Seoul Searching: How One Bad Day Led to a Dream Job

Summary Mike McCarthy, Director of Business and Administration at St. Johnsbury Academy, Jeju, shares insights into managing finances, operations, and resources in an international school setting in South Korea. He discusses the challenges of navigating language and cultural barriers, adapting to the regulatory landscape, and building trust with the national staff. McCarthy emphasizes the importance of respecting and understanding the Korean culture and traditions while integrating Westernized systems. He also talks about the unique financial challenges of an international school, including tuition as the primary revenue source and the budgeting process. St. Johnsbury Academy in Jeju, South Korea, is a unique international school that operates within a global education city. The school is supported by the Jeju International Schools, a governmental body that owns the land and buildings. The Jeju International Schools are involved in the daily operations and have certain regulations and limits that the school must adhere to. The school has a long-term plan to potentially expand its enrollment capacity and make enhancements to its facilities. They have recently invested in a million-dollar artificial turf field, which has opened up new possibilities for hosting tournaments and activities. The school also actively engages with the Jeju community through events, partnerships, and opening up their facilities to the public. Contact School Business Insider: Check us out on social media: LinkedIn Twitter (X) Website: https://asbointl.org/SBI Email: [email protected] Make sure to like, subscribe and share for more great insider episodes! Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Association of School Business Officials International. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The "ASBO International" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. The presence of any advertising does not endorse, or imply endorsement of, any products or services by ASBO International. ASBO International is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and does not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for elective public office. The sharing of news or information concerning public policy issues or political campaigns and candidates are not, and should not be construed as, endorsements by ASBO International. ...