Korean Job Discussion Forums

definitely maybe · Joined: 16 Feb 2008

i never have any luck with the search function. i know that some of you participated/are participating in ma tefl programs through korea univ. jochiwon and a mass. univ. i'd love to find out more about the program, but haven't turned anything up yet. a link or anything in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. thanks!

definitely maybe · Joined: 16 Feb 2008

answered my own question. it was framingham state, not westfield state. i'd imagine it makes little difference to anyone from outside of new england. here it is:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=93880&highlight=framingham[/url]

i'm going to get in touch with the coordinator listed in the thread, then post whatever i find out.

Beeyee · Joined: 29 May 2007

Please do. I'd be interested in this probably starting 2010.

ajgeddes · Joined: 28 Apr 2004 Location: Yongsan

http://fscku.wetpaint.com/

Trevor · Joined: 16 Nov 2005

I know a little about it. It is offered as intensive classes on weekends and vacations, so it is possible for the average hagwon worker to do it by traveling to Jochiwon in their free time. You can start at any time, I believe, and it's at least a two year cycle. It's cheap (like $6000 for the whole thing) and it's definitely an authentic U.S. degree. I believe it is possible to do a portion of it online. The coursework is fairly rigorous, so you will be doing some studying. Aca demically, I have heard nothing but good things about it, but I would encourage anyone looking into it to kick the tires a bit to make sure it suits their needs.

Jochiwon is a twenty minute train ride from Daejeon. KU is a three dollar cab ride from Jochiwon station. I think they may have other locations in the future. Ask the director.

I think it is probably one of the more sensible educational opportunities for foreigners in South Korea, but I am speaking from hearsay. Check it out carefully before investing your hard-earned money and time.

BTW. Korea University has nothing to do with the program, they just rent space to Framingham state.

definitely maybe · Joined: 16 Feb 2008

thanks for the input, trevor! i work at university, so my schedule is far more flexible than that of a hagwon teacher. furthermore, that fact that the degree isn't affiliated with korea university actually makes it that much more desirable. korea university is a great school, but i'd rather have the program soley alligned with framingham state college.

definitely maybe · Joined: 16 Feb 2008

here's the text i received from the coordinator:

Thank you for contacting us about our M. Ed (TESL) degree program at our Korea University (Jochiwon campus) location. All seats for the current cohort (2007-2009) have been filled. However, we are preparing a waiting list for the next cycle (2009-2011). We anticipate contacting interested candidates and holding a program orientation & FAQ session next fall (2009), with precoursework beginning in December and on-site classes beginning in February of 2010.
Please take a moment to visit our website at http://fscku.wetpaint.com for more information about the program and eligibility requirements. If you would like to be placed on the 2009-2011 candidate email list, let us know at your convenience.

Trevor · Joined: 16 Nov 2005

Well, you can ask the director if the program accepts transfer credits. If they do, you might be able to get a headstart by taking Paul Robertson's TESOL course at Time Taylor International. (look at their ad at the bottom of your screen) My understanding is that program is acceptable to some universities for graduate credit toward an M.A. I don't know the details, though.

Worth a try.

aarontendo · Joined: 08 Feb 2006 Location: Daegu-ish

For what it's worth I did the Sookmyung certificate and two classes transferred into the Framingham program. It's not cost effective to do it this way, but then again when I did the Sookmyung program I didn't even know about the Framingham one heh.

Most the students in the program seem to be uni teachers, I'd say only about 20% of us are public school teachers. I think we *might* have one hakwon teacher. The trouble is, you need a minimum of 4 weeks of holiday time to get things done (two weeks of classes in August and two in February). That's in addition to the coursework that is done in May.

Trevor · Joined: 16 Nov 2005

Two classes is six credits. If the OP transfer six credits in and starts studying now, in advance of the classes, it seems like he/she could get a good head start on a Fall 2009 start. The downside, for me at least, would be committing oneself so definitively for the next three years.

But hey, the U.S. economy is a trainwreck right now. How much are you really losing? In three years you go home with experience and a marketable degree Wink

aarontendo · Joined: 08 Feb 2006 Location: Daegu-ish

Heh in all fairness you seen the value of the won? It gets much worse you'll be able to make the same as in Thailand.

Trevor · Joined: 16 Nov 2005

Oh, if you have money in this country, then you had best keep it here for awhile.

Remember, in the long term, volatility is your friend. Now, the won is riding 30% below the dollar. It can swign the other way, also, and for those who are patient you will be rewarded.

Uhh...when? I dunno. Embarassed