Korean Job Discussion Forums

Hatcher · Joined: 05 Jan 2007

I worked at SNU and can say that Biz and Engineering schools should be ranked with the average US unis.

They started a new MBA program when I was there and the students complained bitterly because the course was nothing compared to the mid level MBA programs in the US and yet was the same price.

If you have any hope for Korea, dont work at SNU. You will leave disgusted. It is just a staus symbol for Koreans.

However, the top paying ESL job in Korea that I know of is there. AT the LEI, the head teacher can make up to 6milKRW a month.

drcrazy · Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 6:23 am Post subject:

Such lists of rankings do not mean much. When a student asks me about the best universities in the USA, I say it depends on if you are talking about for a BA, an MA, or a PhD. And, OF course MAJOR.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Absolutely, especially for grad programs. The university itself might only be in the global top 100 or 200, but any given individual PhD program could well be a top 10 or 20.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

As for SNU, maybe it depends. My buddies in ESL say avoid it. The LEI can be Ok in terms of income, but they say avoid the regular program.

People I know with PhDs in tenure track or visiting positions there (NOT) related to ESL seem pretty happy with the pay and conditions.

Kwangjuchicken · Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 11:08 pm Post subject:

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

jackson7 · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Location: Kim Jong Il's Future Fireball

Judging by Dave's posts and my own experiences, the Korean EFL market has taken on a look similar to the wealth divide in America. The "1-percenters" I know all have incredible jobs that afford them free time, vacation, respect, research support (if they choose, in some cases -- no 'publish or perish'), and excellent pay. The rest of the gigs out there seems to either be taking a turn for the worse, or have remained stagnant, with pay/condition improvements that barely keep up with inflation.

If you're qualified and have experience, you may be able to snag the rare gems, but if not, it's going to be tougher and tougher in the future to break into them (especially for those not adding to their CVs in the way of degrees, pubs, and presentations), as most I know have decided to hold on to their positions for the long term (and if you know anything about the adjunct market or academia back in our home countries, we're lucky to be able to work in our fields here and save so much for our futures).

J7

Chaparrastique · Joined: 01 Jan 2014

So to respond to the original OP's question

World Traveler · Joined: 29 May 2009

...unless you're a "1-percenter" like jackson7/TheMeerkatLover/wooden nickels/madoka/kimchi ninja/fustiancorduroy...or this dude:

edwardcatflap · Joined: 22 Mar 2009

Interesting to see that how much money you make thread again. Still wondering if Wooden Nickels is going to apologise for this comment

wooden nickels · Joined: 23 May 2010

no. no reason to.

edwardcatflap · Joined: 22 Mar 2009

wooden nickels · Joined: 23 May 2010

Another one of those 'apologize to the comfort women' themes going here.

wooden nickels · Joined: 23 May 2010

I spent my evenings and weekends working low paying yes sir, no sir, sorry about that jobs during high school and university. I kept telling myself, "woody, woody boy, one day, oooone daaayy, things will be different. One day woody, you will be the boss."

jackson7 · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Location: Kim Jong Il's Future Fireball

I made World Traveler's poop list! Unfortunately, ol' WT is still a noob in my books. Always nice reading your guru-esque conjecture filled with empty facts and anecdotes. You and GENO make a great team (is Chappa getting recruited?), but there have been many like you before, and will continue to be so, for as long as the under-qualified continue to be "underpaid."

J7