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michalola
Joined: 07 Jun 2008 Location: Berlin, Germany
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Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 3:20 am Post subject: TALK Program... |
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Hi,
Could anyone give me their personal experiences with the TALK program? I hear conflicting things about it...
Thanks |
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cruisemonkey

Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Location: Hopefully, the same place as my luggage.
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Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 3:50 am Post subject: |
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Nobody has any experience with it.
It doesn't start until this August. |
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Ramen
Joined: 15 Apr 2008
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Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 2:17 pm Post subject: |
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I can't wait to hear all the horror stories of TALK program. |
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pkang0202

Joined: 09 Mar 2007
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Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 8:19 pm Post subject: |
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For a University student, its a good program. Think about it, this is a guaranteed internship/scholarship overseas. The only requirement is you be Korean descent and be in University.
You don't pay anything out of pocket. Look at other traveling abroad options available to students. You have to pay up the ass.
When you look at the program from OUR perspective of being a graduate, then this program sounds ridiculous. If you look at it from the point of view as a college student then its a great opportunity.
I wish they had this program when I was in university. I would've done it, and when I graduated University and applied to jobs, I would've had something unique on my resume that employers would ask about.
Also, this program could get people interested in ESL, and change their majors or pursue a major in TESOL. Maybe they'll jsut register for a TESOL/TEFL certification course at their University. Either way, it gives people experience that is useful. |
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cruisemonkey

Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Location: Hopefully, the same place as my luggage.
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Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 8:26 pm Post subject: |
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pkang0202 wrote: |
The only requirement is you be Korean descent and be in University. |
WTF are you smoking? |
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tigerbluekitty
Joined: 19 Apr 2007
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Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 8:41 pm Post subject: |
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Who the hell wants to do one month unpaid training? For Americans, taxes from the U.S. govt.
Keep in mind their monthly utility bills, especially during the wintertime.  |
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pkang0202

Joined: 09 Mar 2007
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Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 1:26 am Post subject: |
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cruisemonkey wrote: |
pkang0202 wrote: |
The only requirement is you be Korean descent and be in University. |
WTF are you smoking? |
Ah...My bad. I thought, due to Korea VISA rules, that TALK participants would only be eligible to those that can get F4 visas.
They wouldn't be on E2's since you need a Bachelor's degree to qualify for E2 visa. Is there a special VISA that will be given to TALK candidates? Or will they be given Student visas?
If this is open to all University students then I think its a great program. how many opportunities did YOU have at University to travel abroad, get teaching experience, AND get paid where you didn't have to pay a dime. |
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cruisemonkey

Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Location: Hopefully, the same place as my luggage.
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Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 1:39 am Post subject: |
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Of course they can be on an E-2... and an F-4... and an F-2.
It's a thinly disguised 'scholarship' in name only. It's real purpose is to get naive, native English speakers into rural areas they wouldn't have a hope in hell of placing anybody that knows what's going on. |
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pecan
Joined: 01 Jul 2004
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Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 3:40 am Post subject: |
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I have seen the schedule, and the training and activities are going to be quite good. No doubt, TALK truly understands what a good training program needs to include:
1) Two weeks in Cheju-do and two weeks on the mainland ( it has a nice balance to it and provides the "scholars" with an opportunity to explore Korea and learn how to do their job successfully)
2) A complete series of practical lesson preparation activities and exercises with one of the most talented teachers in Korea (2 solid days)...no dog and pony show stuff, but the real deal
3) The list goes on...
Lots of cynics here to be sure, but this program will be what the "scholars" make it, nothing more and nothing less (with good people, it will be a good program).
I hope it is a success.
-Nut |
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cruisemonkey

Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Location: Hopefully, the same place as my luggage.
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Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 4:00 am Post subject: |
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pecan,
When did you start working for TaLK... and what is your position? I sense a vested interest in your posts. |
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pecan
Joined: 01 Jul 2004
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Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 5:03 am Post subject: |
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I just happen to be in the loop, as some former colleagues are involved with the program.
Like I said, I hope it serves its purpose and becomes a win-win for both sides.
-Nut |
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Draz

Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Location: Land of Morning Clam
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Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 6:24 am Post subject: |
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pkang0202 wrote: |
If this is open to all University students then I think its a great program. how many opportunities did YOU have at University to travel abroad, get teaching experience, AND get paid where you didn't have to pay a dime. |
None. It's why I'd never been outside of the country before coming to Korea.
I would have done it, but my advice now to anyone would be to graduate first, then teach in Korea. You're more valuable with a degree, so you have more leverage and control over what happens to you. |
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Young FRANKenstein

Joined: 02 Oct 2006 Location: Castle Frankenstein (that's FRONKensteen)
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Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 7:44 am Post subject: |
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cruisemonkey wrote: |
Of course they can be on an E-2... and an F-4... and an F-2. |
E2. Not without a degree.
F4. Not without being of Korean descent.
F2. Not without a Korean spouse.
What about C-series visas, like for camps. they're temporary enough for TaLK. |
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Bryan
Joined: 29 Oct 2007
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Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 8:08 am Post subject: |
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Young FRANKenstein wrote: |
cruisemonkey wrote: |
Of course they can be on an E-2... and an F-4... and an F-2. |
E2. Not without a degree.
F4. Not without being of Korean descent.
F2. Not without a Korean spouse.
What about C-series visas, like for camps. they're temporary enough for TaLK. |
I will teach as part of a "scholarship" and will be on a D-2 university visa. |
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cruisemonkey

Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Location: Hopefully, the same place as my luggage.
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Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 9:36 am Post subject: |
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TaLk is not temporary, the contracts will be either six months or one year. |
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