Job Discussion Forums

[refugee]

Cliff's notes: As an experienced/qualified ESLer, where can I work (preferably in Asia) in a more senior role in the ESL industry?

I'm 34, and after working in Korea for 6 years I'm feeling pretty jaded. I think I'm living in a prison with a population of 10 million. I have an MA TESOL, teaching certificates and have taught everything: Kindy, public school (elem/mid & high), university, bored housewives, tutoring 1:1, and Business English. I still find it hard to find decent work because I'm not American or female and I don't look like a small-minded Korean's fantasy of what a native teacher looks like. Besides, I think my boredom and frustration ooze out of my pores during interviews.

There's nothing here except concrete and the ESL treadmill. Foreigners in the ESL industry are pretty much stuck to looking like a white foreigner in the classroom - academic director, senior teacher, curriculum/materials development etc have to be Korean... regardless of ability.

My (Korean) wife even wants me to try elsewhere for the sake of my career, marriage, and sanity.

I've had a warm spot in my heart for Vietnam since I traveled around SE Asia in 2001. I asked for advice on that forum: http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=77643
and got some good suggestions.

I'm looking for anywhere (I'd prefer Asia) I can work in a more senior role. I enjoy teaching and I would expect many DOS/academic manager jobs to still require some time at the coal-face.

I'd be prepared to do a regular teaching job first if that was first required for fresh arrivees.

Any suggestion/advice for wanna-be Korean refugee?

[Molson]

My advice is to get a teaching qualification and apply to international schools in Korea. All the admin are FOREIGN. I dare not say white, as I don't want to insult those who have risen to power and are of color.

My wife is Korean too and I know EXACTLY how you feel. I rose to the highest position my school would allow a foreigner to go. I was the supervisor of all the foreign teachers at my private high school. It was a thankless job that exploited my desire for perfection and my desire to get ahead in the world.

I went back to school and earned a teaching certificate and B.Ed. Now I am in China teaching at an international school and I feel like I am free after spending time in solitary confinement.

The reason I tell you to apply to schools in Korea once you are qualified is trying to live on one salary after you are used to two salaries and the monthly income an F2/F5 visa holder can bring in is HARD. VERY VERY HARD.

If that isn't your bag, I don't know what to suggest. Maybe check out the China forums. I am pretty sure though that in China, all the "bosses" are going to be locals.

You could also always look at opening your own hawgwon in Korea. My ex-co-worker did that in Korea and its been open for over a year now. He's the boss, and that sounds like something that might interest you.

[PattyFlipper]