Job Discussion Forums

[zaneth]

Just how many hoops would an American have to jump through to do a PGCE in Britain? And how costly is it?

[Seeker of truth]

Does this NET programme in Hong Kong have a weblink?

[Sara Avalon]

[tedkarma]

Just a little off the direction the thread is heading - BUT - I would have to vote for Korea as being the better place to save money - even compared to the Middle East.

When people compare wages they are typically comparing apples and oranges.

My base wage in Saudi (spent five years there) was quite good - but the work load was heavy and the students quite difficult.

My base wage in Korea is (five years total in two tours now) - is about 2/3rds of what it was in Saudi

BUT consider: Korea - 12 hours per week, almost five months paid vacation. Saudi - 22 hours per week 1.5 months vacation. With a little overtime in Korea I earn almost what I earned in Saudi. Yes, in Saudi and the ME you will also get extra time off at Haj and Ramadaan. But it is expensive to keep flying in and out and you will quickly spend any financial advantage you might get from earning lots of overtime there.

I often did as much as nine or ten hours a week of overtime in Saudi - but I also felt I was working myself to death there. I don't feel that in Korea. Plus in Korea - at least I can go to a movie, have a drink and don't have to put up with the possibility of terrorism.

So . . . my vote is for Korea.

[Cdaniels]

[tedkarma]

My apologies - as a newbie moderator I was in "moderator mode" or something like that! and in responding to Mr. Jones - accidentally modified his note - then couldn't change it - anyway - through a comedy of errors (mine!) - that post is gone - but here is the post of Mr. Stephen Jones:

Quote:

Stephen Jones wrote: Most people say that you work more hours in Korea than in Saudi. Obviously it all depends on the employer (Duh!)

To which my response is/was:

Because, again, they are comparing apples to oranges.

I'm comparing university to university here. Not hogwan to university. Nor university hogwan to university.

Most university contracts in Korea are anywhere from 9-12 hours a week - most Saudi universities 22 hours and up.

I have to add that I suppose there are exceptions (as there are to everything in this world) - but what I stated above was what my experience was during my five years there (1996-2001).

[Stephen Jones]

You were talking about one and a half months' holiday in Saudi, which certainly didn't seem like a university contract.

As far as I can tell salaries in Korean universities are between $1,600 and $2,000. That's, as you said, two-thirds of the money you would earn at a Saudi University, and round about half what you would earn at Aramco or similar plush contract.

KFUPM holidays add up to around four-and-a half months a year, more or less the same as you are getting in Korea. You work more hours, so I suppose the real difference is how important you feel your retirement fund is.

[JZer]

[tedkarma]

Most decent universities in Korea - will pay in the area of US$2300+ to start - sometimes more depending on your experience. Mine pays more - and with that and overtime I net more now - than I did in Saudi. Annual increases in the area of 15%.

An estimate of $1600-2000 for Korea would be entry level with no previous experience at the worst universities.

The quality of life in Korea is only about - oh . . . 100 times better.

Bottom line also - you get about 2 months per year of what they would call gratuity in the ME.

One month per year of pension (refunded at the end of your contract - you pay half - the uni pays half) depending on what country you are from. And, by law, one month's wages per year of employment with that school.

Saudi in particular, 1/2 month per year for the first four years - then one month for each year if you stay longer. May not be true every where - but was my experience.

Bottom line - you may earn a LITTLE less in Korea - but your quality of life is so much better. And, it is nice to not teach only rooms full of scruffy bearded men. Forgive me, but I also enjoy teaching smiling young women. Also pleasant, is a culture where teachers are respected rather than considered servants. Call me weird!

[bdbarnett1]

Hong Kong NET scheme website

http://www.emb.gov.hk/index.aspx?nodeID=262&langno=1

[JZer]

But I don't have a B.Ed. So I cannot get a job with the NET scheme. I might try to get one. What should your certification be in?

[guangho]

This is quasi-related.....

I have a degree, a CELTA, and a provisional certification to teach English and Social Studies in New York. I also have experience teaching law at a New York University and teaching EFL for about 10 months in Korea. With this background, what are your siuggestions for the next step? I am looking to get a Masters degree but the need to earn is pressing. Any ideas?

Thanks

[JZer]

tedkarma, the NET scheme does seem pretty good as well. They give you a 1,300 U.S. housing allowance plus a salary of at least $2300. maybe can get more if you have a B.Ed or Master's degree.

To anyone out there on the NET program:
How much vacation do NETs get?

[sojourner]

Quangho,

Have you ever considered combining your legal qualifications/teaching experience with the fields of Applied Linguistics/TESOL, such as in becoming a teacher who specialises in EAP ( English for Academic Purposes) ? EAP is part of a growing sub-discipline of ESL/EFL, known as English for Specific Purposes (or ESP !). For example, you might want to consider looking for a job involving, say, the preparation of Law undergraduates who have been accepted for postgraduate programmes in English-speaking countries.

If you are interested in EAP/ESP, it would probably be necessary to obtain a pertinent academic qualification to "top up" your LLB degree. Many Masters' programmes in Applied Linguistics, Education, and TESOL have units (or courses) that would be relevant to EAP/ESP. Enquire with postgraduate degree programme coordinators in your city.

You may also be interested in doing a Master's programme by distance education, or online. If so, make sure that the university in question is a proper, recognised tertiary institution. I recently completed an online MA (Applied Linguistics) degree, through the University of New England (UNE). Their website is : www.une.edu.au ). Apart from the MA(AL), UNE also have various M.Ed programmes, such as Adult Education, International Education, and TESOL. UNE is quite flexible, in that they allow one to do a couple of units being offered by other departments or faculties - or even by other universities ! For instance, I was permitted to enrol in a unit entitled "Language for Specific Purposes", that was offered by Macquarie University, for the purpose of having it cross-credited to my UNE degree. Also, you'd find that Masters' programmes being offered by Australian institutions are considerably cheaper than equivalent US/Canadian degree programmes.

Peter

- - - - - - - - -

Ted,

I was most intrigued by your comments re university jobs in Sth Korea !

Are most of the jobs for FTs in Korean jobs merely in the field of EFL ? Are there any prospects for the teaching of subjects such as Western Culture, Business Studies and Business English ? Currently, in China, there are many jobs for suitably-qualified FTs who want to teach such subjects - the same in Sth Korea, too ? Also, are there any prospects for FTs who want to specialise in EAP ?

In other postings, you have often focused on Thailand - one of my favourite countries, as well ! Consequently, do you know if there is a demand, by Thai universities, for EAP, Western Culture and Business Studies teachers ? Or, do they merely want "generalist" EFL teachers ?

Regards,

Peter

[guangho]

Hi Sojourner:

Is there a certification course similar to the CELTA that focuses on EAP or ESP?