Korean Job Discussion Forums

Rumple · Joined: 19 Sep 2007

I know threads like this have been posted before, but the search function is crapping out again...

Anyway, I've decided I'm not going to renew the contract I'm currently under, which expires Oct. 1. I'd like to go back home for a little while if possible (couple weeks), but then I'd like to return to a uni job within 2 hours (by train or bus) of Busan (or IN Busan if possible).

Here's what I've got: An M.Ed. in Counselor Education, a BA with a minor in English, two years teaching experience in Korea (one year teaching TOEFL, one teaching government employees), and some writing credentials (academic article here, academic book chapter there, but none about English).

Is that sufficient to land a university job? Not a unigwan, but a 12-15 hour a week teaching position? If not, what do you recommend I try for instead? I'll likely never work at a hagwan again, now that I've tasted the sweet, sweet, nectar of non-hagwan work.

And if it IS sufficient to land a uni job, when do I need to start looking? Would it be helpful to scope out a few I like, pop in wearing a suit, and introduce myself, saying that I'm interested in teaching there if a position comes open? I can take a job starting Oct 1, or I can wait (a couple months if necessary) for something to open up.

Hyeon Een · Joined: 24 Jun 2005

Rumple · Joined: 19 Sep 2007

Wow, thanks. I didn't know if I specifically needed an MA in TESOL or not...

Now I just need to learn how to say "department" in Korean, so I can say "Where is the English department?" Is it likely the secretaries there will speak English? My Korean is better than most two-year residents (i.e. I can make some sentences with simple grammar structures), but certainly not good enough to say "Hi, I was in the area, and I'd like to meet an English professor here, because I'm very interested in possibly coming to work here one day."

Hyeon Een · Joined: 24 Jun 2005

kermo · Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2008 3:26 pm Post subject:

English Department = 영어과

Scott in Incheon · Joined: 30 Aug 2004

Your own problem will be the timing. I work at a uni and we only hired teachers to start at the beginning of each semester. That means you have to ready to work by September...too early in your case...or in March...which is too late.

The only saving grace might be if the uni has a winter program or camp that might allow you to start earlier...sometime in late Dec or early Jan...and that is a big 'if.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

You now have all the information you need. Find a school and apply. Go there in person and meet some people.

The downside is that univerisities in Pusan, especially PNU, pay for crap. Still, if that's where you want to be, you'll find something.

Find out where the English teachers hang out. Seriously. Go to their regular pub and find out what you can about the job.

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

It's nearly impossible to land a uni job from afar without a face-to-face interview, in my experience.

Kenny Kimchee · Joined: 12 May 2003

Department of General Studies is 교양과 ; I teach Freshman English and electives in this department.

Here's a list of Korean universities:

http://www.answers.com/topic/list-of-colleges-and-universities-in-south-korea

I agree with others that:

a) It definitely helps to know someone; failing that...

b) Cold-calling is the way to go. I've read in several "find a job" books that the best time to go to a company is right when they're starting to think about hiring someone (but before they put the actual ad out). Most universities begin advertising in November/December, so you'd be perfectly positioned to get in ahead of the game.

Prepare a bunch of application packets with: CV, references, cover letter, photocopies of degrees and transcripts, photocopy of passport, passport photo, etc. The Beaver made a good post on how to make a more comprehensive portfolio, so you can search the archives for that if you really want to do it up.

Rock up in your suit with packet in hand. Smile and don't get discouraged by surly secretaries or rude/haughty English instructors.

As others have said your biggest obstacle is the timing. You finish your contract in October, the ads come out in November and December, interviews are usually in December and January, the job starts on March 1st - that's a lot of time to kill. It would be a good idea to see if you can extend your contract until late-February with your current employer or find another one who will sign you to a short contract.

Good luck!

Hanson · Joined: 20 Oct 2004

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=6586

Rumple · Joined: 19 Sep 2007

Wanted to follow up on this since so many people were nice enough to give their opinions.

I put together a bound folder containing my CV, Philosophy of Teaching, Sample Lesson Plan, and a bunch of other materials. I paid attention to the little things: I glued a nice professional color photo to each resume in the upper right corner, used good paper, etc.

I sent them to 10 universities in and aroundDaejeon, 7 of which I visited cold. Of those, half seemed annoyed to have to talk to me, and the other half were very gracious. I was called to interview at 3 places (none of the annoyed ones), attended interviews at two, then just as I was going to sign with one, another uni called me and said "If we send you a contract, will you sign it?" I told them I'd like to visit and talk to someone first. I went, talked to the department head, looked around, and liked everything, so I signed there. 4 months paid vacation, 2 million won base plus overtime, 15 hours a week of classes.

After I signed and sent in my paperwork, three more unis called me to interview me or offer me a job. One of them were one of the ones who acted annoyed. They called me less than 4 weeks from the starting date. Ridiculous.

Anyway, thank you to everyone. I've been teaching a week and a half now. I have a personal office bigger than the owner of the hagwan I used to work at (I have a couch, conference table with 6 chairs, a computer desk, and an executive-type desk, plus a sink). I have a departmental secretary that I share with 3 other professors who speaks great English, will internet shop for me if I give her the cash now, makes me coffee and refuses to let me make my own copies even if I try.

Basically I'm in heaven, so thanks again!

Hootsmon · Joined: 22 Jan 2008

Pyongshin Sangja · Joined: 20 Apr 2003 Location: I love baby!

Kimchieluver · Joined: 02 Mar 2005

KoreanAmbition · Joined: 03 Feb 2008

What are you teaching?

In your original post you said you didn't want to work at unigwan teaching 12-15 hours a week. But you just said up above you're teaching 15 hours a week. And similar to Kimchieluver I'm curious how you did with compensation.

Congrats on the job. Sounds like you have a great working environment and a nice set of vacation time. Smile