Korean Job Discussion Forums

fozziejr2 · Joined: 05 May 2008 Location: soon to be korea (august 08)

So I just finished my teaching program at Michigan State University, and I have the itch to travel and live rather than settle into some US public school job. I have been warned by others though that if I start my career abroad it might be harder to get a teaching job when I get back. I have been told numerous times to at least teach in the states at least 1 year before I go abroad. BUT I DONT WANT TO. Also, the other difficulty is that when my year contract it up it will be late August 2009, and most schools in the states will have already started again (if I come back).

I was just wondering what you all think about this. Do you think teaching ESL abroad (Korea specially) looks bad back at home? Is it seen as a cop-out job, or does it signify that you are a dynamic individual as many other teachers would not be willing or able to do the same? I would really hate to shoot myself in the foot before I get started. A tough question, but something I can't gauge until I would do it.

Lekker · Joined: 09 Feb 2008 Location: Seoul

Being an American myself and having been here for over two years now, I can see where you are coming from. You are about to be set free into the world, and you want to make your mark as soon as possible. Slow down. I was thinking the same thing before I came out here the first time. When I went back to the states for the first time I was able to look at everyone else who had never left. They all stayed the same. I had changed. My perspective on the world was broadened. Everyone else was too caught up in themselves, trying to out materialize the other guy.

"Oh, well I just leased a new car and live in an 800.00 apartment in the center of town, but I'm broke and I work 45-50 hours a week. And you were off in China? Asia? What? Where is Korea? Isn't that a communist country?"

"Yeah, well I worked less than you in Seoul, am in great physical shape because the food ain't so bad for you, and I have saved a couple grand in a few months that I was able to put away towards a car that I actually own and I still have enough money saved up. Peace out, I'm moving to Alaska for a year to work outdoors, camp, go fishing, and have fun. Have fun spending the next few decades in that cubicle with that career that you aspired to achieve." Funny, I ended up back here when it got cold.

I think you should do what you want to do and don't worry about what people think. If you want to become a teacher, there are plenty of opportunities out here. The experience on your resume looks great. If you have the ambition to get onto a plane and walk into something completely different, then go for it. Don't worry about what other people in your University think. They will be busy trying to make ends meet while you'll have an opportunity to save up, pay back, or do whatever you want, like take a vacation to Thailand or Malaysia or somewhere cool like that. Keep your guard up because there are dishonest people out here who will try to milk you for all you are worth.

jdog2050 · Joined: 17 Dec 2006

kangnam mafioso · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Location: Teheranno

Scotticus · Joined: 18 Mar 2007

OiGirl · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: Hoke-y-gun

What kind of teacher would you be in the US?

I have never found overseas teaching experience to be a detriment when looking for ESL teaching work in the US. I worked abroad for two years after graduation before returning to the US.

Other fields may differ. If you have your initial license, make sure you are doing what is necessary to keep it active.

jdog2050 · Joined: 17 Dec 2006

Cornfed · Joined: 14 Mar 2008

The basic thrust of the original post seems right, as teaching ESL would probably be a bad idea in the event that you had some other rewarding and lucrative career to go to, given that the only career path after ESL seems to be more ESL. In terms of worrying that it might keep you from teaching at a public school in any Western country, that seems a bit like worrying that might keep you from getting cancer.

Grab the Chickens Levi · Joined: 29 Apr 2008 Location: Ilsan

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Get a public school job over here, then. What could be a better resume pumper for a teacher?

It'll be good experience for you, and you'll be able to pay off loans and bank for your MA (isn't that still mandatory for teachers in the US?).

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Ah, but the downside of not knocking out your certification and MA, and of not getting a year or two US experience is that you won't be able to go for jobs in foreign schools here, and you won't be qualified to apply for excellent jobs in Hong Kong's NET program.

Every cloud as a silver lining. If all you want to do is knock out a year or two in Asia before you grind out a career in the US, and you want to do it NOW, then Korea is as good a place as any.

sargx · Joined: 29 Nov 2007

Go abroad, you won't have any problems getting a job when you come back.

Atavistic · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 5:13 pm Post subject:

Pay attention to what Pragic said. He made a great point.

I taught in the States for three years before coming here, which was great for my certificate as I can basically move it to any state with reciprocity with no problem (3 years is the general requirement). I also knocked out my M. Ed. while teaching and that got me more pay there and here.

I taught elementary school in the States and don't think my two years here will be a problem at all, as most states have shortages (especially in junior high and high school). In fact, because of my experiences here, I've decided to pursue ESL education in the States.

Finally, you don't have to start a public school position in August/September only. And it's not just horrible jobs that are available mid-year, either. Most programs have problems finding enough teachers.

You're a certified educator, which means you have your pick, BUT the extra pay HERE will GENERALLY only come if you have experience BACK HOME.

haute 4 teacher · Joined: 19 Nov 2007

I had 7 years experience teaching in America. Not one international school in South America would give me the time of day because I didn't have international experience.

So now I'm at an international school here. I went to the EARCOS conference in April and everyone I talked to said that American experience doesn't count AND VICE VERSA. Teachers said that they have had problems going between the two. However, most of these people have been international for 5-10 years, during which time the teaching climate has changed in America.

Also, if you work for an accredited school your year here may count for a year on the salary scale of wherever you plan to work in America. Not so a hogwan.

If you are a certified teacher and want to take the chance, wait until the last minute openings in July and August. As long as you're not picky you will get a job at an International school (though probably not in Korea).

Don't cringe at signing a 2 year contract. No point in coming if you only plan on staying for a year.

In a hagwon you just show up and do your job. Teaching, however, requires MUCH more planning and preparation. Something to consider.

Finally, you will be much more rewarded working at an international school over a hagwon. Better hours, 2-3 months vacation, more respect and MEANINGFUL experience for a beginning teacher.

Good luck

H4T