Job Discussion Forums

[arteokay]

Hi everybody! I've been looking at this forum for a while now and have a few questions, if you guys could help me that would be great.

To explain a little about my situation:
I'm currently a senior in college about to graduate with a B.A. in English Lit. I have experience tutoring students (both ESL and native speakers) and working in our school's applied linguistics department. I've also taken a few classes in TESL methodology and linguistics, but I don't have a minor or any teaching certification.

My girlfriend is also about to graduate with a B.A. in biology. She doesn't have any teaching/tutoring experience.

We've been discussing the possibility of teaching abroad in Asia, most likely South Korea. The tentative plan is to go to Korea for a year and, depending on how that goes and how we feel about it at the end of a year, to get CELTA-certified after that and see what else comes up, whether in Asia, Eastern Europe or wherever. I'd personally like to get my master's in TESOL but I also don't want to jump into acquiring even more student debt if it turns out that TESL isn't the job for me.

Here are some questions I've come up with (I've tried to look on the boards as much as possible for answers, so sorry if you've answered these a lot but I didn't see them):

- My girlfriend is thinking about getting CELTA-certified before we start looking for jobs, because she doesn't have any prior teaching experience. Would you recommend this? My only concern is that if she gets certified and ends up deciding that TESL just isn't for her, then she's another 2 grand in the hole that could have gone towards grad school in the states or towards paying off credit card debts or car payments.

- Is it likely that we'd be able to get jobs at the same school, or near each other? I suppose it depends on where we apply within Korea. (On that note, any recommendations of places to start looking, or to stay the hell away from, would be greatly appreciated. There are so many choices...I don't want to get burned!)

- How "okay" is it to be in a lesbian relationship in Korea? I've heard it's pretty conservative, and from what I've read its better to keep it hush-hush. Where's the line between appropriate and inappropriate in terms of showing affection? Will it be obvious to observers that the girl I'm seen with all the time is more than a close friend (do Koreans pick up on the same "gaydar" clues as Americans do)? Are we likely to be fired if our employers find out?

- Along the lines of the first two questions, I'm assuming that we'd live in separate housing, but is it typically okay for a teacher living in school-provided housing to have a 'friend' over frequently? I know it probably changes from school to school but what's your experience?

- Would you advise us to apply to jobs as soon as possible (personally I'm getting itchy feet like you wouldn't believe) or to wait a few months? How much money do you recommend having saved before we arrive in Korea?

- Finally, if you can think of any other destinations that might be better suited than Korea, please tell me. I've only chosen Korea since it seems like the best place for newbies with little experience to start out, from what I've read.

I lived in Ireland for four months but haven't travelled extensively, and my girlfriend has never travelled outside the U.S., so Asia is probably going to be something completely different from anything either of us have experienced. Do you have any general advice or anything on making the transition a little easier, or things we should be on the lookout for?

Thanks so much for your time. I've been reading threads on this board for a few weeks now and I'm constantly impressed by the good advice that keeps on popping up.

[Glenski]

Before the mods shut this thread down, I'll warn you that there is a separate Korea thread. You have to register separately, but that is where you're going to get the most answers.

[arteokay]

Another thing I just thought of: I've been reading on the Korean job board that apparently some new regulations are going into effect this month that affect ESL teachers especially? Can anyone tell me more about this?

How easy is it to send money home? I've heard it can be pretty prickly with the banks. Will they really call your school if you send above a certain amount home? Why would the school care, anyway?

Again, thanks. I don't mean to ask too many questions but I want to make as informed a decision as I can...it's a big one!

[arteokay]

Oh, okay Glenski. Why didn't I think of that?

I'll try over there, thanks!

[Anda]

Try the EPIK programe and just say that you are friends. Sending money home is no problem in Korea.


I wouldn't show and odd behaviour as you would just be asking for problems in Korea.

http://epik.knue.ac.kr/sub3/sub3_1.asp