Mistrust and Disrespect

1. At times, the employer and the employee will experience times of cultural mistrust and disrespect.
This is a common occurrence when any two cultures interact especially on a business level.  Lack of understanding of one another’s culture’s and frames of reference creates confusion automatically.  This mixed with one of the parties communicating in another language leads to misunderstandings.  Also, the Korean method of saving face and telling little lies to cover blunders seems to greatly add to foreigners mistrust.  After these things happen, it is natural to sense a little distrust in one another.

Response: Try your best to be respectful at all times, yet stand your ground.  It is unacceptable for Koreans to show anger to their employers or cry in the workplace, as these are signs of weakness.  Try your best to keep your composure when you are frustrated or upset.
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2. Saving Face
Saving face in Korea is usually more important than conveying honesty.  To Koreans blunders and mistakes are considered a sign of weakness and should be covered in order to protect the reputation of both parties. To the Westerner this can often be viewed as lying, creating mistrust within the relationship.  We must understand Korean tradition and the Confucian mindset when dealing with such circumstances.  Your appearance and posture are most important when dealing with problems in Korea, so saving face comes first. This is the candy coated version of the real issue.  It’s not unusual to then later find out the true problem however, the initial dealing will always be the same; save face, remain in good posture.  “Saying it how it is” is viewed as disrespectful and should always be coated in thoughts of one another.  It is not lying to them, it is being respectful. This is incredibly hard for the westerner to understand yet we are not going to change it.

Response:  Remaining calm and trying to understand is the best way to deal with these circumstances.  Often challenging the “saving face” will just result in more blatant saving face and excuses.  It is better to allow someone to save face, but politely express your disappointment in the result and encourage them to avoid similar circumstances in the future.  Saving face is a bi-product of the Confucian culture.  It is something that in the end, foreigners must learn to accept to a certain extent.
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3. Why do many Korean employers put little faith in their foreign English teachers?
The history between Korean employers and foreign English teachers is tattered by unfortunate, and often, avoidable circumstances.  Both the employers and the teachers are quick to blame the other for all of the problems.  From an unbiased standpoint, it would seem that both sides have a large part in the strained relationship.  Thoughtless recruiters who place their teachers in inappropriate or uncomfortable situations can also be to blame.
A little drip makes a big ripple.  This has been the case with foreign teachers, and the American Army in South Korea.  Negative news about foreigners travels quickly in a homogenous society.      Although most teachers and soldiers are respectful and dedicated employees, others have exercised some despicable behavior that has left a very lasting and negative impression on the Korean public.  The details of events that have happened aren’t necessary to go into, it is just important to recognize that some terrible things have been done that have made some Koreans skeptical of the foreigners living in their country and teaching their children. 
Although the Confucian ideals are not practiced stringently by all Koreans, the ideals and etiquette are widely upheld throughout society.  Some foreigners have little regard for these ideals and other important aspects of Korean culture.  At times foreigners have directly opposed these ideals in disrespectful and apparent manner.  It is not difficult to imagine how this sort of behavior would be insulting or offensive to any host country.
A small number of foreigners believe that they are untouchable by Korean laws, so they do things they would never do in their own country.  They portray an attitude of superiority and insolence.  Some foreigners treat their employer and fellow employees with little or no respect.  They demonstrate a poor work ethic and treat their jobs frivolously.  They come across as demanding and money hungry, yet lazy.  It is hard to imagine that they would act in the same manner in their own countries. 
In many cases, every rotten encounter that a foreigner recounts about his or her Korean employer, the Korean employer probably has an equal about the foreigner.  
There are some drastic mistakes that have made a lasting impression on many Korean employers leaving them weary of trusting another foreign employee.   Many teachers have run out of jobs without leaving any notice, costing Employers thousands of dollars, time, and students.  Although some jobs are unsuitable and employees should not remain in the situation, the employee should always do their best to give their employer notice.  

