Korean Job Discussion Forums

[nlb65]

Hi,

I'm currently looking into staying in Korea longer. If I do so I would like to get a University job. I've got a managment and languages degree from a good University in England. I was at a Hagwon for 6months and am finishing a year at a public school. I have also done a fair few "extra" Business lessons (I have testimonials and references).

I don't have an MA though. I've been told they are quite important when it comes to getting a Uni job. I've been looking into doing an MA Tesol via distance or on campus in Korea. What would help me get a University job the most? Should I do an on campus MA in korea? Do one via distance? Would I better off working at an Adult institute like Wall street (getting more officical experience) and doing a distance MA?

I really have little clue what a University is looking for in it's recruitment process and what qualifications I need.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

[ceesgetdegrees]

It's not what you know, it's who you know.

[nomad-ish]

[Thiuda]

Do a search on this topic, your question has been answered in-depth in several previous threads.

No, you don't need an MA to teach at a university, though if you wish to garner one of the better jobs it is helpful/necessary. Connections are good, though they're certainly not as important as previous posters have suggested. More important is being able to put together a good CV, wearing a suit to the interview...common sense stuff. Also, rather than applying at a university in Seoul, Busan, or any of the other major urban centres, apply at places in more rural locales; they have a harder time finding well qualified candidates and are often willing to give non-MA holders a position. Oh, and colleges often don't require MAs, and may offer better benefits than universities, so don't limit yourself to uni jobs.

Doing a distance MA while in Korea is a good idea, especially if you're planning on staying for a while, or if you're going to make language teaching your career.

[Milwaukiedave]

I did it with no connections, but then again luck may have played into it a bit.

I recently started at a university and have an MBA. The university that hired me was specifically looking for someone like me to not only teach regular English courses (which I do half of the time), but also help improve the English skills of those who teach in the MBA program. I work with professors both one on one and in a group setting.

It's not impossible, you just need to keep your options open in terms of where you want to teach.