Customer Reviews

Korea Calling: The Essential Handbook for Teaching English and Living in South Korea

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is a punchy, well-written overview of teaching English in Korea. I bought it while I was in Korea, and it would have been even more helpful if I had read it before going there.

It contains a very practical introduction to Korean culture and the EFL teaching environment. Some of the information is somewhat dated, though apparently one reviewer did not realize this, believing that the exchange rate calculations were reversed. In fact, that information regarding exchange rates and pay scales was most likely accurate at the time the book was written. In any event, I think the section on teaching activities alone makes the book a great value. Overall, I say it is an essential addition to a Korea-bound EFL teacher's toolbox.

I also agree with the assessment of Bob "the Man" that some peoples' misadventures regarding not getting paid, etc., are the exception rather than the norm.

I thought Korea was great, and enjoyed my year there. I was surprised to see the review, and then checked out other Korea books and the same person said the same things about Korea. Sure, bad things happened to people I know, but they were the exception. I doubt M Jo read the book.

I recommend this book on occasion when I talk to anyone who is thinking about travelling overseas to teach English as a Second Language. Particularly if they are thinking about visiting Korea to do this kind of work. That is exactly what this book is designed for. Korea Calling is a great guide for the English Teacher wanting to work in Korea, although it was written some years ago, it still contains all the information germaine to anyone considering such an endeavor. The previous reviewer who read an EXCERPT online, and faults a ten year old book for inaccuracy(?!?) in exchange rates may be missing the point. This book is not a travel guide, and it is not about currency exchange. Some people will use what little imagination they have to complain about others. I recommend this book specifically for the purpose it was intended for.

This book does everything it says it will, it gives a basic and helpful introduction to the field. Knowing nothing about teaching English abroad, I read the other reviews and decided to purchase this book-- it's an indispensible guide. It didnt cover every imaginable area, but it doesnt have to. It lists some valuable resources as well-- though I think some might be a little outdated? An updated version might be nice.

Going to Korea to teach was a big decision for me, if not a bit scary, and coming across this book made a difficult transition much easier. From tips on where to begin the job search, to helpful classroom hints, to the ins and out of everyday living in Korea, "Korea Calling" became an invaluable tool for me during my year of teaching there. Teaching Engish Korea is a great adventure, grab a copy of this book and DO IT!

This book gives you tips on the exciting, but not hastily endeavored world of teaching in Korea. I had wonderful experiences in Korea and married a kind, gentle, Korean man.

I agree with others who have noted that if you check this mo jo's other reviews you will find repeated bashing of other cultures, particularly Asian cultures in numerous book "reviews" and the bashing of other reviewers who do not share his/her particular hangups.

as the "universal" language, with immense benefits to its native speakers. Few countries on earth are as focused on having their citizens learn the language of the world as Korea. Currently the Korean government is undertaking a massive recruitment guide for teachers, so that the Korean families are not split up, as many mothers are now taking their children to a native English speaking country to learn the language. This is an essential guide for anyone considering the wonderful opportunity of a foreign experience while performing a useful social function.

The guide was written 13 years ago, so certain information is certainly out of date. Regrettably, Woodpecker Press does not appear to have a website, which could provide updates to these portions. Fortunately the Internet is much more prevalent than in 1996, so the reader would need to go to the relevant sites to obtain current information on visas, exchange rates, accommodations, and prices. These portions are only 10 % of the book.

The core of the book - the actual methods for teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) remains valid today. There is an "overview", the basics, which is written specifically for Korea, and does emphasize, for example, the greater importance of appearances in that culture. (Read: No nose rings!) Then there are separate chapters on teaching children and adults. One of the real strengths of each chapter is specific curriculum ideas for each category, for example, making a magazine, and keeping a diary for the kids, and cooking and the cultural differences of "ugly American" / "ugly Korean" for adults. There is also another portion on teacher essentials, which is a suggested list of items to bring with you.

There is also a chapter on Korean culture, and the actual aspects of living in the country, injudiciously entitled "Surviving Korea" as though it were Antarctica. Title aside, the information is most useful. In addition, there is a pertinent section is the 10 best things about Korea, and the 10 worse, which gives tangible examples of the actual differences between the cultures.

Finally, although the books suggests going there on a tourist visa, and checking out the particular circumstances of employment first, our daughter did go through an agency, and with the changes in 13 years, and increased emphasis on improved English language training, hopefully she will not be disappointed in Kwang-ju

The book is a terrific guide for teachers traveling to Korea. I was employed through a recruiting agency so a small portion of the book was irrelevant. The only other complaint is the recommended books are hard to get a hold of. I have yet to find one that is still in-print. For a recent graduate with no teaching experience, and no teaching certificate, this book gave me some confidence and prepared me.

Teaching in Korea was one of the best experiences in my life. I learned a lot about myself and about another culture. I met my wife there, too! And I became a very good teacher (even earning a Teacher of the Month award at my school). The kids were hysterical.
Don't be put off by the negative crowd. You can have a great time in Korea. You just need to find a good school and the right crowd. Regular visits to the Seoul Pub helped a lot too!
This book has a lot of good ideas how to adapt and how to make the most of your time in Korea. The Koreans are great- they love to drink and have a good time! Be warned- they can probably drink you under table!

Not only is this book well laid-out and informative, but it is also inspiring and motivating. The content is extremely pragmatic, ranging from explaining the subtleties of Korean culture to thorough and engaging lesson plans. It is written from experience and makes the daunting task of moving abroad to teach English less mysterious and less frightening.

The best reccomendation I can give this book is that I lent my copy to a friend who was leaving for Seoul to teach for six months and he not only has not returned it, he bought another copy for a friend!