Seoul Searching: How One Bad Day Led to a Dream Job
Digest
Mike McCarthy, Director of Business and Administration at St. John's Berry Academy in Jeju, South Korea, shares his experience navigating the challenges and successes of running an international school in a dynamic and vibrant country. He discusses his background as an accountant, CPA, and small business owner, and how he landed in Seoul in 2014 to work as a Chief Financial Officer for an international school. He describes the unique environment of Jeju Island, known as the "Hawaii of Korea," and the special education zone that allows Korean students to attend international schools. He explains the partnership between St. John's Berry Academy in Jeju and St. John's Bay Academy in Vermont, and the school's commitment to providing a global education experience for its students. McCarthy discusses the challenges of managing finances and resources in an international school setting, including navigating language and cultural barriers, adapting to the evolving educational landscape in Asia, and working within the Korean regulatory system. He emphasizes the importance of building trust with national staff and embracing the local culture. He also shares insights into the school's budget process, capital needs, and community engagement initiatives. McCarthy highlights the school's commitment to providing a high-quality education for its students and its role as a hub for families and community members in Jeju.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the podcast and its host, John Brucato, who welcomes listeners to School Business Insider. He explains the podcast's focus on sharing stories and exploring topics that matter most to school business officials.
Mike McCarthy's Journey to Jeju
This Chapter introduces Mike McCarthy, Director of Business and Administration at St. John's Berry Academy in Jeju, South Korea. He shares his background as an accountant, CPA, and small business owner, and how he landed in Seoul in 2014 to work as a Chief Financial Officer for an international school. He describes the unique environment of Jeju Island, known as the "Hawaii of Korea," and the special education zone that allows Korean students to attend international schools.
Navigating Challenges in an International School Setting
This Chapter delves into the challenges of managing finances and resources in an international school setting, including navigating language and cultural barriers, adapting to the evolving educational landscape in Asia, and working within the Korean regulatory system. McCarthy emphasizes the importance of building trust with national staff and embracing the local culture.
Budgeting and Capital Needs
This Chapter explores the school's budget process, capital needs, and community engagement initiatives. McCarthy highlights the school's commitment to providing a high-quality education for its students and its role as a hub for families and community members in Jeju.
Community Engagement and Identity
This Chapter discusses how St. John's Berry Academy fits into the Jeju community, how the school collaborates with local stakeholders, and how it engages the broader community at large. McCarthy describes the unique nature of the community, which is a blend of Jeju Islanders, tourists, and transient families.
Life Outside of Business Hours
This Chapter explores Mike McCarthy's life outside of business hours, including his hobbies, interests, and how he enjoys the island of Jeju. He describes the island's natural beauty, its unique culture, and the opportunities for outdoor activities.
ASBO International and its Impact
This Chapter discusses Mike McCarthy's involvement with ASBO International and how it has served him in his role as Director of Business and Administration. He highlights the organization's resources, networking opportunities, and its value to school finance officials worldwide.
Conclusion
This Chapter concludes the podcast with a reflection on Mike McCarthy's journey and the impact of his decision to take a leap of faith and pursue a career in international education. The host emphasizes the importance of embracing opportunities and the potential for personal and professional growth.
Keywords
St. John's Berry Academy
St. John's Berry Academy is an international school located in Jeju, South Korea. It is a sister organization to St. John's Bay Academy in Vermont, USA. The school offers a global education experience for its students, with a focus on English language instruction and preparation for university studies overseas. The school has a diverse student body, with over 30 nationalities represented, but the majority of students are Korean passport holders. The school is known for its commitment to community engagement and its role as a hub for families and community members in Jeju.
Jeju Island
Jeju Island is a volcanic island located off the southern coast of South Korea. It is known for its picturesque landscape, including mountains, beaches, and volcanic formations. The island is a popular tourist destination, with a variety of resorts, amusement parks, and cultural attractions. Jeju Island is also home to a thriving agricultural industry, with farms producing oranges, kiwis, and other fruits and vegetables. The island is a special education zone, which allows Korean students to attend international schools. The island is also home to a number of museums, including the Teddy Kong Museum, the Chocolate Museum, and the Automobile and Piano Museum.
International School
An international school is a school that provides education for students from different countries. International schools typically offer instruction in English and follow a curriculum that is aligned with international standards. They often have a diverse student body and faculty, and they may offer programs that prepare students for university studies overseas. International schools are often located in major cities and urban centers, but they can also be found in smaller towns and rural areas. They are often associated with specific countries or regions, but they may also be affiliated with international organizations or networks.
School Finance
School finance refers to the management of financial resources for schools. This includes budgeting, accounting, fundraising, and investment. School finance professionals are responsible for ensuring that schools have the financial resources they need to operate effectively and provide a high-quality education for their students. They work with school administrators, teachers, and other stakeholders to develop and implement financial plans. They also monitor financial performance and make recommendations for improvements.
