Job Discussion Forums

[silver_butterfly]

Hello all,

I'm currently residing in Seoul, Korea, in my second year working for a public middle school. By Feb 2009, I will have two and a half years teaching experience in Korea, and I'll be half way (1 year) through my MA in Applied Linguistics and TESOL.

The wise choice would be for me to keep the same job and stay in Korea until the beginning of 2010, when I will finish my MA - but I'm starting to get a little restless and the itchy feet are setting in again! BUT, with studying the MA, I need something that will leave me with enough money to pay for it after monthly outgoings, as well as a job that won't consume more of my time than my current one.

I currently teach 22 hours per week, although I'm in school Mon-Fri, 8.30-4.30pm. I earn about $1,100 pm.

My question is, given my circumstances, where would you recommend? I've looked at Kong Kong, but it doesn't seem to pay well enough. Once the MA is done, money won't be so much of an issue!

Many thanks for your time!

SB.

PS Oh I forgot to add, I have my CELTA cert, and my BA is in Fine Art.

[Marcoregano]

Hi SB,

Given the salary/cost of living balance you'll be hard pushed to beat Korea. I used to work there, and though on the face of it I made more money when I moved to Hong Kong, the reality is/was that I was able to save far more in Korea. Be careful as you might find that the same rule applies in other places. But maybe Japan?

[naturegirl321]

I agree, I came back to Peru after three months in Korea due to my husband, but we're looking to go again, maybe this year or next.

I'm getting paid well, Peru wise, but have to teach 31 hours, make a curriculum for various subjects, quarterly plans, lesson plans, lots of quizzes, grading, worksheets, after school activities, meetings, congresses, weekend events, parent meetings, etc.

But honestly, you're only earning 1100USD a month? Try other public schools, there's much higher paying jobs out there. Find one of them, stick it out and then get a job where you're scraping by, but enjoying the culture

Korea, HK, and Taiwan pay well, that and connections that will get you a great job. Just wait until you finish and see what country appeals to you.

[silver_butterfly]

Many thanks to both of you - it seems to confirm my fears!

I considered ignoring the itchy feet feeling and waiting it out until I get my MA, then there should be more job opportunities hopefully. But after 2 years here, and the thought of spending another 1 and a half years here is a little scary! :s

So you think I could get a better job doing exactly the same thing if I stay here? I hate to admit it. but it's looking like Korea is still my best option. I must be patient!!

Do you know of anywhere that offers pretty much the same condition as Korea, or am I better off just staying here and possibly even trying the University route next year? The same money but a little more free time to study would be an absolute bonus.

[Marcoregano]

[silver_butterfly]

[Marcoregano]

BTW, for what it's worth, at todays rates:

2,200,000.00 KRW = 2,119.80341 USD

1 KRW = 0.000963547 USD 1 USD = 1,037.83 KRW

You're earning more than you thought you were. And NG was right - US1,100 wouldn't be very good. (I must have plugged euros into the currency converter before by mistake).

[silver_butterfly]

Yeah that was my bad, I got lost in currencies....I'm a Brit so it's around �1,100, but I wrote it as dollars instead........ooopseeee :s