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Need some advice! Teaching Korea in '09

 
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smartwentcrazy



Joined: 26 Feb 2009

PostPosted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 1:50 am    Post subject: Need some advice! Teaching Korea in '09 Reply with quote

I'll be graduating this summer from a University of California, with a BA in History. I've been exploring the prospect of teaching in Korea, and given the current economy and rising unemployment in the U.S., I'm starting to look into the job more seriously. If any of you with prior experience in Korea could help answer some of these questions, I'd appreciate it.

1. What job can I expect with just a BA in Korea? Will majoring in History have any beneficial/adverse effects to applying for jobs?

2. I'm leaning towards teaching in a Hagwon or private school, but after reading some of the posts here, I get the feeling that a public school will be a safer bet since they are insured by the state and I will be compensated regardless of whether the school goes bankrupt/fails. What is your opinion on this? Should I go public or private as a first-timer?

3. As far as applying for jobs go, what factors are there to be considered? Do schools look at GPA, SAT, or something else in particular? Should I take classes prior to teaching in Korea, to obtain a certificate, to elevate my paygrade/resume? Is this possible, and if so, can it be obtained relatively easily (is it even worthwhile)?

4. I am Korean by nationality, but I am a U.S. citizen. I've lived in the U.S. for practically my entire life, so I'd consider myself an 'Americanized' Korean. I can speak Korean, to the extent that I would be able to get around places, but I wouldn't be able to engage in any intelligent conversations. Will this help my chances of getting a job? Is there a negative stigma attached to Koreans who are unable to speak Korean?

5. Any last tips you'd give to a first-timer? I've visited Korea a handful of times in my life, so I have a general understanding of what to expect. But it has been nearly a decade since I've visited Korea, so a lot must have changed..

Thanks!
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warren pease



Joined: 12 May 2008

PostPosted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 2:07 am    Post subject: Re: Need some advice! Teaching Korea in '09 Reply with quote

Just my opinions, of course Smile


smartwentcrazy wrote:

1. What job can I expect with just a BA in Korea? Will majoring in History have any beneficial/adverse effects to applying for jobs?

You will teach Korean kids English. I don't know if a history degree will specifically help/hurt your prospects. Everyone with just a BA seems to start out at roughly the same pay scale. I've worked with teaching majors who were making the same as marketing majors.


2. I'm leaning towards teaching in a Hagwon or private school, but after reading some of the posts here, I get the feeling that a public school will be a safer bet since they are insured by the state and I will be compensated regardless of whether the school goes bankrupt/fails. What is your opinion on this? Should I go public or private as a first-timer?

Hagwons are better money. With the exchange being what it is you'd probably be making the equivalent of $8 an hour at a public school. I definetly suggest Hagwons but you really have to try to find one that's been around a while. Always ask for email addresses of current foreign teachers and ask those teachers every question you can think of.


3. As far as applying for jobs go, what factors are there to be considered? Do schools look at GPA, SAT, or something else in particular? Should I take classes prior to teaching in Korea, to obtain a certificate, to elevate my paygrade/resume? Is this possible, and if so, can it be obtained relatively easily (is it even worthwhile)?

Being TOEFL certified is said to boost your salary by some percentage. Honestly, the majority of all teachers i've met here make roughly the same money their first year. Give or take $200.

4. I am Korean by nationality, but I am a U.S. citizen. I've lived in the U.S. for practically my entire life, so I'd consider myself an 'Americanized' Korean. I can speak Korean, to the extent that I would be able to get around places, but I wouldn't be able to engage in any intelligent conversations. Will this help my chances of getting a job? Is there a negative stigma attached to Koreans who are unable to speak Korean?

Old Koreans will probably be shitty to you, but hell, they're shitty to us. Being Korean will give you more freedom with jobs. I'm fairly certain that you're visa will allow you to do privates and will allow you to switch jobs, if necessary. (though i could be slightly or entirely wrong on both counts)

5. Any last tips you'd give to a first-timer? I've visited Korea a handful of times in my life, so I have a general understanding of what to expect. But it has been nearly a decade since I've visited Korea, so a lot must have changed..

Read as much as you can. And utilize this forum! This forum has saved my ass countless times. If you have a specific question ask it. The complainers will complain but the vast majority of people here are more than willing to help.



Thanks!
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hang10



Joined: 11 Nov 2007
Location: Asia, Twice the sex half the foreplay

PostPosted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 10:42 am    Post subject: Re: Need some advice! Teaching Korea in '09 Reply with quote

smartwentcrazy wrote:
I'll be graduating this summer from a University of California, with a BA in History. I've been exploring the prospect of teaching in Korea, and given the current economy and rising unemployment in the U.S., I'm starting to look into the job more seriously. If any of you with prior experience in Korea could help answer some of these questions, I'd appreciate it.

1. What job can I expect with just a BA in Korea? Will majoring in History have any beneficial/adverse effects to applying for jobs?

2. I'm leaning towards teaching in a Hagwon or private school, but after reading some of the posts here, I get the feeling that a public school will be a safer bet since they are insured by the state and I will be compensated regardless of whether the school goes bankrupt/fails. What is your opinion on this? Should I go public or private as a first-timer?

3. As far as applying for jobs go, what factors are there to be considered? Do schools look at GPA, SAT, or something else in particular? Should I take classes prior to teaching in Korea, to obtain a certificate, to elevate my paygrade/resume? Is this possible, and if so, can it be obtained relatively easily (is it even worthwhile)?