Response: Respect, cultural sensitivity, and consideration are really the only response to these things.  Teachers only have control over their own actions, they cannot change their employer’s behavior.
When you are living and working in Korea, just remember that you represent a lot more than one individual.  You represent your country and western people in general.  Conduct yourself in a manner that you would want a foreigner to exercise in your own country. 
At some stage you will most likely offend your employer or another Korean person.  This is inevitable.  These are not the things that have made the relationship between the two parties so turbulent.  These things can be easily excused and recognized as cultural misunderstandings.   
 It is also impossible to live in a foreign culture and not bring your own culture along side you.  It is only natural to think that the way your own culture does things is better than the way things are done somewhere else.   
Treat your job and your employer like you would in your own country.  If you are unsatisfied with your working conditions or feel you are being treated unfairly, address these things in a diplomatic manner.  If you are not getting results, please contact us and we will do our best to assist you or refer you to a legal team.  Do not just flee your contract.  Giving adequate notice will make things easier for both yourself and your employer (and your recruiter).
Although you may not agree with the Confucian ideas or certain aspects of Korean culture, you must remember that you are living in their country and within their culture.  You are not required to live in Korea, it is your choice.
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4. Most Asian employers negotiate hard.
A Korean once told me, that Koreans see a price tag, but they never believe that the price tag shows an item’s actual price, they can always get it cheaper.  If employers think they can get a better deal, they will most likely try for it.  

Response:  Remember that as foreign teachers, you are a pivotal part of your school.  You have some negotiating power.  Be sure you are negotiating in a respectful yet up-front manner.  Keep in mind, that although employers negotiate hard, they do not necessarily take negotiations personally and it usually their intention to question or disrespect you.  Before you decide to negotiate about something, it is always good to run your expectations by some foreigners who have a significant amount of experience.  Foreign Teachers who have been in Korea for a while should be able to help you discern whether your situation is something that should be confronted or simply let go.  You are always free to run these types of questions by us.
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5. Expect things to be a little disorganized at your school
Things aren’t always organized or clearly laid out for you as an employee.  This is usually a very common complaint amongst the majority of ESL teachers in Korea.  Of course, there are a few schools that have their process figured out, but the vast majority of schools are still figuring out their system (which will most likely never reach completion).  The majority of school directors or coordinators are extremely busy.  They have many things to manage and take care of.  Naturally some disorganization is the result.  As an employee, this can easily result in frustration. 

Response:  Do your best to go with the flow although it might not be the natural thing to do.  Remember that you are the employee not the boss.   Always give your positive suggestions and do your best to pitch in whenever possible.  Be a team player, but remember that it isn’t your job to take charge of the school.  This is often the most difficult for new teachers to Korea.  Things seem even more disorganized than they are.  Try your best to sit back and observe how things are done first before fixing your opinion.  Most directors have been running schools for several years and have a lot of experience.  You can’t expect to come into a school have the answers to something that has been in process for years.
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6. Employers often seem to keep their foreign teachers on a “need to know basis.”
Information typically isn’t shared in a clear and concise manner the way it is in North America and Europe.   Also, schedules seem more flexible and dates seem to be set for events later than in Western countries.
EXAMPLE: You may find that parents of your students will be observing your class for a few minutes, but you only learn this information shortly before you enter the classroom.
EXAMPLE: Vacation time is not decided at the beginning of the year.  Instead dates are often adjusted according to the needs of the school. 

Response: Ask a lot of questions.  Try to clear up calendar details and expectations by setting up a meeting with your employer.  Check a Korean calendar often to ensure that you know about the Korean Holidays (these days are red days on the Calender). 
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7. It often seems that employers are too concerned about the keeping the parents of their students happy. 
Because most English Schools are private enterprises, they need to keep their customers happy in order to make a profit.  The school’s customer is usually considered the Korean mother.  These Korean mothers have very high expectations for their children’s education.  There are thousands of institutes competing for their child’s enrollment. To keep students from leaving their school most employers will bend over back wards to keep the parents of their satisfied.     
 
