Korean Job Discussion Forums

as-ian · Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Location: Busan, South Korea

[Note: I figured this should be placed in the Job Discussion section. If it does not belong here, then i request those with the power to move it to the appropriate section.]

My little brother just graduated from an accredited university in Washington State. He has his Bachelors degree and is interested in teaching. Like me, he has taught privately to Korean exchange students at his university. He has also spent 5 years teaching computer literacy at his university (to faculty) as well as when he was in high school. He wants to come to S.Korea and teach near my area (although the specific area is not of concern). He has a great work history, including a job at the Washington capital House of Representatives. However, when i looked into teaching in S.Korea for his particular situation, i havent seen anything about one certain aspect: he is 20 years old.

When i came to S.Korea, i was 28 and did not suffer any problems regarding age. Yet, i am not sure about someone who is not the average 22-25 range that some recruiters have specified for the age looked for (whether that range is accurate, i dont know but i suppose it is not the point).

So my question is, as i am sure you can gather, will he face any difficulty? Does his qualifications and family history of teaching benefit him enough to make up for his age?

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

dave1977 · Joined: 14 Apr 2007

I've been teaching in a hagwon (Incheon)for six months (I'm 30 years old), and have come to the conclusion that it's a job for a younger person straight out of college/university.I feel wiped out somedays after working in a hagwon yelling at kids and trying to get them to work.

I think early 20's is the best time in one's life to suffer in a hagwon (one has more energy to expend and recover). I don't know what it's like to teach in a public school or university, but i'm sure it's easier in some ways (whether you are older or younger).

Unposter · Joined: 04 Jun 2006

I have heard of at least one person who claimed that he had more problems finding a job because he was young but his qualifications were very "ordinary."

It sounds like your brother could bring a lot to the classroom so I would imagine despite the age there will be demand for his services. But, he could definately have problems working with older Koreans because of Korean thinking and concerns about age. High Schoolers and younger, there shouldn't be any problem.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

If he has a pulse and a degree, they'll find him a position. No worries!

mnhnhyouh · Joined: 21 Nov 2006 Location: The Middle Kingdom

as-ian · Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Location: Busan, South Korea

I thank you all for your responses!

I too thought his background would help him, but you never know sometimes. Luckily he is used to be the youngest at whatever he is doing (such as teaching uni staff computer literacy as well as high school). But again, thanks for all your view points! ^^

esetters21 · Joined: 30 Apr 2006 Location: Seoul

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

He has a BA, and he's 20?

How'd he manage that?

paquebot · Joined: 20 Jun 2007 Location: Northern Gyeonggi-do

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

I don't believe in such accelerated programs. Especially where they are only afforded to a few individuals in one area. Generally, frumpy areas where people with money can influence and bend rules of local educational systems to be "better" than those around them.

I'd hope that if he graduated from a university at 20, he'd be making more use of it, and furthering his education. Perhaps a Masters by 22?

as-ian · Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Location: Busan, South Korea

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

[quote="bassexpander"]He has a BA, and he's 20?

How'd he manage that?[/quote]

MAYBE you are 20 with a BA, but many others teaching in Korea are 19-21 with shady academic credentials. I've already worked with someone from Calgary who was 21 and claimed to have a bachelor's degree, and couldn't write a complete sentence. Rolling Eyes

Ilsanman · Joined: 15 Aug 2003 Location: Bucheon, Korea

I think if he is really that smart, he can do better.

kat2 · Joined: 25 Oct 2005 Location: Busan, South Korea

I was 20 when I came to Korea the first time. I didn't have any serious trouble finding a job. Since he already has experience, he should have no problem. He'll have to get used to being bossed around byeveryone, since age is so important here. I also would suggest he not tell his students his true age. I had more problems being a woman, than being young. He'll be fine.