Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sandcmoeller925]

I am a Korean-American who spoke Korean for 9 years and now speak English fluently. I no longer speak Korean (I was adopted by an American family at the age of 9 and was no longer exposed to the language). I am starting to re-learn the language...do I have a better chance of finding a job if I am bi-lingual? Or does that not matter? I am afraid of how long it might take me to relearn Korean and am thinking - what better place to relearn than in Korea? But maybe I should spend time to relearn first before looking for a job? Anyone have any advice or insight? Thanks!

[crsandus]

I'd skip out on delaying your trip in order to learn Korean. I think you should learn as much Korean as possible before getting a job for obviously reasons but waiting to have a certain level of Korean proficiency before leaving may be for naught. I have found that Korean is a pain in the butt language to learn if you don't have sufficient resources around you. Heck, plenty of people find the language a pain in the butt to learn even while in Korea.

Oh, if you haven't been to Korea since you were adopted, it's an amazing feeling to walk down a street and feel completely anonymous. You almost feel like an enemy agent on a spy mission. Sorry for that analogy but that's how *I* feel most of the time.

[Ya-ta Boy]

You don't need to be bi-lingual to land a teaching job in the kinds of jobs most of us have here. Many (most?) would discourage you from speaking Korean in class.

However, once you are bilingual, there are lots of jobs available, especially if you are ethnic Korean. Think jobs (not teaching) for major corporations and the government.

For a person in your position, I'd suggest coming for a year or so, learn Korean while supporting yourself with teaching, then look at other opportunities. No matter what, you will have increased your education, your life experiences, had some adventures and re-connected to your country of birth.

Whatever you decide, good luck.

[sandcmoeller925]

Thanks guys for the advice and words of encouragement. I've been been anxious and excited to go to Korea soon but was hesitant about the timing. I did think giving myself some time to relearn Korean would give me an advantage but I'm starting to explore the idea of learning while I'm there. By the way - Crsandsus - thanks for the thread you suggested in the other post. That was also very helpful.

Random question - what is the diffference between a Kyopo and Gyopo?

[Pak Yu Man]

Come here and work. Where are you going to learn Korean faster? In America or Korea?