Response: Always treat the parents of your students with respect.  Remember that you are part of a business (unless you work in the public school system).  As an employee you should be proud of your product and happy to sell it.  If you are doing your best, you should be happy to represent your place of employment.   Do your best to cooperate with your employer to help them keep their business running smoothly.   Be sure that you understand the situation before you voice a negative opinion.  Remember that things are much different in Korea.  Most of these employers have been running schools for several years and understand the business and the Korean mindset than you do as a foreign teacher.
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8. Professional "Titles," positions of authority, wealth and age, seem to have a greater impact in South Korea than what westerners are familiar with.
The influence of a history filled with dynasties and Confucianism is still evident in Korea (Most other Asian Countries as well).  “Chusock” and Lunar New Year, two of the most important Korean holidays, are devoted to showing respect and love for their elders.  People travel to their home towns to pay homage to their ancestors.  The younger generations literally bow before the older as a sign of respect and gratitude.  In an everyday greeting a small head bow is usually performed by the younger of the parties.  In Korean culture if a person is older or has a “higher title” (ie. a boss) they are deserving of respect.  Conversely, in Western culture, it seems respect is usually earned instead of granted on the basis of age or position.  It is easy to imagine the problems that these differing perspectives create.
Although many Koreans are learning new ways of management, this emphasis on position creates a bit more of a top down leadership style.  Bosses and managers have a sense of authority over their employees derived from their title.  With nearly 50 million people in the country, the job market is extremely competitive.   Korean employees work very long hours and will go to great extents to win favor from their boss.  Overall, they treat their bosses with very high respect,

In North America and Europe, it often seems the opposite.  Workers rights are extremely strong!  Bosses in North America are usually the ones trying to keep their good employees happy and motivated.  They offer compliments, incentives, and bonuses.  Western employees often feel underappreciated in South Korea because these things are uncommon and they are often compared to their Korean co-workers.
This makes it obvious why Korean employers will get frustrated with their foreign employees and from time to time.  They are seldom met with resistance by their Korean employees, but foreigners are often very eager to voice their opposition.  
It is also easy to understand why westerners are frustrated by this type of environment.  Respect is regarded differently in western society.  It is something that must be earned, instead of simply allotted by a person’s professional title, wealth, or age. The hierarchal concept is contrary to what most westerners are taught.

Response: It is important to search for the balance between the two cultures when working together.  Both sides must adjust their stance.   As in most difficult situations in life, you only have control over your own behavior. 
It is important to establish appropriate boundaries.  You don’t want to get pushed around and taken advantage of, but you also don’t want to be an unwilling and spoiled employee.  It’s a precarious balance. 
Again, remember to be respectful and reasonable in your response to these situations.  If your employer or manager is asking you to do something that you weren’t expecting to do (especially on short notice), or gives you a task that is simply unmanageable, it will be helpful if you come up with an excuse instead of simply refusing to do something.
For example: If you are leaving work on Thursday evening and your Boss tells you that you will need to come to work on Saturday for a demonstration class. 
An appropriate response would be:
 “Oh, no!  I can’t do that because I’m going to Seoul to meet some friends on Saturday.  We’ve had it planned for a long time, and they are only here for a short time.  But I might be able to do that for you if you give me more time to arrange my schedule in the future.”
If a request/comment etc. makes you feel uncomfortable or taken advantage of, you must approach your employer and discuss the reasons you feel the way that you do. 
Also remember that in your employer’s eyes, they are paying you a very high salary for your qualifications (compared to the Korean employees around you).  Remember that doing a few extra things will really help you and your school out.  Sometimes foreigners seem completely unwilling to do anything beyond the exact stated contract.  It is difficult to imagine that things would be the same in their own countries.  Remember to be respectful, although you might have to lay a hard line sometimes… it really can be done.  It doesn’t mean you always have to be “nice.”
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9. It seems like school owners are too concerned about making money.
Most Hagwons (after school programs) and Kindergartens are private enterprises started in hopes of earning a profit.  Therefore, for most owners, money is a constant concern.  That being said, the most successful kindergartens and Hagwons are typically the ones that have decent curriculum and educational philosophy.   Hagwons and Kindergartens are not a part of the government sponsored education system.  The parents of students pay tuition for their children to study at Kindergartens and Hagwons.  Public school and University jobs are actually part of government sponsored education.   In order to keep their Hagwon running, it is important that they maintain the business aspects as well as the educational aspects.  This is a very hard thing to balance.  It mixes profit and education, which is much different than most educational facilities in the west.  They have less financial pressure and competition working against them.

