Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Sapa]

Is it really worth �1000 just to go to Korea for one year to teach children english?

I was going to take the CELTA course before going to Korea but am now considering whether it is actually worth it for me. I have heard it is pretty brutal and the cost of the course itself is a factor, as is the 4 week timescale. My plan is to go to Korea for one year only. I was thinking I could always take the CELTA at a later date if I enjoy my year's teaching and want to pursue it.
Anyway, my main reason for wanting to take the course is really just to gain confidence with the teaching practice aspect of it. I dont want to turn up in Korea and just get thrown into the lion's den without having a clue. I understand I can gain alot of good information by reading some books (J. Harmer, Scrivener etc.), but what about the practice?
Has anyone done any of those weekend courses with companies like i-to-i? Apparantly at the end of each day you have a little bit of teaching practice. Are they any other alternatives to these 4 week courses that can give you a bit of hands-on experience?

Thanks

[oskinny1]

Only 1 year? Don't get the CELTA. Not sure about i-to-i but they do charge you to get you a job...that is crap, you can get a job here for free.

I worked at a public school for 2.3 mil won a month and saved 15 million over the year. You need to think if it is worth it.

[Sapa]

no not interested in trying to find a job with i-to-i just wondering what those weekend courses are like.

I would more than likely make the money and save what I initially would have to pay for the course, but really is it worth going through all that stress when all I want is a bit of confidence to teach.

[Whistleblower]

Before I came to Korea, I done an Intensive TEFL Course with one of the main course providers in the UK. It was an insight into teaching and got me thinking about how to prepare classes but it was very limited.

I would recommend that you read up on teaching rather than actually going through a short two day course. You can also check on the internet to find out more information about teaching. The book I recommend is:

Learning Teaching by Jim Scrivener.

I also recommend that you read more articles on this website:

www.teachingenglish.org.uk

The short course was alright but not really what I wanted in the end. I did get a small certificate and was able to negotiate a better salary. However, after one year of teaching in Korea I decided to do a CELTA Course in Korea and was 100 times better than the intensive course. I would recommend that you do a CELTA Course if you wish to continue teaching after one year. It will provide a more information and education into English teaching to Adult students in the EFL industry.

Good luck and do what you think is right. It is the only way to learn.