Korean Job Discussion Forums

EricCC · Joined: 02 Jul 2007 Location: Minneapolis

Hello people. I am a 33 year old teacher living in the United States. I am considering moving to Korea in 2-3 years and making a long term go of "ex-patriotism." I am currious if teachers in their 30's through 50's are able to find work easily. Or, are most of jobs lined up for just-out-of-college-kids looking for their first jobs. Let me know what you think . . . and be brutally honest if need be.

Eric.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

Some academies want teachers in their 20s, but those are mostly the ones that act as play-centres which you'd best avoid at any rate. If you're in your 30s and 40s and have what it takes the future here looks very good indeed.

Mosley · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Lots of over-40 types teaching here. You just have to be eligible for the E-2 visa.

Colorado · Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 5:37 pm Post subject:

lowpo · Joined: 01 Mar 2007

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

Definitely loads of opportunities at your age ... And sometimes I think that the extra life experience that age gives us makes it easier to cope with the challenges of life in another country ... (unless we are so stuck in our ways that we are not prepared to change) ...

I would say definitely go for it ...

Icicle

Sody · Joined: 14 May 2006

Mosley · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Sody: I've been ...ahem...follically challenged for a decade & I've never had a problem w/getting a job in Korea.

waynehead · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Location: Jongno

You have your teachers' credential, right? You'll have no trouble finding a job, and a good one at that.

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

Don't worry about your age and getting a job. You are a TEACHER and you should hold out to get a good job. Don't let any shady recruiter use your age to shunt you out to the provinces - or into a low paying job (happened to me when I was a newbie). Public school would possibly have more benefits, but also some deep-in-Korea frustrations, for you.

And don't worry about the chrome dome. I have a shaved head sometimes - or it's clipped to the skin twice a week. Apparently, I'm 'handsome'. Koreans are very superficial about appearance. If you're worried - dress very smartly (shirt and tie - everyday), bright colors, dress pants and shoes. They'll love their 'handsome' teacher.

Scott in Incheon · Joined: 30 Aug 2004

If you are thinking of teaching overseas long term, you might want to look into the Hong Kong NET program. At the beginning the salary and benefits are on par with Korea. The salary is around the same, but the holidays are much better. The nice thing about HK is that you go up the pay scale every year you are in the program. You are the paid the same as the local teacher (except you get a living allowance which really ups your total income.

http://www.edb.gov.hk/index.aspx?langno=1&nodeid=262

I did six years in HK and really enjoyed my time there.

passport220 · Joined: 14 Jun 2006 Location: Gyeongsangbuk-do province

Wow, from the title of the thread I thought you were going to say you were in your 70�s or something. I am 43 and I was beating job offers away with a stick when I first decided to come here.

It is not a question of can you find a place to teach��it is taking the time to find a place to teach that is right for you. It is a sellers market and you are the seller (of teaching services).

wylies99 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: I'm one cool cat!

I think being HEALTHY is important, too. Being older isn't that bad here, but you'll be watched more closely for health issues.

butlerian · Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Location: Korea

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004