A Change in the Winds, Says I - Part 2
Okay, so I wasn't planning on taking a whole week to finish this already predictable 2-part entry. I've just been very busy with my new job. Yes, you are correct, I found a new job and will not be coming home. For all those saddened by this news, I appreciate your disappointment. And to all those who are not...
Professor. Or, "kyosu" in Korean. That is what I am now. I've graduated from my language institute teaching middle school kids and am now at a university teaching college students! How did this happen?! Well, let's rewind back to July of last year.
Back then, I had in mind to become a public high school teacher here. I wanted to get a taste of how bad public education in Korea was, as well as see what it would have been like growing up here. So, I thought I could drop into Korea in August, just in time to start teaching for the second semester. Of course, things didn't quite work out that way. I didn't find a job until 2 months later, and it was at a language institute teaching adults. It was only part-time so I continued my job-hunting, but giving up on the public school idea for the time being. After moving on to another institute teaching middle school kids, the new school year was quickly approaching. So I tirelessly applied to dozens of high school positions. Didn't get a single interview. Fortunately, I also applied to universities in the one-in-a-million-chance that I'd be a lucky bastard. I found that, indeed, I am.
In fact, I was offered positions at two universities. I was surprised at the first offer, but was floored by the second one, which was from a well-known school. I've been told by veteran teachers here that one must have an MA, have taught for at least 2 years, and would preferably be a white female. I fit none of these, so why they hired me I have no idea. I'm just glad they did.
Despite the obstacles of only having a bachelor's degree (in engineering, no less), only a few months of experience, and being a Korean male, I somehow got this dream job. I'm teaching college students at the most prestigious art school in the country, creating syllabi, designing lesson plans, and I have complete freedom in the classroom. The work isn't hard, though. I only teach 12 hours per week. And I get 5 months of paid vacation.
"Um, what was that?"
That's right, 5 months: summer and winter vacation. I'm finally feeling more like a teacher MUAHAHAHA! It's time for fun! For adventure! Time to travel the world! Japan, China, Thailand, Australia, England, Europe! Heh, probably not. More like: time to stay home and veg on the computer all day. Regardless, now I'll be able to come home for a visit this summer!
Hmm..I might have to stay at this job for longer than a year...
[curse]"May 30 elementary school kids descend upon you and unleash rapid-fire Korean intertwined with unintelligible English in your right ear for a thousand days."[/curse]
Professor. Or, "kyosu" in Korean. That is what I am now. I've graduated from my language institute teaching middle school kids and am now at a university teaching college students! How did this happen?! Well, let's rewind back to July of last year.
Back then, I had in mind to become a public high school teacher here. I wanted to get a taste of how bad public education in Korea was, as well as see what it would have been like growing up here. So, I thought I could drop into Korea in August, just in time to start teaching for the second semester. Of course, things didn't quite work out that way. I didn't find a job until 2 months later, and it was at a language institute teaching adults. It was only part-time so I continued my job-hunting, but giving up on the public school idea for the time being. After moving on to another institute teaching middle school kids, the new school year was quickly approaching. So I tirelessly applied to dozens of high school positions. Didn't get a single interview. Fortunately, I also applied to universities in the one-in-a-million-chance that I'd be a lucky bastard. I found that, indeed, I am.
In fact, I was offered positions at two universities. I was surprised at the first offer, but was floored by the second one, which was from a well-known school. I've been told by veteran teachers here that one must have an MA, have taught for at least 2 years, and would preferably be a white female. I fit none of these, so why they hired me I have no idea. I'm just glad they did.
Despite the obstacles of only having a bachelor's degree (in engineering, no less), only a few months of experience, and being a Korean male, I somehow got this dream job. I'm teaching college students at the most prestigious art school in the country, creating syllabi, designing lesson plans, and I have complete freedom in the classroom. The work isn't hard, though. I only teach 12 hours per week. And I get 5 months of paid vacation.
"Um, what was that?"
That's right, 5 months: summer and winter vacation. I'm finally feeling more like a teacher MUAHAHAHA! It's time for fun! For adventure! Time to travel the world! Japan, China, Thailand, Australia, England, Europe! Heh, probably not. More like: time to stay home and veg on the computer all day. Regardless, now I'll be able to come home for a visit this summer!
Hmm..I might have to stay at this job for longer than a year...
1 Comments:
I would agree that you indeed have the dream job, except for the fact that it's in Korea. Hurry up and e-mail me your salary breakdown already so I can gnaw on my liver in jealousy.
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