used for heating in the wintertime and, of course, the small pond with bridge included. One of the things that makes us come back time aft er time is the tranquility and atmosphere, with soft music playing and the interesting interior. Of course, we would not return if the food were not good as well, but we really like its mix of European and Korean cuisine.

All meals start with a bowl of delicious bean soup, followed by a small salad. Our children oft en choose to eat one of the Italian-inspired dishes, like the Cheese Oven Spaghetti or the Carbonara. Th e menu, which conveniently is in English as well as Korean, off ers a selection of rice dishes, including vegetarian versions like Kimchi Fried Rice or Rice with Mushrooms. You’ll also fi nd rice mixed with seafood, like Spicy Octopus and Shrimp Fried Rice. Th e price range is around 13,000 won. You can enjoy tenderloin, pepper steak, or beef rib steak, where the price range is higher, starting at 28,000 won.

We have tried a lot of the other dishes from the menu, but our favorite is probably the set menu for two that off ers a selection of fi sh cutlet, lobster, beef steak, and beef cutlet

▲ Set menu: Four Seasons for two.

▲ Eel set menu.

▲ Milano Pork Cutlet.

▲ Cheese Oven Spaghetti.

served with salad and rice. Th e price for this set menu is 58,000 won, but worth every won. In COVID-19 times, where we could all use some TLC (tender loving care), you might choose the Special Course for Lover’s; I’m sure it’s delicious. Th e meal is fi nished off with a choice of coff ee or a scoop of ice cream as “service.”

Th e lovely couple that has been running the restaurant for more than 20 years makes you feel so welcome and special. On weekends, you might be lucky to be served by their son, who helps out on occasion. He is fl uent in English, or should I say “American,” as he has an obvious accent aft er studying in the States. No matter who serves you, English is fi ne for placing your orders.

Th e location in Damyang County, just east of Gwangju, off ers a nice scenic drive at the base of Mudeung Mountain or along the river and Gwangju Lake when coming from the Damyang side. It is quite easy to access by car, but bus lines 187 and 225 stop nearby as well. Th e restaurant’s location in the beautiful countryside makes it a perfect place to start or fi nish a hike.

I highly recommend this place for the food, the people, the peace, and the location. Go try it out.

▲ Crayfi sh Cutlet.

Noeulnodeul (Noeul-jiteun-nodeul-gangbyeon)

노을노들 (노을짙은노들강변)

Address: 1144 Gasa-munhak-ro, Nam-myeon, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do 전라남도 담양군 남면 가사문학로 1144 Operating Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 a.m., daily. Phone: 061-383-1145 Website: https://noeulnodeul.business.site/

The Author

Pia Jensen is from Denmark and has lived in Gwangju since December 2017. She enjoys taking trips around Gwangju and Korea. Two of Pia’s children attend Kwangju Foreign School, so she spends some of her time helping out with KFS activities also.