“The Island Teacher Koreans Didn’t Expect”

 

Teaching English as a Polynesian: Students’ Reactions & Funny Moments

Teaching English in Korea as a Polynesian is an experience I never expected to be this entertaining. Every day feels like a mix of culture exchange, comedy show, and surprise reactions—from students and sometimes even their parents.

The first thing my students always ask is, “Teacher, where are you from?”
When I say “I’m Polynesian,” they freeze. Then comes the classic follow-up question:
“Polly… what? Is that near Brazil?”
After I explain about Fiji, Hawaii, Samoa, and the Pacific Islands, their eyes widen like I just revealed a secret kingdom.

One of my funniest classroom moments happened when a student asked,
“Teacher, why is your skin so shiny?”
I laughed and said, “Because island people glow naturally.” They nodded seriously, like it was science.

Another time, I showed them a Polynesian dance video. Their jaws dropped.
“Teacher, you dance like a strong soldier!”
In Korea, strength equals respect—so I’ll take the compliment.

Students also love hearing about how I grew up: playing outside all day, swimming in the ocean, barbecues, and big family gatherings. They always react with,
“Teacher, your life sounds like a vacation.”

But the best moments are the small ones—the students trying to copy my English accent, giving me snacks, or yelling “TEACHA!” in the hallways like I’m a celebrity.

Teaching English here reminds me daily that cultures can meet in the simplest places—a classroom, a joke, a mispronounced word. And every time my students laugh, ask curious questions, or try to understand who I am, I feel proud to share my Polynesian identity in a country so different from my own.

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