Job Discussion Forums

prsprsbks · Joined: 31 Aug 2010 Posts: 11

I will turn 30 soon. I have 3 years of experience in one of the large English chains here in Korea teaching kindergarten through middle, and another 1.5 years teaching at a public middle school in Seoul. I have a bachelor's degree, but no CELTA certificate, no teaching certificate.

I desperately want to get out of Korea, but fear that I must stay another year for the money. I've been considering taking a big cut in potential savings just to go to Japan MOD EDIT. But in addition to taking a loss in savings, my employment options are considerably diminished.I'

Don't want to do the JET programme, because I want control of where I live and work. And having spent the last year and a half as the only foreigner on a staff full of xenophobes, I want a work be in a work environment where there is at least ONE other native English speaker.

I've seen some ads for Japanese preschool jobs paying 300,000 yen. But I'm not sure I can handle the babysitting. Teaching six year olds for two years was stressful, but mostly enjoyable. Teaching four year olds the year after that was enjoyable, but mostly stressful. Should I just bite the bullet and apply for preschools?

MOD EDIT

Japan, on the other hand, having visited twice, seems a MUCH more pleasant place to live. Even if the cost of living is twice as high.

So ... I'm open to other ideas, outside of Korea or Japan. Thailand is nice, but not sure I want to live there for an entire year ... and not sure if I'd be able to save much at all to take back to the States.

Thanks for reading! Any suggestions?

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

MOD EDIT Just what do you think you are qualified to do at this point? There are conversation schools and ALT operations (JET programme vs. dispatch agencies) here. Spend a year doing either, and hustle a bit to network your next options, and you might be able to land PT uni/junior college work or other stuff. Depends on you.

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

The Japanese market is flooded. YOur experience in Korea will count for nothing, as it does in many places: work outside the country where you want to teach may not always count.

Do you have an MA? If you do, head for the Middle East. Korea and the Middle East have money. China, possibily, if you do IELTS on the side.

Sigh, I wish someone would pay my rent Sad

I prefer China over Korea for the langauge and the people, however, MOD EDIT. That being said, my Chinese is still MUCh better than my KOrean. Money is better here though and I can see raising kids here.

Mr. Kalgukshi · Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2011 7:07 pm Post subject:

This is the International Board. Comments and threads focusing on living and teaching in Korea will be deleted. Korea focused comments must be posted on the Korean Job Discussion Forums per the locked Announcement found at the top of this forum:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=64186