Korean Job Discussion Forums

EMKAYES · Joined: 04 Dec 2006

Hi,

My long term plans are to stay in Korea/Asia for a while - 5-10 years. After which I eventually want to teach at primary/secondary school in the UK. Obviously I would like to get the best positions available to me over the course of my stay in Korea. So...

my question is two fold:

1. How is a PGCE perceived in Korea and how does it compare as a recognized qualification along side a CELTA/TESOL or a Masters.

2. Should I complete my PGCE sooner or later given that I want to stay in Korea/Asia 5+ years or so?

So should I do my PGCE next year (if accepted onto applicable course) after which I could come back to Korea and get a better position or would it be advisable to maybe spend a month out to get my CELTA/TESOL stay in Korea and go back to the UK do my PGCE and start working in UK schools?

Anyone advice on this is greatly appreciated.
Anyone in Korea who has a PGCE?

Cheers

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

rothkowitz · Joined: 27 Apr 2006

I'm looking into doing either a PGCE or SCITT later this year in England(the latter is done at the school and you're paid something of a wage)

Having certified teaching status is worth what you can spin it for,I think so.

Some people hold out for 2.8 and get it.But,a UK qual?I think the UK bit puts the average place off a bit from the getgo and if theres a NAmerican going for the same job,expect them to get it.

CELTA-don't mean crap here.It's viewed on par with an MA and at an extra 100K per month,that's what,2 years to recoup your investment?

I'd say do your PGCE or whatever when you're in England,then make use of it there for a while.All you'll get here is perhaps an extra 100-200K

As far as here goes,you still don't need anything beyond the basic BA.Just do as much O/T as possible

As far as Unis go,they seem to pay the same as public schools.

Kimchieluver · Joined: 02 Mar 2005

What is a PGCE and A SCITT?

rothkowitz · Joined: 27 Apr 2006

PGCE(post Grad Cert in Education),SCITT(school centred initial teacher training).

Both go towards registered teacher status,though SCITT gives a wage of something like 9,000 pounds and fees can be deferred.

butlerian · Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Location: Korea

A PGCE won't make much difference in Korea because Korea is so short of teachers they'll usually take anyone with a degree. Also, this helps them to keep costs down. My guess is that by the time you get your PGCE you'll choose to stay in England and get on the career ladder. If you're not completely sure about teaching, though, then a one-year stint in Korea prior to doing your PGCE might be worthwhile.

bosintang · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007 11:20 pm Post subject:

This is really your choice and only you can answer it, but if it was me, I'd do the PGCE first. If you complete that, you'll have a lot more confidence about what you're doing here, have something that distinguishes you from the average drifter who passes through Korea, and you'll feel like you're working towards your long-term goals.

If you can wait, it's probably not a bad idea to get some teaching experience and then try to land yourself a job with an international school instead.

Hotpants · Joined: 27 Jan 2006

I don't think the PGCE is the be all and end all of it - I think you have to go on for another 2 yrs to attain 'Qualified Teacher Status' which only then gets recognized.

There are only a handful of international schools in Korea that require certified teachers. They do pay somewhat more, but not as much as you'd get as a teacher in the UK or even some other countries. You'd be better off going somewhere like Hong Kong or the Middle East if you are a certified teacher.

Also, keep in mind, if you have been out of the UK for at least 3 yrs, you will be charged overseas student rates, and won't be eligible for the training stipend from the government.

A PGCE is not automatic.

If you want to stay in Korea long term, you'd be better with an MA.

Hotpants · Joined: 27 Jan 2006

I also found that there were some schools hiring this year who advertised as requiring certified teachers, but were prepared to accept non-certified ones (ie, myself) because they simply couldn't get any other teachers. If you're well experienced, it shows you can get away without being certified in Korea.

rothkowitz · Joined: 27 Apr 2006

On the other hand I have an MA and CELTA and typically receive no response from Unis.

On the other hand,I've solely been looking looking for Unis in Seoul.Also,my CV delivery tends to be a little flat(Just the facts),then thinking that I would be asked to do more in the interview stage...which never happens.

I just put myself forward..and never hear back.

I'd like to hear for future reference how people detail their CVs.A lot from the get go?

rothkowitz · Joined: 27 Apr 2006

This week and next I'll be calling GTTR and SCITT and whatever relevant parties a lot.

I'll pass on what salient details I can find out.

EMKAYES · Joined: 04 Dec 2006

Thanks for the replies.

I have been in Korea just over a year and am currently working in a Public Elementary School.

I think that eventually I will return to England and take up teaching which I love doing. But I also love Korea and Asia so I cant rule out not staying in Asia.

It just seems that you can get by without very much here (in terms of qualifications). I would like a qualification that shows that I have been (well) trained in the role I wish to persue as a career (in Korea).

Its interesting what hotpants said about the 3 years thing!?! I will have to keep an eye on that one!

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004