Finding the Balance

Stressors and Countermeasures for the Expat Teacher

Written and photographed by Katy Clements.

Teaching English in Korea is a popular outlet for adventurous people looking for a new experience. The epic mountain ranges, cuisine, and culture make South Korea one of the most sought-after destinations. Many teachers, though, are swayed by the prospect of earning a good salary, housing, and flight reimbursement. As of 2017, it was reported that more than 12,000 people in Korea held an E2 visa, with the majority being from the United States. Though that number is staggering, many teachers find themselves struggling in their first couple of years. Many leave Asia after their first contract is up, and some even leave mid-contract, forcing their schools to either close the position or find a replacement.

When I first began teaching, I had just turned thirty and had never even been on an airplane, let alone abroad. I had assumed that there would be a few stressors like the language barrier and time change, but I was unaware of the many hidden pressures there would be. Looking back on my misadventures working in an academy, I have compiled a list of a few hidden stressors that you could possibly encounter and ways to help you manage.

1. Do Not Panic

In one of the academies I taught at, I was never informed of anything beforehand. Occasionally, new children would appear in my class without warning, or my class would be led by another teacher, throwing my syllabus off schedule. In the beginning, I was annoyed, confused, and overwrought with worry brought on by the suddenness of it all. After a year or so, I learned that this is usually the case in South Korea. I have learned to lighten 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. When I stepped back and examined my actions, I saw that it was because 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 first few years I did not experience much. My academy had me working nonstop, which I allowed, and I found myself becoming depressed. That 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 often that teaching in South Korea is not legit, but I disagree. Though I realize that some schools are not ideal and their managers callous, most academies and public school principals are not looking for a flakey fly-by-night teacher. There are genuine institutions looking for someone to help their business grow. If you belittle your position, it does not help your confidence or self-esteem. 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 first began working, I was paranoid. I felt that I was an awful teacher and that was why I was not getting praise. This 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

This 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.

These 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 fight 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  years