BUSAN, South Korea - It can be a real challenge: far from home in a land where a new language dominates, adjusting to a new employer, a new system and a new culture. Many issues are bound to arise.
That’s why support and protection are needed. And, who better to understand our situation and needs than ourselves? By helping each other, we can ensure that teaching in Korea becomes a more positive experience for us al.
Busan Association for Teachers of English in Korea (ATEK), is looking for volunteers to build the local in the Busan Metro area. We have many vacant positions for employed teachers here in Busan on teaching visas.
Now just over a year old, ATEK is a nation-wide network for English teachers on E and F visas. It is an organization by and for teachers that is being built out of our shared experiences as employees in English language education working abroad. We work to uphold the welfare and rights of all teachers that come here to Korea.
We provide emergency shelter for teachers who are summarily dismissed, and a sympathetic ear to those who need it. We also provide information on services and activities in Busan, and we are currently developing volunteer opportunities in Busan for teachers interested in serving the Korean community that we are now proudly a part of.
We already have a number of active volunteers, but we need more teachers to get involved. The organization will be what members make it, so we are always looking to expand and increase our voice. You can contact us at www.atek.or.kr, Busan PMA, and click on “join.” When you register online, we’ll get in touch.
Barbara Waldern, a university professor, has been the Coordinating Chair since May 2009 when Busan ATEK first started coming together as a group. Corey Allen Ross, who teaches at a university part-time while studying, came aboard last summer and is getting back into the swing of things as the Professional Standards Coordinator this winter. Sean Burton, an academy teacher with an MA in history, came forward to be the Membership Coordinator last fall.
But we still need a General Secretary, a Women and Minorities Status Coordinator, and sectorial representatives for hagwons, public schools, adult education and teachers on F visas. All positions except the Chair serve both the local coordinating committee and the national council. It’s great experience!
You can reach Busan ATEK at: busan.atek@rocketmail.com or check their site: www.atek.or.kr
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