Response: It is important to remember that the school needs to be successful as a business in order to continue operating.  As an employee, it is your responsibility fill your position and  The Hagwon industry is very competitive!  Overall, if you are doing a good job teaching and putting effort into your classes, you are giving your students great a great advantage and doing the school a favor on the business front as well.
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10. It seems like Korean students are pushed too hard to study and succeed.
Obviously there is no simple answer to this question but it is important to understand why Korean parents push their students to study so hard.  As mentioned before, the Korean job market is extremely competitive.  Many college graduates have a very difficult time finding decent jobs.  For this reason, parents are always looking for a way to give their children a competitive advantage.  For most Koreans the competitive advantage is more education.  From a very young age students attend schools and afterschool programs.   The students study various subjects like math, science, reading, dance, Taekwondo, science, ping-pong, soccer, and of course, English.  After the afterschool programs, most students will also do a substantial amount of homework.

Response: Remember that you aren’t going to change Korean society or their approach to education.  Instead, try to give your students the best attention you can manage.  If you think that your students are showing signs of exhaustion or just cannot concentrate, adjust your teaching method to include more games and enjoyable things to keep them interested and the class moving at a fast pace.   Overall tr to exercise patience when they are having trouble focusing or not performing well.
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11. Things to expect upon arrival:
Things don’t always go completely as planned.  There will be times when you will need to be flexible especially when you first arrive.  Small problems can seem immense after long trip.  Teacher’s apartments are not always ready for them on the date of arrival (it is not unusual to spend your first couple days or a week in a hotel).  Practical and unavoidable circumstances are often the cause these situations yet they are difficult to predict and the explanation often comes after the experience.  These experiences can be even more overwhelming if you are just arriving in the country.

Response: Take a deep breath.  Remember that you just made a very long trip and probably said “good bye” to some people who are very important to you.  There is a reason that you are feeling more upset than usual.  You have left a familiar circumstance for a foreign one.  Culture shock is a very real thing.  If you feel dizzy or easily confused, don’t worry.  Remind yourself that the small problem that seems immense in the moment will most likely become miniscule after a couple of days.  After a short time, things will calm down.
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12. Expect to Work
When thinking about teaching English overseas, some people have a tendency to focus on the traveling aspect and overlook the “teaching” or “working” aspect.  It sounds funny to reinforce this point, but your Korean employer will expect you to apply yourself to your job.  Expect to treat your place of employment like a job at home.   At times, teaching can be exhausting work that requires diligence and patience.  It is also very rewarding. 

Response: Just knowing that you are going to have to work, should help a lot.  Remember that you are being paid very well for your services (much more than most of your Korean co-workers who usually work much longer hours).  You can be a major asset, or a major impediment to your employer.  Pride yourself in your work, and remember that teaching is an important responsibility.  You are influencing young minds!
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13. Attitude is Everything
This sounds very cliché, we know, but It really is true!  If you keep a positive and flexible attitude your experience is going to be much more enjoyable and you people are going to enjoy being around you.  If you allow yourself to be negative and critical you can make yourself and those around you miserable.

Response: Remain flexible!  Don’t fall into the trap of complaining about things or letting others set your mental tone.  Exercising and doing things to stimulate and rejuvenate your mind and body really help your overall perspective.