Korean Job Discussion Forums

johnco · Joined: 05 Jan 2007 Location: The Planet

I'm from Melbourne and am considering returning to Sth Korea. I was there in 2000-2002 when the education system was largely unregulated and a lot of cavaliers were operating schools.

I returned to Uni and did a Grad Dip in TESOL; it was not a stroll in an English garden. I am curious to know if Koreans still have the same attitude to accents as was the case when I was there. Then Koreans still had a preference for rhotic (Canadian and American accents). I am curious to know if Aussie teachers are in demand or not.

I am looking for a job in a reputable school. Preferably the public school system. My qualifications meet Australian and international benchmarks to teach ESL anywhere in any ESL related context. If any of you guys are looking for a fellow professional Aussie Teacher to work at your school, hit me up.

I was thinking of China, but the wages are so low when you compare the RMB money exchange rate to Australia. With 8000 RMB a month what do you expect to remit to Australia.

Korea offers some opportunity to make money and save, which is a reason I am thinking of returning. All opinions are appreciated. Thanks.

JJ

diablo3 · Joined: 11 Sep 2004

Same old, same old. Nothing has changed.

However, only a minority of schools look for US/Canadian accents.

Your salary in Korea will still bring you a long way. Remember though, if you think of sending money home, the Aussie dollar is strong now. You can go to Korea hoping during the year that the dollar will fall in value.

You can also look at similar paying countries which will buy you more dollars if you are interested.

There will be no surprises for you if you go back to Korea.

Stormy · Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Location: Here & there

I was told when I first arrived that the school "would have preferred an American". Nice welcome.

Since then no dramas, although the accent difference does arise from time to time. Today one of the key words for the lesson was 'dinner'. One of the kids parroted back to me 'dinnah' (phonetically speaking) & sounded so like an Aussie kid I cracked up.

I then amended my pronunciation to 'dinner' instead. I also no longer say 'barnarnars' or 'glarsses'. I try to limit the drawl & go for 'global speak'.

When I get home I'll have lost a lot of my accent & will be the laughing stock of the town. Embarassed

Scott in Incheon · Joined: 30 Aug 2004

You have missed the September intake, but you could apply for the NET program in Hong Kong. Sometimes they need people midterm...but if you are not in a rush you could wait for next year.

sojourner1 · Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 3:54 am Post subject:

No, you haven't missed the September intake, they're still hiring in the EPIK program. Oh, yes, Aussies are doing great in EPIK PS. I know teachers from Australia and they are very happy people. I'm in Gangwon-do. An Aussie couple I know of in Gangwon-do are area coordinators on top of teaching and absolutely are having a good time. PM me if you want their contact info. Recruiters such as Korean Horizons are great for EPIK now.

Scott in Incheon · Joined: 30 Aug 2004

Sorry...the Sept intake of the NET program...I was suggesting that he not come to Korea, but try for a NET position.

Bigfeet · Joined: 29 May 2008 Location: Grrrrr.....

The world would be a very boring place if everybody sounded like an American or Canadian.

johnco · Joined: 05 Jan 2007 Location: The Planet

Sojourner, I can not PM you according to the rules of this board as I have posted insufficiently to PM anyone. I use to post on this board in 2000-2002, some things have changed on this board. Could you PM me with your e-mail, then I will e-mail you with my professional details so they can be passed on to the Aussie coordinators of EPIK in Gangwondo.

I know Korea is not the best place to work; but if I can land on a good job that recognises qualified teachers, and not accents, then I will consider my options as I am still hedging my bets.

Thanks

JJ