ASBO International
ASBO International is a professional organization for school business officials. The organization provides resources, networking opportunities, and professional development for its members. ASBO International advocates for the interests of school business officials and promotes best practices in school finance. The organization offers a variety of services, including conferences, publications, and online resources. ASBO International is a valuable resource for school business officials who are looking to stay informed about the latest trends in school finance and to connect with other professionals in the field.
Global Education City
Global Education City is a special education zone on Jeju Island, South Korea. It is home to four international schools, including St. John's Berry Academy. The zone was established to foster the development of English language education and to provide opportunities for Korean students to attend international schools. The zone is also a popular tourist destination, with a variety of resorts, condominiums, and other amenities.
Korean Culture
Korean culture is rich and diverse, with a long history and a strong sense of tradition. Korean culture is known for its art, music, literature, cuisine, and martial arts. Korean culture is also characterized by its emphasis on family, respect for elders, and a strong work ethic. Korean culture has been influenced by its geographic location, its history, and its interactions with other cultures. Korean culture is constantly evolving, but it continues to be a source of pride and identity for Koreans around the world.
Education Zone
An education zone is a designated area that is designed to promote education and development. Education zones may offer incentives for schools, universities, and other educational institutions to locate in the area. They may also provide funding for educational programs and initiatives. Education zones are often created to attract investment, create jobs, and improve the quality of life in the area.
Typhoon Season
Typhoon season is the time of year when typhoons, which are tropical cyclones, are most likely to occur. Typhoon season typically occurs in the late summer and early fall in the western Pacific Ocean. Typhoons can cause significant damage to property and infrastructure, and they can also lead to loss of life. Typhoon season is a major concern for people who live in areas that are prone to typhoons.
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is a synthetic surface that is used as a substitute for natural grass. Artificial turf is often used in sports fields, playgrounds, and other outdoor areas. It is durable, low-maintenance, and can be used in a variety of weather conditions. Artificial turf is also environmentally friendly, as it does not require watering or fertilization. However, artificial turf can be more expensive than natural grass, and it can also be hotter than natural grass in hot weather.
Q&A
What is Mike McCarthy's background and how did he end up working at an international school in South Korea?
Mike McCarthy is an accountant, CPA, and small business owner who had worked in various industries, including faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and higher education. He received an email for a Chief Financial Officer position in Seoul, Korea, and impulsively responded, leading to a phone call from a group that runs international schools. Within a year, he and his wife moved to Seoul and began their international education adventure.
What are some of the unique challenges of managing finances and resources in an international school setting?
Challenges include navigating language and cultural barriers, adapting to the evolving educational landscape in Asia, and working within the Korean regulatory system. McCarthy emphasizes the importance of building trust with national staff and embracing the local culture.
How does St. John's Berry Academy engage with the Jeju community?
The school hosts events like arts festivals, craft bazaars, and beach cleanups. They also partner with local organizations and explore ways to open their facilities to the community, such as hosting English camps and sports camps.
What is the budget process like at St. John's Berry Academy?
The school prepares a modified cash budget and a modified zero-base budget, reviewing budget lines and codes with each division. The process involves a two-and-a-half-month period of submission, review, and discussion with the governing body, Jeju International Schools.
How does the school manage capital needs, such as renovations and expansions?
The school sets aside 3.5% of its budget annually for long-term repairs and replacements. This allows them to accumulate funds for major projects, such as converting balconies into classrooms and replacing the natural turf field with artificial turf.
What is the role of the Korean government in the school's operations?
The Korean government has oversight over the school's budget and operations, but they are less involved in the academic side. They set the salary scale for Korean faculty and have some regulations regarding the teaching of Korean history and language. The government also grants the school's enrollment capacity.
What is the community like in Jeju and how does the school fit into it?
The community is a blend of Jeju Islanders, tourists, and transient families. The school serves as a focal point for the community, hosting events and offering facilities for community use. The school also works to foster a sense of community identity among its students and families.
What are some of the benefits of working at an international school in Jeju?
McCarthy highlights the opportunity to immerse oneself in a different culture, the rewarding experience of seeing students grow and succeed, and the flexibility for travel and exploration.
What is the significance of ASBO International for school finance professionals?
ASBO International provides resources, networking opportunities, and professional development for school business officials. It serves as a valuable resource for staying informed about trends in school finance and connecting with other professionals in the field.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in international education?
McCarthy encourages individuals to embrace opportunities and be open to new experiences. He emphasizes the potential for personal and professional growth in an international setting.
Show Notes
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:
- Website: https://asbointl.org/SBI
- Email: podcast@asbointl.org
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 Internatio...
Table of contents
United States
