I agree, even though I have a degree (Eng/Kor)

Posted: 2002/04/18  By: aussiekangaroo (Views:2786)

Hi,

This is a well-written and logical posting.  It's hard not to agree with you but
unfortunately the logic for Korean law is based on the fact that the Korean government is also
trying to improve the 'image' of the ESL industry in Korea by enforcing the rule that we must
all have at least a BA.  

I was disappointed to learn that many 'members' of the ESL profession in Korea look at this
matter very subjectively because it helps to protect our position even if it isn't really that
well-paid in comparison with professions requiring high ethics in western countries.  Why are
chartered accountants doing so well in the globalised environment?  Because their integrity is
more important than their actual ability to break down corporate statistics and make sense out
of that mess.  On a similar token, ESL teachers are responsible for promoting the English
language as the international language and hence many people see us as the face of
globalisation in our local environments.  

The real problems in Korea are as follows; (and some points to consider)

a) The government is trying to promote an egalitarian society but lost the fight well-before
it began.  

I respect Kim Daejung, but his idea of egalitarianism has long been dead in western society
and is certainly not in vogue.  Remember that Kim Daejung is influenced by a strong desire to
equalise Korean society, and hence private teaching is outlawed in order to ensure rich
families can not purchase advantage unavailable to poorer students.  It's a reasonable logic in
theory, but this loghic fails to address the desire for people to compete internationally.
Families want the best for their children and are willing to pay top dollars for a decent
advantage.  

b) The Hakwon system remains completely unregulated, hence there is NO quality control and
accountability.  Any dingbat can start up his or her operation and make a mint within months.
 With such hypocrisy inbuilt into the industry, how can the Korean ESL industry ever hope to
regain some sense of integrity and prestige?  

c) The hugh demand for ESL teachers caused by the bottleneck system is created by a mixture
of both A and B.  I've even had a mother ask me in the lift if I can teach English to her sons.
 What would you say if someone offered you 40,000 won per hour to teach English?  YES YES YES!
 What time can I start?  This is reality in Korea.  Koreans approach foreigners and request
their assistance to help their children master English.  It's called ECONOMIC REALITY!!!!!!!!!
 

d) Current policy fails to take account of SUPPLY AND DEMAND rules.  Perhaps this current
policy situation relates to a desire for the KoreAN government to sub-concsiously control the
subjects of their territory, or is it just related to the fact that the Korean government knows
that the ESL industry is one of the biggest earners in Korea but is largely untaxed?  Is this
problem really related to the fact that the Korean government DOES NOT trust ESL teachers or
HAKWONS to do the right thing from a tax-perspective?  I think the problem relates to distrust
between HAKWON OWNERS and the GOVERNMENT

e) There is no tax office in Korea responsible for raising revenue for the government via tax
collection, hence it is VERY EASY to evade your tax liability here.  Your local government
officers couldn't give a hoots arse about your tax status.