Korean Job Discussion Forums

[BackToKorea]

Hi guys.

This is a great site. I read some of the comment but I would like to ask you guys again whether I could make living out of teaching English in Korea.

About myself.

I'm 43 year old male, born and raised in Seoul, Korea (Yes, I'm Korean native), moved to the US in 1989, and have been living Los Angeles, CA since then. I'm an software engineer, got my BS degree in computer science, worked nine years for one of the most prominent computer software/hardware company in the world, and recently got laid-off. , and no teaching experience at all.

Now I'm thinking to get MA degree in TESOL either here in the US or in London, UK. And go back to Korea to teach English.

As you can see, my English writing is, uhmm.., not so good. Speaking, well, let's put it this way. I did take speech articulation class in community college, and people around me at work had no problem understanding me. Reading, I read technology articles and specifications without any problem. As far as listening is concerned, my favorite TV programs are CNBC money news and CNN.


Question:
What do you think? Will I be viable in teaching English in long term?

Thanks.

[sarbonn]

Your credentials indicate you'll probably have little problem. There is a bit of a problem though with the fact of your perceived nationality. The employers here are going to constantly see you as a Korean, and as such, you're going to be treated as less desired than a western-looking native. Many programs require you to send a photograph when applying, and they'll turn you down just based on the photo alone.

There are, however, other avenues, such as GEPIK and university teaching where you might do really well, and with the MA in TESOL, you'll be a lot more employable through those avenues. I'd advise doing nothing but applying for those types of positions (they're usually more prestigious and, at least for the universities, tend to pay well).

The strange thing is: You have a lot of qualities that should make you really desirable, but unfortunately, those same qualities also serve to work against you in this environment. It really shouldn't be this way, but I can't change the flow of the stream by wishing it away.

[Kimchieluver]

You should have no problem at all.

May I make a suggestion?

Apply through EPIK, or GEPIk, work for a year and see if teaching is really for you.

[michaelambling]

[maingman]

BackToKorea

dont bother teahing here IMO

[rocketdolphin]

Most of the job postings I've seen lately are for Korean-Americans or F-2/F-4 holders.

[storysinger81]

Um guys... he can't work for public schools as a "native" teacher. If you are Korean-born, they require proof you attended schools in one of the seven countries from grade 7 on. Given your age, counting backwards, there is no way you'll qualify unless you were 23 in middle school.

OP--If you are fluent in Korean, you could try to take the qualifying test to become a regular English teacher in Korea. Or go the uni route. Or one of the bilingual req'd hakwons. If you're fluent in Korean (which I assume you are), you have lots of options for English teaching, but you won't find the most lucrative options here on Dave's. Consider yourself Korean for purposes of job searching and contact your old Korean buddies for assistance.

I'm not trying to be unhelpful, I'm just pointing out that you are, in Koreans' eyes, not a "foreigner," so you should be able to get better advice through acquaintances still in Korea.

[BackToKorea]

Hi guys,

Most of your comments are really encouraging, I appreciate that.

I think <storysinger81> got it right. I came to the states at the age of 23, attended community college, and went on to get BS degree. So there is no way I would speak like native American. As a matter of fact, I still have Korean accent when I speak English.

The reason I'm thinking to get MA in TESOL because I know Koreans respect or maybe even obsess about good credentials. Although I received my BS degree from a well known university among Koreans but I don't think computer science is a compelling major to teach English. And more importantly, if I want to teach English, I think I should know some methodolgies how to teach English.

Now I am planning to apply for University of Bristol, IOE School of London, and University of Westminster for my MA degree in TESOL. I picked schools in UK because they offer 1 year degree program, they are well recognized schools in TESOL, and more importantly I will experience European life style and get to see European countries as well. Also, I think now is good time to invest on education since it is the toughest economy since the Great Depression.

Thanks guys again.
Hope you have nothing but best wishes in Korea.

[madoka]

[Whistleblower]