Thanks for visiting James! Glad you’re enjoying it. 😉

@Nomadic Chick: Yeah, it’s definitely more than I imagined I’d be juggling but I realize there’s no way I could have predicted or guesstimated what I would have experienced to handle it better. Becoming an expat is definitely an interesting experience. Also Kelsey is a pro at handling the Korean hurdles, so I know she’s a bundle of knowledge. I hope she posts some of her blog links here. The Korean dynamics span a range of things and I’m sure there’s some things I’ve still not encountered. And I agree, Asian mothers are like that. I’m always reminded to dress nicely, wear makeup (i’m not Korean)… My mom was visiting my Korean school and was in our teacher’s office. She took one look at my hair and whipped out the brush and started moving towards me (to brush my hair!). I whippd back that Korean “stay back! don’t you dare!” silent look at her to make her stop (she watches Kdramas to understand that look). But when the office was empty, she whipped out that brush again & proceeded to brush my hair!

As for the insulting comments, Asian interaction is blunt. People make comments on weight, skin tone, beauty… Sounds extreme, but that’s the way it is. I have an hour glass figure and am considered chubby. Many a relative told me so, even my mother on occasion. Nice, eh?

It’s a matter of being strong in your self, and nevah take it personally. Go girl, I have confidence in you!

@Laura: Interesting. Koreans are very conscious of appearances so I can understand a bit why they are so blunt w/ each other and foreigners- It’s become so natural and unconscious to them. One day our PE teacher came up to my CT & mentioned to her that it was time to dye her hair (her whites were noticeable). My CT was so nonchalant.. and apparently, everyone dyes their hair anyways. You dont really see many white haired old ladies. But I don’t understand why Mexican ppl are that way. Does it have to actually do w/ health concern or appearance?

@Kelsey: Yes, thanks for the reminder (pull me back, sister)! Very true- Koreans don’t like being the bearer of bad news & they can have similar complaints about sched. changes. For Koreans tho, that system is an adapted norm (like NYers learn to wear the armor as a 2nd skin), but foreigners must juggle a new work system, a Korean speaking computer, a lack of very important information & a new country.. they have a very short time to learn it all. I thot this subject was an interesting mention tho. So many of us come into the program blindly — we research & see the hagwon rants but this can be a hit or miss program too. When I researched, there seemed a wall between the outside & this program. That wall wasn’t shady, just really “Dynamic”. Dynamic Korea means good and bad as yourself are expert in and if there’s other “dynamic” things we should be keyed in on, please let us know or post your links!

I’m not saying it’s a good situation – it’s not, and Korea was probably the least professional place I’ve ever worked – but remember, sometimes you may actually be having the same complaints that Koreans do.

I will wholeheartedly agree with you on the indirect insults. Here in Mexico, I’ve heard multiple times: “You look pregnant!”, “You look sick, are you sick?” “You have huge bags under your eyes!! You must not have slept much last night.” “Why didn’t you do your hair today?” and “You look annoyed. Are you annoyed? No? Oh, then are you on your period?”

All of these comments must be said in front of a large group of people for maximum embarrassment.