CORNER BROOK — Amy Alcock says teaching in South Korea was an excellent experience.
“It was definitely like the best year of my life,” she said. “I would have stayed for much longer, and depending on how things go here, I guess I would go again.”
Many university graduates from Newfoundland and Labrador venture to foreign countries to teach English. Most schools require a university degree and accommodations are often paid for.
Alcock graduated from St. Mary’s University in Halifax, N.S. with a arts degree in sociology. She ventured to South Korea in November 2009 and returned home to Corner Brook a year and a day later. She was teaching English, art, math and science at Language Clubs International Academy, formally known as Brown English in the city of Dongtan.
Alcock’s students consisted of six, seven and nine-year-olds, which she says were difficult to teach — especially the younger students as it was their first time learning English.
“I went over there for the experience, but also travelling,” said the 27-year-old. “It was a great experience to try something — like a different profession — because I’m not trained as a teacher, but it was really cool getting to work with the kids.”
The English teachers in South Korea are often paid on average 1.8-2.4 million won (whan) monthly, and the accommodations are usually paid in full. One Korean won is equal to less than one-tenth of a Canadian penny.
Alcock says people teaching in South Korea can, theoretically, save quite a bit of money. She received a pension and a severance package at the end of her term. She also said graduates who go to teach there often pay off student loans.
Alcock says the conflict between North Korea and South Korea is an ongoing threat, but not something Koreans let consume their thoughts.
“It’s the same thing as living next to a volcano,” she said. “They know it’s there and they’re aware, but they still live their daily lives.”
Alcock says people heading off to work as an English teacher in South Korea should know what they are getting into and to make sure to research the schools.
“After being there a year, you know what to look for, but when you’re first going over you have no idea,” she said. “If you know anybody over there, while you’re trying to go over, make sure to ask some questions ... it can be really scary, and it can be overwhelming if you’re going to go and be the only teacher there.”
Alcock also has friends from Corner Brook that visited the country a year before she did.
Brain Manning traveled to Iwaki, Japan in March of 2000 to teach English.
Originally from Corner Brook, Manning graduated from Memorial University in 1996 with a bachelor of arts degree.
Manning, 40, says it was a life-changing experience and he can now communicate in Japanese.
“It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I met my wife over here, I’ve made lots of friends over here — people I would have never have met,” Manning said in a telephone interview.
Manning’s students consist of children, senior citizens, high school teachers, engineers and others who want learn conversational English.
“It’s fantastic, it’s a really interesting job,” he said. “I get to meet lots of different kinds of people.”
He said most people usually stay for a year but he stayed for 11 because he loves it there and especially because that is where his wife, Akiko, is from. The two were married in September 2007 in Corner Brook, then again in May in Japan with a traditional Japanese wedding.
Manning also said Japan is a great destination to travel from, as he has been to Thailand, Tiawan and even New York, along with other places.
