Job Discussion Forums

[howell83]

First, let me address all parties that I remain neutral in this debate. The only reason I placed Japan before Korea in the subject heading was due to alphabetical location.

That being said, I want to say how much I admire the people on this board. Also, how grateful I am for their online community. Your teachings here alone help make a difference.

I have an issue I would like to raise. And of course, it deals with teaching English in both these two countries. What country should I choose?

It seems that only these two countries for teaching English abroad, will offer such benefits as paid for accommodations and travel coverage.

These two benefits alone cemented my decision as to where I should go. However, the cement is sitting, and still not dry. It is either Japan, or Korea.

Which to choose?

I basically know a little more than the average person, of the western culture, however, it still equates to nothing.

Can any experienced individuals provide some light? The benefits of going to either country, in comparison to the other? Or even, joyful tidbits of information that make working in one country great.

But please, let me remind you, I want this to be a balanced debate. I would also like the experienced individuals to provide details on the evils that live within the lands, evils uncommon to the Western culture.



So please, without further adieu, commence!

[stillnosheep]

If you come to Japan you can expect neither your flight to be paid for in advance (although your emplyer may pay you a bonus after 12 months equivalent to a return flight, as is common in many asian countries) nor paid for accomodation.

[Stephen Jones]

From what I can gather you start off at the bottom in Japan and work your way up to a decent position and a decent salary after three or four years, whereas in Korea you basically get what you start with, though the conditions of work will improve when you get out of the hogwons.

The obvious thing is to go to Korea for a year or two to build up a cash base, and then if you think you are going to stay in Japan for a fair number of years then move there.

If you're just interested in experiencing something new, then I would say try Japan.

[stillnosheep]

There's little advancement in Japan either, unless you get an MA (minimum) plus Japanese language skills and move into University teaching. Just as in Korea very few seem to break free of the eikaiwa and most of those that do seem to end up working for despatch companies into Japanese schools on very little more. Compared to Korea it does seem top have a bit more going for it culturally though, even if it is much more expensive.

[Glenski]

[howell83]

Well, I can tell you this, I plan to make this an experience for the short term, no more than three years maximum. My aim is to pursue a career in teaching, here in Ontario, upon my return. I do not wish to settle a long-term plan for employment in these foreign countries.

I simply wish to experience teaching in another culture, seeing what methods work and what does not, for this 'outside' culture. In the end, hoping to build a foundation of teaching skills applicable to all woks of life, and bring them back as part of my 'teaching arsenal'.

With this knowledge, would either of these countries be to my advantage over the other?

[Glenski]

[howell83]

Hmmm, interesting...

Well, in reference to my 'arsenal' comment, I primarily meant �adding� the skills gained from such an experience like this. I do not plan to bring my arsenal with me, I understand the rigidity of their programs, and merely want to add or acquire methods, for when I begin a career as a teacher, here at home.

However, what I find awakening is the two different methods of teaching English in these countries, conversational (alone), versus public schooling (alongside a teacher).

I think I would prefer the public schooling method, alongside a teacher, only because the environment in which I see myself eventually getting involved with, is similar to the classroom setting of back home.

My concern now would be with the differences in pay. Are there any differences? Or how about the work weeks? Are they any different?

Essentially, what are the pros and cons of both classroom settings?

(Also, if it makes things easier to understand, this June I will be graduating University with an Honours BA. I will have graduated with a Major/Minor program, in both Philosophy and Geography respectively. I don't know if this helps in understanding if I fit into one category or not, due to educational requirements).

[Deicide]

Just a couple of things:

You can save (and consequently) make more money as a newbie in Korea. If you have a masters and tons of experience then you can make more money in Japan. Korean has an alphabet that you can learn in an afternoon and makes learning the language a lot easier. Japanese has three writing syllabaries and relies heavily on Chinese characters for literacy. These links below are a few years old and hence dated but hold true nonetheless:

http://www.geocities.com/esl_korea/TheJapanMyth.html

http://www.geocities.com/esl_korea/TaiwanvsKoreavsJapan.html

[howell83]

Both sites are very illuminating...my only concern is the fact that it is found on geocities. I have never known that host to be valid for information.

The internet is tricky when it comes to information, there is tons of rubbish, and filtering becomes a grueling task.

Nonetheless, I believe those site were written with some purposeful intent for helping the misinformed traveler.

I like how the sites draw on the evils of both places, very informative!

Does anyone else confirm these sites validity, maybe from their own experience?

[Deicide]

[Glenski]

[JZer]

In Korean public schools it seems that many only teach conversation. The Korean teacher seems to be in charge of everything else. I have not worked in a Korean public school, this is only what I have heard from the public school teachers in my town. If someone had a BEd, they might be able to get a job with more responsibility and be allowed to teach alone. If I had a B Ed. and was looking for a job, I would try the foreign language high schools or the high school/elementary schools that are sponsored by some universities in Seoul.

As for Japan, I have no experience living there and thus fore will not make any comments about Japan.

[howell83]

Is the cost of living the same price in Japan or Korea, if you are situated further away from the main cities? Is it cheaper to live in the 'suburbs' of these countries?

I actually would perfer an experience somewhat further away from the 'big' city.

Would geographical location make a difference in any way?

[JZer]