Korean Job Discussion Forums

[chaz47]

I have learned during my stay here that I really do enjoy teaching. It does seem, however, that teaching English will not be a very lucrative or satisfying future (at least not to me).

I have had this idea for about the past year that if I can learn enough and gain enough "professional" experience that I could eventually get into a Korean university and teach there. That would allow me to pursue my studies and begin an online graduate program with the European Graduate School in Media Studies (Communication) in Switzerland.

(While the majority is online they require you to attend summer intensives in Europe.)

Now... it seems like a pipe dream.

I think the next best option is to find a hagwon where I work as little as possible and build my body of work so that I can get into an MFA program. Then I can continue to do ESL as I apply for teaching positions at universities back home.

So... I guess my question is really how do I go about finding a job that has a very easy schedule that compensates well. I am open to suggestions as far as other countries as well. It definitely seems like doing privates (legally) would be the answer... but in Korea that's pretty difficult.

Does anyone know the skinny on privates in Taiwan? I have heard that the pay rates are similar to Korea. With a few privates and a basic part-time job I would probably be doing OK. But what is the visa situation like?


Any input is appreciated, I apologize for the vagueness.

[Son Deureo!]

If free time is what you're after, there are plenty of jobs in Korea that will give that to you. It is possible to get a hogwon job that will have you on site for only 5 or 6 hours a week, especially if you're not teaching kindergarten. After school elementary school programs often have their FTs working 12-5 or so as well.

So far as uni jobs go, these are also possible with just a BA and some experience in a hogwon or public school. It helps if you know someone who already works there, but if you apply to enough unis at the right time (hiring season is pretty much over for Spring 2007, but you might get lucky now) you could very well get lucky.

Also, the less picky you are about location, especially if you're willing to move outside of Seoul, the more likely you are to be able to get the conditions you want.

[chaz47]

[Son Deureo!]