Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bixlerscott]

I have given it thought many times over the past 2 years, but decided I would try teaching in Korea first and go for an adventure to Asia which I always wanted to do since I was young.

Well, I have been here several months, gained a great deal of insight into Korean and Asian people, culture, and values and find that I would not want to continue living here after this one year. It's a gift and a real priveledge to be experienced and educated on the world (not my first international travel/work), but Korea is not where I want to teach nor live in the long term future.

I have been really thinking about that I can go somewhere in America (possibly Florida) where there is a high immigrant population with enormous cultural diversity to go teach, becuase this is what I relate to most and associate with despite growing up in a small town in the middle of the USA. A very good way to also give back to your country and do something to help inspire children to be better citizens in the the future while helping yourself along in a career, instead of just complaining about America lacking values, declining culture, and degrading politics.

This would be an extension of what I started doing here in Korea, a continuation of what I started doing many many years ago. Learning and sharing knowledge. I already teach math, science, literacy, phonics, art, and music to kindergarten and elementary students here and find I get job satisfaction and more meaning in life out of sharing my knowledge, effort, and expertise to help inspire the next generation along into the future. This means so much more than simply making money in some line of business doing a revenue producing business process.

I am gaining experience here in Korea that would serve me well regardless of where I choose to go teach and live, but am displease with foul business ethics in hogwan operation. While I majored in international business in my undergraduate studies, I want to give a little while I take a little, rather than just take-take-take like capitists do (hogwans too) My pay better be in the bank tonight!

Generally, the opportunity offered in American public schools goes like this: Commit 3 years to a public school district in elementary education, start at $35,000 a year (no peculiar deductions or worries), get many more vacation breaks than hogwan or Korean public school, full benefits, full health and dental paid, and a masters degree completely paid for. (actual opportunity for professional development) You even get your teaching credentials taken care of by your district or the state you are in. You can live anywhere in America you so choose. You can take weekend and holiday trips around the USA or to central and south America, the Carribean, even Europe, especially if your single.

Once you achieve your masters degree after studying part time during your 3 year teaching commitment, you can move on to higher paying professional lines of work and build a portfolio to prepare for retirement. I have a hunch that this is what I need to jump on when I am finished in Korea and to prepare ahead of time. Hours roughly run 8:30AM to 3:00PM and then you do have more prep and study, but it offers more rewards.

[VirginIslander]

I taught science at a private school in the Virgin Islands for two years. When I think of returning to the states, I think of my parents first and the islands second. If my family lived there, I would return in a heartbeat.

I am here for martial arts and money, but I hope to return the VI in the future--perhaps settle there.

If you want diversity, go to the VI: Blacks, Frenchies, East indians, Trinidad east indians, Chinese, Arabs, Eastern European Immigrants, Domincans, Haitians, other islanders.

Public Schools are tough; so stay at a private school. Buy a boat, travel the Caribbean on your vacation. Eat Mangos, wake up to the sun and eat a Roti.

While I was there I had the oppuntunity to sail twice a month, and I even made it to Trinidad on a two week voyage.

[url]www. vimovincenter.com [/url]

[bixlerscott]

Not to knock you, but why does everyone seem to come to Korea for the money? It's not really that much. It comes up to $30,000 for a year total remuneration, less than what America pays teachers and yet Korea is more expensive on food, clothing, and electronics.

Of course, it is good to experience Korea for one year (if you got a fair employer) to learn more about the world which can make you a very special educator for life, a real scholar, and a gentleman/woman.

It only requires any kind of bachelors to teach in America just the same as in Korea, but it does take 8 months too long to get a job in America. I come to Korea to travel the Asia side of the world, to learn, and to mentally grow. Of course the money is highly important as it is for everyone, but I am not only chasing money here. (not chasing p*ssy here either) There are better ways to chase money back in America.

[oxfordstu]

[big shooter]

[matthews_world]

I might cash in on teaching Asians or other ethinicities English in a large city but never a public school. I've still got student loans to pay off and America is too darn expensive. Personal safety is also a major reason not to teach in the US's delapidating schools.

[Jizzo T. Clown]

[MikeJ123]

[mnhnhyouh]

A years teaching in the U.S. is the last stop on my 'round the world teaching plan. Korea is year one, and I am now 3 months in.

h

[oneofthesarahs]

If you're genuinely interested in teaching, but don't have your teaching certs, this might interest you:
http://www.teachforamerica.org/

[merkurix]

[oneofthesarahs]

Well, yeah, that's the point. But you get great training and a good support system. I have a few friends who have gone through the program, and if you are genuinely passionate about teaching, it's a good way to go.

[Corporal]

[merkurix]

[faster]

I subbed in CA for a while, it was okay. I also taught test-prep off & on for a long time in US. One luxury I have here in Seoul is that my students are all very motivated - as a teacher, that means so much to me.