Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Sadebugo1]

Maybe this has been discussed before. I just read an article on the EL Gazette Online about a proposal for all native speakers to have an MA or better by 2009 in order to teach languages. Lee Ju-Ho, the head of the president's education policy team, is the individual who proposed this and legislation is being considered. Does anyone believe this will fly and even if it did, wouldn't this create a supply problem for teachers in Korea?

Sadebugo
Djibouti, Horn of Africa
http://travldawrld.blogspot.com/

[Hank the Iconoclast]

If this was the case, there would be nobody teaching here. They don't pay enough to attract those with MAs here.

[Pyongshin Sangja]

The same presidential transition team that wanted the Korean language to be taught in English to all Korean school kids by 2010? Relax, it's just electioneering.

[Bibbitybop]

There are 30,000 job openings a year for ESL teachers and 20,000 teachers. Cut out all those how don't have a Masters degree. Sound reasonable?

[oskinny1]

An MA for native speakers vs. an afternoon skimming a poorly written "English" book for Korean English teachers. Sounds fair to me.

[indytrucks]

Provided they adjusted the pay scale accordingly, and had a bit of common sense about it (e.g. considering people with B.Eds or PGCE or a relevant degree), it sounds like a great idea.

[Otherside]

Last week they were saying they were going to allow people with associate (2year) degrees to teach. Also, didn't they say they would encourage undergraduate students of Korean heritage or majoring in Asian studies to teach in rural areas. Now they are saying everyone must have a Masters degree.

Next month, they'll be talking about allowing High school graduates to teach on the one hand, while having a plan to hire only teachers with a pHD to teach by 2010.

What happened to the plan to open up the e-2 visa to other countries (India, The Phillipines etc)?

I get the feeling that the education ministry is pretty clueless, and every month they throw out a few ideas and are waiting for the public to give them direction.

An MA degree to work in a public elementary school as a English teaching assistant, the word "overqualified" comes to mind.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

[Trespasser]

I highly doubt it. Check it out this link: http://talk.mest.go.kr/


What is the program about?

The 'TaLK' program invites undergraduate students to 'Teach English on Korean Government Scholarship'. The program is sponsored by the Korean Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. Participants will teach English in after-school classes of Korean elementary schools at rural areas.

Term Teaching activities last for six months or one year, starting July 2008.


Who can apply?

Those who fulfill the following requirements are eligible :

1. Overseas Korean residents or English native speakers
2. Undergraduate students who have completed two or more years of university education


How do students participate?

Over a 4~6 week orientation program prior to the official term of teaching, participants will get an opportunity to learn about Korea and acquire basic teaching skills.
An orientation program include Understanding Korea, Life in Korea, English teaching methodology, Classroom management, etc.
If necessary, additional training courses will be available.

Participants will teach practical English (speaking, listening, and writing) in after-school classes of elementary schools at rural areas, by forming one-to-one working partnerships with selected Korean participants.

Participants will teach 15 hours per week from Monday to Friday (5 days a week/ 3 hours per day) and are not required to work on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays of the Republic of Korea.


What are the program's benefits?

This is a fabulous opportunity for undergraduate students to experience and understand Korea, while teaching English to Korean students who seek greater exposure to the language.

Round-trip airfare
Return tickets will not be provided for unfulfilled contract terms

Accommodation Home stay or personal accommodation

Allowance Approximately 1.5 million Korean won [about 1.550 USD] per month

Opportunities for new cultural experiences and Korean language acquisition
Using the weekends and other free time, participants may enjoy cultural experience programs including travel, traditional Korean arts and music, etc

Pride of being a Korean Government Scholar
A 'Korean Government Scholarship' certificate will be presented to each participant

Unique addition to students' career development
The program offers an invaluable career experience and improves the participants' CV

Establishing an alumni network
With fellow participants, more visits and invitations will be made to Korea for further exchanges

[yeremy]

In theory and practice, it is the standard in the US but they'll have trouble instituting it right away. If the Korean government starts this even in 2009, it could easily decimate the EFL industry in Korea because they're really having trouble in hiring now. Don't hold your breath. Wait and see. There are some merits to it, but it is probably too early.

[Hank the Iconoclast]

I am going to start my MA in 2009 and I am getting married to my Korean fiance this August. I would say it would be bad for a lot of us here if they all of a sudden say that our BA and other qualifications aren't sufficient.

It's good for the MA holders. Of course, those who have a MA will fail to sympathize with those that don't. It's a rather big decision to your MA in TESOL.

[meangradin]

I think the op is refering to previous comments that University teachers must have a Masters Degree in the future. There was no mention of PS or hogwon teachers being required to have these standards.

[Bryan]

[aarontendo]

I finish my MA at the end of 2009. Bring it on!

[Atavistic]