fair trade

one of the many useful things to know as a native English speaker living abroad is that your naturally acquired talent is a very valuable commodity.

in a capitalistic world the ability to speak english is one of the few remaining things left to barter with on the international stage (sex is the eternal exception).
many wayguks, finding themselves drowning in a sea of hangul, all too often sell themselves short trading their english skills for korean lessons. albeit a useful and inarguably fair trade, a little creativity can make a world of difference that will raise you up from the ranks of a language exchange partner to a major playah. case in point, i am currently pimping my mother tongue for piano lessons from a professional pianist.

however, if your bartering skills are up to the challenge you may be a grammar lesson away from a multitude of other "benefits".

Setting: anywhere in korea -perhaps a homeplus
characters: unidentified english teacher and some korean guy

UET: excuse me sir, i couldn't help but notice your daughter...

SKG: *nods head*

UET: she has a lovely smile, good strong teeth and what appear to be exceptionally well-
proportioned birthing hips...

SKG: *frowns quizzically*

UET: i don't mean to be presumptuous but i am willing to trade you 4 vocab sheets and 2.3 english lessons for your daughter's hand and a lifetime supply of kimbap. deal?

SKG: OK!

UET: now, about your wife...



- happy trading!