Job Discussion Forums

sojourner

Hello there!

I have just completed a 12 months contract at a Chinese university college where I taught Oral English,Business English and Western Culture.I willl soon be returning to Australia for a well-earned break,and hope to return to the PRC in July or August for another 12 months contract at a Chinese university.

After I complete my new job,in June/July 2005,I would like to obtain a job in a college or university in Sth Korea,teaching not so much run-of-the-mill Oral English stuff,but rather something like Western Culture,International Political Economy, Business English,or EAP.I'm quite aware that in the Sth Korean hagwans, recruitment criteria often appears to be based upon what we term "ageism" and "accentism" factors - but what is the situation with the university and college sectors ? Are they more open to well-qualified and experienced teachers who are (well) past 35 and who do not hail from Nth America ? (BTW,when do uni terms or semesters begin and end, in Sth Korea ?)

Also,what is the situation re age and nationality factors, for teacher recruitment, in Vietnam,Malaysia,and the M.E. ? Any suggestions re other countries and regions ? Any good international teacher recruitment firms ?

Regards,

Peter

Snoopy · Joined: 13 Jul 2003 Posts: 185

I am 51. The Middle East is really the only option: they employ people with experience in jobs which would drive a youngster bonkers.

biffinbridge · Joined: 05 May 2003 Posts: 701 Location: Frank's Wild Years

Just look at the Saudi vets.....too quiet for my liking.......scary!!At 51 you've probably been mad for years Snoopy so you'll fit right in the ME.

johnslat · Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 1:28 pm Post subject: We need to talk

Dear biffinbridge,

"Just look at the Saudi vets.....too quiet for my liking.......scary!!"

Hmm, scot47's got 1629 postings and I've put up 1464 (including this one).
If that's "quiet", what would you call "garrulous"?
Regards,
John

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Peter,
Universities aren't too picky in Korea regarding age. Should not be a problem. I don't think they pay much more than the hagwons, but the hours and conditions are better.

Almost finished your Masters yet? I am looking very closely at the UNE master in applied linguistics and have read your comments on it. Thanks.

isabel · Joined: 07 Mar 2003 Posts: 510 Location: God's green earth

sojourner · Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 12:05 pm Post subject:

Hi Isabel,

Thanks for the info.What are you actually teaching , at the Sth Korean uni you're at ? Oral English,or something else ?Did you get your current position through a recruiter ? If you can recommend the agency,please send me a PM.

You mentioned a cut-off age,of 55, in the M.E.Would you happen to know whether that applies to all countries in that particular region,or only to the most popular (for ESL,that is!) places such as KSA and UAEs ? BTW,is there a cut-off age in Sth Korea ?

From what you have written,uni teaching Sth Korea sounds fine.! I was there,for two months, in late 2002,but could not find a job - was probably there at the wrong time of the year for uni recruiting.(Hagwans did not appear too keen on what I had to offer - doesn't really bother me,as I have never felt particularly enthusiastic about working for bosses who are not professional teachers themselves - also 30 hours pw of classroom work doesn't appeal to me !).If you ever become tired of ROK,you may wish to consider China. Age factors,at least for the uni sector,seem non-existent.I have come across a number of teachers in their 50s - and older ! Admitedly,the salaries may not be as generous as those paid by Sth Korean unis - but the C.O.L is v.low here;at least outside of Shanghai ! Also,it is often pretty easy to moonlight.

Again, thank you for your help.

Regards,

Peter
PS: What are the (approximate) starting and finishing dates for terms or semesters at Sth Korean unis and colleges ? Thanks

isabel · Joined: 07 Mar 2003 Posts: 510 Location: God's green earth