Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tob55]

No problem, just trying to get the word out on some of the more affordable options for people here and around the world. There are several good programs, and it makes sense to give proper attention to the programs that are in the industry to actually help people who want and need training.

As a trained educator with more than 2 decades of teaching experience, I wish everyone would take a look at bettering themselves in some way. You help teach in this country as well as other countries. The students you work with deserve to have someone instructing them that at least has some clue regarding the principles, philospohy, and methodology of classroom education. This is what any worthwhile TEFL/TESL/TESOL training program should be offering to their patrons.

[pandapanda]

Could I get a PM too!

[tob55]

With all of the uproar connected to the new E2 regs, some of the TEFL/TESL/TESOL programs will soon find it somewhat difficult to offer their programs in Korea without being licensed and registered through the government and recognized by the local POEs. Having talked to a few reps from some of the regional POEs within the last couple of days they are really beginning to ask questions about the legal status of different programs. This step will force some of the programs that have operated under the radar to come clean about what they offer and how they are validated as a legitimate training program. Just wanted to mention this as an FYI to those who are considering a training program in the near future.

It makes good sense in a way, because the programs that have been making claims about their legal status will be forced to make a decision about whether or not they want to continue operating illegally or do the right thing and legally register their program in the country.

[ddeubel]

tob55

Have you ever thought of or know if there exists, a chart which compares all the various TEFL courses/providers?

This would be invaluable to many people and a good start at clearing the air. If you know of one or would like to start developing one, maybe a wiki would be a good idea for input....I'd like to get my hands on one..

DD

[tob55]

I have been checking out several forums and websites that offer basic info, but it is really hard to put your hands on any definitive information. I am trying to make some connections, but the providers on the whole are generally unwilling to share any information other than what they list on their business websites. I will continue checking and should have a fact sheet put together within the next couple of weeks hopefully. Of course, this in itself will be difficult as there are more than 300 training providers around the world currently offering their services. Thanks for the suggestion, and I will keep working on getting the information out soon.

[Ut videam]

tob55,

Could I get a PM about TEFL certification programs? Thanks in advance!

[tob55]

Many people will have some free time during the month of January and should consider looking into the possibility of training. It is a good time to catch up on the issues and get prepared for the upcoming new school year. Dave's provides a large list of training providers that can be found here on the website.

[AwesomeA]

I just finished the KEI course. It was an excellent course. Quite a bit better than the last one I tried. You can get your work done in a fair amount of time if you are diligent or inspired.

[PGF]

[AwesomeA]

I did the 100 hour course.

[spliff]

[tob55]

With the recent immigration changes regarding E2 folks, the pay and category increase will come into play, but to what extent is yet to be known. IF a program is checked out and validated at the local POE the pay and level increase have been taking place with no issue or concern. Questions have been raised about what the GEPIK contracts allow for, but 99.9% of the people haven't even had to blink an eye to receive their pay and level increase.

Now, with the new immigration regs in place, people are beginning to wonder how the training will affect them overall. It would be nice if the training carried more significance with respect to other concerns, but unfortunately the issue of having to get criminal background checks and go through all the headaches of verifying credentials numerous times is really turning people off in a big way. Nevertheless, having some kind of professional development training will serve to benefit people regardless of their decision to stay in Korea or to move on and find work in a different country.

What would be nice was a central resource that provided Korean immigration with a database of records for foreign nationals working in this country. I read in many places that Korea is one of the most wired countries, and they do in fact have a wonderful retrieval system for the 47+ million nationals in this country. You would think they could come up with a system that would provide information for the 17,000+ foreign teachers they have working in this country. It makes a lot of sense to me and others, but immigration for some unknown and illogical reason hasn't caught on to the idea yet.

[AwesomeA]

[tob55]

Thanks AwesomeA,

The clarification was welcomed.

[Allen]

Bump...(a good resource)

Tob, send me a PM with info too please.

Allen