What’s It Like During Winter Break in EPIK Korean Schools
I have now been in Korea for five months and this is my first break or vacation period here. What’s it like during break time in Korea? In my contract in the English Teachers in Korea Program, EPIK, we have 10 days off for winter break and 8 days off during the summer. People who come through the program after me may have a different contract. I joined EPIK in August 2009. Also, you have to consider that schools adhere to the contract differently in Korea. My school is sticking to the contract.
Holidays in South Korea
Teachers had Christmas day off and New Years Day off because those days are holidays in Korea.I had to go to school on Christmas Eve and New Years, Eve. The students were out of school from December 25th until the first week in February in my school. So, they have a longer holiday than in the U.S. During their break, I had to work for 10 days for a Winter Camp, which began on the next business day after Christmas. I was able to choose the dates for my vacation, but it could not be during camp, and it had to be taken while the students were out of school. Some schools may tell teachers when they are able to take a vacation, I think.
What is Winter Camp in South Korea?
Winter Camp is really a fancy term for more school. Only a few students at my school came to winter camp, but I had to teach the classes for it alone, without my co-teacher. I think that winter camp is different from regular school, because at my school the classes are smaller and the atmosphere was even more relaxed. We didn’t use our regular text books. We were able to read outside material, and we played more games, because I was able to design the curriculum myself. I made it fun!
Winter Camp was over the first week in January, but I had to come to work every day after that until February, the same hours as a normal day, except for my 10 day vacation. There were no classes at all during that time, and most of the Korean teachers do not work during that time, so I was alone. I heard that the Korean teachers also do not get paid in that period. Tomorrow I am going to clean the classroom! In this free period, I could take an online class, and study Korean, read, write, create new curriculum, or just about anything I choose. Naps are allowed here, and surfing the net is fine, too. Some teachers may find this boring, but I don’t! I can think of plenty to do. I have to mention that some schools do allow their teachers to have the time off, and not come to school. I only know this, because this has happened to some of my friends, and they are using the time for some additional travel.
Time Off in South Korea
In EPIK orientation we were told to be respectful and especially courteous to your principal, because they can make you or break you in South Korea. I think that they can give you additional time off or let you leave early additional days. I want to add that:
Just because you do your job and extra, the school is not obligated to tweak the rules for you in the end.
That’s life. In any case my experience here in Korea feels a lot more relaxed than my experience as an English teacher in the United States. My elementary school students are wonderful! They are kind, courteous, and if I correct them for being rowdy, they listen.
Comparing Teaching in Korea to the United States
If I were in the United States, I would be completing loads of paperwork, calling parents to set up meetings for after the break, and dealing with paperwork associated with discipline problems during my vacation. In the United States, I used my vacation time to catch up on paperwork for school, most of the time. I also tried to do a little writing in my time, but most of the time I was too exhausted from during schoolwork at home. This is the first real vacation that I’ve had in years where I do not have to feel guilty about not doing job-related work. I am so happy! I am going to try to blog if I can find an Internet connection.
I’m Going to Thailand!
I’ll be in Thailand, and I am thrilled! Thailand is a popular destination for people in South Korea, and it’s inexpensive to go, if you buy your airline tickets early. You can also stay in a small bungalow with a fan on the beach for cheap! I’m opting for AC, but that’s still inexpensive compared to the U.S. I can’t wait to post about my time there, but I have to admit that I plan to stay on or near the beach or in my bungalow, relaxing and soaking in the sun. In other words, I plan to do as little as possible! It’s cold here in South Korea, and I really just want a mellow, relaxing, warm, quiet vacation.
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[...] Q: How much vacation time do you get? A: You get more vacation time in public schools than private, usually. I get 10 weeks during the winter, and 8 weeks in the summer. The holidays are different than public school. Read about the winter break in South Korea. [...]
Wow, so during Winter break they really only let you have your 10 days and not more? They made you go to school even though no one was there? That’s horrible.
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Oh yes. I was highly annoyed over that! It was long winter break, too! I was pretty much ignored the entire time, which sort of was a good thing
is winter really bad season?
It doesn’t snow, but it gets really cold in my opinion. It’s bad because the school may or may not have heat. Usually no heat in the hallways.
Somewhat ,I can conclude that you like to teach more in Korea than in US,don’t you?
You’ve adapted to the environment pretty well! It’s something that I adore to someone.
And, you’ll be going to Thailand,How exciting it is! Of course Thailand is also a beautiful place.. I hope you’ll keep us posted. We’d be glad to read your Thailand Experience!
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