Korean Job Discussion Forums

pear_thumb · Joined: 13 May 2007 Location: Near-ish to Seoul

In the next few months, I am hopefully coming to teach in Korea for a year. I am also planning to apply for Ph.D. programs in the U.S. for the 2008 school year. In order to apply, I need to take the GRE subject test in English Lit.

I'm wondering if anyone out there in these forums has taken a GRE subject test in Korea? If so, what was your experience?

That's a broad question and perhaps what I'm looking for is reassurance that I'm not being too optimistic about the soundness of this plan. Is it totally unreasonable to think that if I start studying now, while I'm still in the U.S., tote my Norton Anthologies, test prep books etc. over to Korea in July or August, study, study, I'll be ready to take the test in October or November? I know I'll be adjusting, but if I'm focused and movtivated will that matter as much?

Also, I would like to obtain a public school position since I feel I'd be able to fit study into the normal course of my day and require less teaching hours based on what I've read here. This sounds like the best thing for someone in my position. Any input on this assumption?

Finally, if anyone out there has applied to graduate school from Korea and has tips on how to make it less stressful, I'd appreciate it. The whole application process is a 2nd job, costs a ton, and I'd like to hear that being in another country while doing it doesn't make it worse than it is.

Thanks for input and help.

Czarjorge · Posted: Sun May 20, 2007 8:13 pm Post subject:

You beat me to the punch, I was going to ask the same thing.

Anyone done this? One of my reasons for going to SK is to save money for grad school.

icicle · Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Location: Gyeonggi do Korea

I would agree with the public school giving time for other things option.

I am currently trying to decide what I will do to fill in the "other time" that I currently have when I have to be at school - but do not have school work to do - even with asking for more to do ....

From what I have read here a uni job would give you the same thing.

Icicle

Czarjorge · Posted: Sun May 20, 2007 8:35 pm Post subject:

And not in a hagwon? Only forty hours of work seems like a ton of free time to me as I've been working 50-60 in the past three years and studying is not a priority under those circumstances.

Is there anyway to get a public school job other than EPIK?

A recruiter?

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

I need to take the GMAT. I hear there's a testing center in Seoul. The actual test taking should be the same no matter where you are in the world. You sit down in front of a computer, and there's a facilitator that will monitor the test taking group.

cookie7 · Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Location: Suji, Yongin

I was planning to take my GRE's in Korea too. I figured since I work at a public school I could study during the summer or something. Until I found that the testing system is different here.

I'm sure you guys researched this already but if not:
in Korea, they only have GRE testing twice a year unlike the U.S where you can take it any time you want.
In addition, you have to take it in portions ie) writing sections first then other parts on a later date.

The first date was February and I think the next testing date is sometime soon.

If the info I have is wrong, please tell me - I was planning to go back home for a few days just to take the Gre's during the summer but it would be nice if I could just take it here this year.

NicRenee · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Location: Seoul

I only took the general GRE test, and I'm not sure about differences for GMAT, but it is NOT the same as back home. Here, you take the test in two parts on two different dates, as stated above. The written part is done on the computer on pretty much any day you want (assuming you book far enough in advance) and the other sections are done on one date as another location. Those sections are NOT computerized - be prepared for this!! The written and computer exams have totally different time and grading schemes. There are 4 sections, 2 reading and 2 quantitative. Bring a watch - there was NO clock in my room. I also suggest earplugs - the proctoring/timing CD they used was extremely scratchy and very distracting. Also, aside from the CD, before they pressed play, everything else was in Korean.

cubanlord · Joined: 08 Jul 2005 Location: In Japan!

pear_thumb · Joined: 13 May 2007 Location: Near-ish to Seoul

Well, it seems like a lot of us are in the same situation: coming to Korea with a definite exit strategy. Like someone else said here, I'm coming to save money for school (and for the hefty application fees!).

I took the regular GRE test already when I went to get a master's. I'm wondering if anyone out there has experience taking a GRE Subject test?

And in general, if anyone has a comment about which environment they think is more condusive (public or private) for doing this other "job" of applying, studying, etc. please share.

Thanks.

oskinny1 · Joined: 10 Nov 2006 Location: Right behind you!

TheBrain · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Location: Acme Lab

Before you take the GRE or GMAT, get a good test prep book.

Czarjorge · Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 4:19 pm Post subject:

WorkNPlay? Is that a recruiter?

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

Curious_george · Joined: 25 Aug 2006