Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jellobean]

A friend of mine just interviewed with Jeolla-namdo and was told that they won't give credit for TEFL unless it was in a classroom. Is this unique to that province or have things changed recently?

[richardlang]

I haven't heard of that. The online TEFL industry might have some competition if this becomes widespread. I do think in-classroom time couldn't but help make a better ESL teacher. It sounds like this province or BOE is giving the appearance of raising the standards here.

[bassexpander]

Then interview elsewhere.

Next they won't accept online MA/TESOL degrees from reputable schools... all in the name of saving a buck.

Hopefully nobody of substance will work for them.

[Bigfeet]

Why... those commies!

[jellobean]

Thanks guys. I figured they were probably just trying to save a buck. "Let's get a TEFL trained teacher but not pay them for it." I'll tell my friend to give that districts a miss.

[bassexpander]

I very well suspect that, as more teachers get higher pay for their TEFL certification, the schools might start to pull this. They'll say and do anything to save a buck.

Remember, the president's new education lady is from Sookmyung, and was involved in their massively expensive TEFL program (we're talking 3.5 million won). They want to push people towards that so she can make her friends big $$$. That's my guess.

Then you've got some waygook Ph.D. types whispering in the ears of Korean officials about useless online degrees.

Soon, they'll put 2 and 2 together and realize that they can save money on salary, as well as make big bank selling in-class TEFL courses for 3.5 million won.

I think it's just a matter of time, to be honest.

[fromtheuk]

I don't know about that. I can't see who would pay 3.5 million won to get the pay rise. I also think/hope Koreans would value online TEFL courses because they are set up and run by native speakers anyway.

I am very glad I have done over half of my TEFL course, because by my next contract I hope to get the extra salary and once I'm in, if anything like this became reality, I'd hope I would already have bypassed it.

I think it's a bit like the story of thousands of Asians replacing native speakers. Not true (I hope).

GEPIK/SMOE/EPIK - the 'big boys' all recognise TEFL online.

I'd advise the OP to forget that province.

[head-in-the-clouds]

[fromtheuk]

I am of Pakistani descent, Asian, yes. But I'm 'truly' British and I can tell you really accept me as such. Not that I really give two hoots about it.

[head-in-the-clouds]