Russell Recruiting - Letters from English Teachers in Asia

Here are various letters from around the globe that generally endorse ESL teaching as a way to experience living abroad, learn about different cultures and broaden your horizons. Not all accounts are through rose-coloured glasses, we try and post fair, objective opinions, from both sides of the coin. Because Russell Recruiting focuses on Korea, the majority of these letters are Asian in theme. As contributors submit from other countries, we hope to create a more international flavour here. If you’d like to write a letter describing a specific company or school, email us at the address below and we’ll post it. Keep in mind, we have the right to edit vulgar and obscene language as well as personal attacks, stick to the facts if indeed you are submitting negative commentary.

Mr. Russell has asked me to write a letter about my teaching experience at ECC Sisa-yong-O-Sa (YBM) in Pusan, Korea. Not having a clue what I was getting myself into, I admit I was lucky. Being at ECC was a great experience for my first year in Korea and I have recommended it to good friends who are still in Korea. It's a safe way to learn the ins and outs of the country and culture and make a few bucks at the same time. I was treated fairly by my director, got along fine with my co-workers and roommates, and was paid the right amount and on time monthly. There are many sketchy schools and companies out there but this is not one of them. Get on a plane and just go for it!

My name is Ellie and I am a teacher at Wonderland in Osan. I have been in Korea for the last four months and have had an amazing experience thus far. When I first arrived, I was met at the airport by Ms. Lee and her husband, the directors of my hak-won, they kindly welcomed me to Korea and then drove me to my new home in Osan. They were quite kind and helped me w/ my luggage; they refused to let me carry anything! My apartment is quite spacious, three bedrooms and a fairly large sized kitchen and living area for two teachers. The best part of my apartment is that it is located right above my hak-won and so I only have a minute's walk to school! The location is also great, just a short walk away from the main downtown area where all the shops and restaurants are.

Teaching is lots of fun, the children are absolutely adorable. Morning classes are all pre-school and kindergarten age and afternoon classes range from ages 8 to 13. I teach Monday through Friday, I have about three breaks a day. The students are exceptionally bright; all are enthusiastic about school and love their foreign teachers. What I like best about Wonderland is that each classroom has a different theme, one room is a bedroom, another room is a kitchen, and yet another is an airport. We also have a playroom for the children with a huge jungle gym that the children love to run to during playtime. Lunch is provided by the school during the week (incidentally, Osan Wonderland has an excellent cook). Work isn't always easy but the students make teaching a most worthwhile experience. In addition the Korean English teachers at my school are extremely helpful, kind and friendly. My first month here each teacher took me out on the weekends to help me adjust and acclimate myself to Korea. On Christmas Eve one of the teachers even held a Christmas party at her house for the foreign teachers.

Another benefit to living in Osan is its proximity to Seoul - only a forty-minute bus ride away. It's nice to explore the historical and cultural things that Seoul has to offer, while Osan gives a foreigner respite from the hustle, bustle and crowd that is a part of Seoul life. All in all, I must say that my last four months in Korea have been a most enjoyable experience. I'm very happy to be in Korea!

I was employed at YBM-ECC Tongnae in Pusan between May of 1997 and May of 1998. Overall, it was a good first experience as an overseas teacher. My employers were kind and courteous. They fulfilled all aspects of the contract and were generous enough to take me out for dinner and drinks on several occasions. My accommodation was excellent: a large, new 2-bedroom apartment with one Canadian roommate. It was within a two-minute walk of the school and was fully furnished.

My co-workers were perhaps the best part of the job. All of the Korean teachers were fun and enjoyable to work with. ECC was well equipped with teaching materials and had classes no bigger than 12 students. Overall, my experience with YBM was positive. They provided me with a nice recommendation letter and the opportunity to work for them anytime in the future.