Korean Job Discussion Forums

hang10

How you all going there. Well i just thought it would be a good idea to use the wealth of info you guys have been stacking up.

I have already done a year in a Nasty Hagwon in small town korea. I have been back at home now for over 6 months and well its time to do it all again!

This time i just dont know what to do? I mean korea sucks culture wise but rules on money. I heard japan is good fun, but very expensive?

Taiwan i just dont know? Please give me your thoughts. I mean i 'll probably end up in Korea again, but if anyone has been else where and had a good time let me know!

Thanks again.

H10.

Ronald · Joined: 14 Feb 2007

I recommend you go check out Japan if you can. The cost of living maybe be more expensive, but you're quality of LIFE will be more sustainable. There are ways around Japans expenses once you get the hang of it as well.

Of course if you enjoy drinking and partying, then Korea will be better for. Not that the nightlife is better in Korea, but you will not be able to get by with that lifestyle in Japan on a teacher's salary.

I hear Taiwan is worth a visit. It's a little too small for me though.

A2Steve · Joined: 10 Nov 2007

Korea vs Japan in teaching is like money vs prestige in Golf. In golf they say "DRIVE FOR SHOW, PUTT FOR DOUGH."

Teaching in Korea is like having a good putting game.

Tobias · Joined: 02 Jun 2008

You know you're returning here. Go ahead and say it.

Another former teacher returning to the fold. Is it just me, or do a lot of those who leave vowing 'never to return' come back within 6 months to do it all again?

hang10 · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 7:27 am Post subject:

Dam your right, I am so stupid thanks for making my mind up Japan here I come!!!!!!!!!!!

mountainous · Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Location: Los Angeles

I suggest CHINA or any other country, it's great to see the world.

Tobias · Joined: 02 Jun 2008

China's out, if Jim's ESL News can be trusted. Seems of late, China is issuing 30-day visas to teachers, and that is the longest they get.

Stay tuned, as this does sound like something unworkable. Maybe it's something that's valid just during the games. Don't know yet.

Sadebugo1 · Joined: 11 May 2003

I totally agree with you. I spent four years in Korea in the '90s when I was working on my own contract to contract. Last year, the government sent me to Japan for a six-month stint. From what I saw in Japan, I regretted that I had wasted my time in Korea all those years and not spent them in Japan. There really is no comparison, the society/culture in Japan is so much more advanced.

Sadebugo
http://travldawrld.blogspot.com/

vexed · Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Location: Daegu

Well, this page has some good information; I'm not sure how old it is, and thus how relevant it is today:

http://www.geocities.com/esl_korea/TaiwanvsKoreavsJapan.html

I'm in the same situation. I did 14 months in Korea, and after 5/6 months off I'm looking to head back to that side of the world again. I should have CELTA certificate by then, plus a English summer camp job to add to my CV - although I don't know whether that means I'll get a better job?

I can't decide between the three Asian powerhouses of Korea, Japan and Taiwan.

I'd love to here some arguments for and against the various countries. Anyone got any opinions to throw into the pot?

spencer23 · Joined: 25 Jan 2007

I have taught a year in Korea and am now teaching in Taiwan. In my experience living and teaching in Taiwan is far better. The money here is good but make sure that you take a job that pays hourly rather than monthly because u can earn a lot more.

There are many jobs available here but like Korea there are good places to work and bad places to work. The advantage that Taiwan has over Korea that it is far easier to change jobs. You don't need to get a letter of release and all that crap.

The cost of living in Taiwan is also very cheap. I had a couple of Korean friends come here last week and they were surprised at how cheap things were.

I also like the climate here better than Korea because it is almost tropical in Taipei.

aka Dave · Joined: 02 May 2008 Location: Down by the river

Anyone have experience with Univ. gigs in Japan? Do they pay well? Do you have to have a Ph.d or just a masters?

Jimskins · Joined: 07 Nov 2007

I'm just finishing an MA TEFL and two of my mates on it are heading back to Japan after spending a few years there teaching at the equivalent of Hagwons. They have managed to get assistant lecturer positions (by the skin of their teeth after a lengthy appliction process) at a University, because one of their girlfriends fathers is a big name professor over there. They hope it is the 'foot in the door' that will lead on to better things -it's only a part-time job.

It seems that unless you have a PHD, or have an MA and know someone like that (and are REALLY lucky), you will not get a Uni position in Japan.