4. I am Korean by nationality, but I am a U.S. citizen. I've lived in the U.S. for practically my entire life, so I'd consider myself an 'Americanized' Korean. I can speak Korean, to the extent that I would be able to get around places, but I wouldn't be able to engage in any intelligent conversations. Will this help my chances of getting a job? Is there a negative stigma attached to Koreans who are unable to speak Korean?

5. Any last tips you'd give to a first-timer? I've visited Korea a handful of times in my life, so I have a general understanding of what to expect. But it has been nearly a decade since I've visited Korea, so a lot must have changed..

Thanks!


Yea well if your Korean ask your parents. Also if you go to korea and you look korean then you fit in at 99%. The only problem is, if you didnt know already, you will find it hard getting a job as most korean employers want us whities to fill the slave jobs.

Now if your a black korean then that would be a real winner.

Dont worry you'll have a great time in Korea the cultural center of the world. I must admit when i was there i really enjoyed the warm kind smiles i recieved everyday from people and food was the best i have ever eaten. Well thats what they said i should say.

Come to korea, it will be the most wonderful experience you'll have.

I will never forget my time there..........

Question
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Ya-ta Boy



Joined: 16 Jan 2003
Location: Established in 1994

PostPosted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 4:13 pm    Post subject: Re: Need some advice! Teaching Korea in '09 Reply with quote

smartwentcrazy wrote:


1. What job can I expect with just a BA in Korea? Will majoring in History have any beneficial/adverse effects to applying for jobs?

2. I'm leaning towards teaching in a Hagwon or private school, but after reading some of the posts here, I get the feeling that a public school will be a safer bet since they are insured by the state and I will be compensated regardless of whether the school goes bankrupt/fails. What is your opinion on this? Should I go public or private as a first-timer?

3. As far as applying for jobs go, what factors are there to be considered? Do schools look at GPA, SAT, or something else in particular? Should I take classes prior to teaching in Korea, to obtain a certificate, to elevate my paygrade/resume? Is this possible, and if so, can it be obtained relatively easily (is it even worthwhile)?

4. I am Korean by nationality, but I am a U.S. citizen. I've lived in the U.S. for practically my entire life, so I'd consider myself an 'Americanized' Korean. I can speak Korean, to the extent that I would be able to get around places, but I wouldn't be able to engage in any intelligent conversations. Will this help my chances of getting a job? Is there a negative stigma attached to Koreans who are unable to speak Korean?

5. Any last tips you'd give to a first-timer? I've visited Korea a handful of times in my life, so I have a general understanding of what to expect. But it has been nearly a decade since I've visited Korea, so a lot must have changed..

Thanks!


1. I'm a history major with teaching experience. This does not give any particular advantage in the job hunt. Any BA/BS will do.

2. You are right about hakwons being an iffy proposition, especially with this economy. If you decide to go the hakwon route, go for the larger chains as they will survive the downturn where some of the smaller mom & pop ones won't. There is no difference between the public and private schools in terms of safety.

In choosing, consider this:
a) In a hakwon, you will have very small classes (around 10 students). This is much easier to manage. However, the vast majority of problems with pay, insurance etc. happen in the hakwons.

b) In a public or private school, you will have up to 40 or so students in each class with most of the students completely unmotivated to learn English. However, the pay is reliable in almost all cases.

3. Schools don't seem to care what your GPA is. Graduation is qualification enough. Basically schools want a warm body.

Yes, you should get a certificate. It will improve your pay a little bit. That is not the main purpose of having one. The main purpose is to get an idea of how to teach the subject matter. The more you know, the easier the job will be.

4. Kyopos will be better able to answer this question. I do know some hakwons want a white face for their ads. If they don't have one, some are known to steal a photo from anywhere to use.

Other places are delighted to have ethnic Korean employees. One reason is to 'use' you as an inspiration for the students--'Look, see how well this Korean speaks English! This could be you someday.'

As I understand it, there is less and less of a problem for ethnic Koreans who don't speak Korean. People are much more tolerant of it than they used to be. I think it isn't anything to worry about.

5. I've been here about 13 years altogether. When you come back, you'll be happy with the changes. Korea is a rapidly changing place and it's fun to watch.

My advice is to get as much education as you can (certificate) so you'll be better prepared for the work. Get in some volunteer experience if you can so you have some lessons all ready to go. Watch the news to see how Korea's economy is doing--some are predicting the real economic downturn won't hit here until summer. If sending money home to pay off loans is an issue, watch the exchange rate to make sure you'll have the money to meet your obligations.

Get as much information as you can about a school before you sign a contract. A bad job ruins an otherwise good day.

Korea can be a terrific place to live and work.
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smartwentcrazy



Joined: 26 Feb 2009

PostPosted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 3:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thank you for all your replies, I appreciate them. This forum is a wealth of knowledge and it is definitely preparing me to teach in Korea. Specifically, are there any Korean-American teachers here? If I could get some input from you, that would be great.
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Trevor



Joined: 16 Nov 2005

PostPosted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 5:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Do you need money right now to pay off debts? If so, I am with the public school crowd. If you read the complaints on this board, the big ones are mostly from hagwons. There are exceptions. I worked for a wonderful hagwon my first year here.

That being said, I encourage you to stay in school -- if possible. Get an MA, if it is within your means.

Why?

- A BA in history qualifies you for very little in the professional world.
- The exchange rate is very iffy, right now. YES IT CAN get worse. You might not make much here and be disappointed with the returns from your effort.

A nasty recession is the perfect time to stay in school.
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Ya-ta Boy



Joined: 16 Jan 2003
Location: Established in 1994

PostPosted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 6:05 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
Specifically, are there any Korean-American teachers here? If I could get some input from you, that would be great.


Yes, there are. My suggestion: make a new post with 'Korean-American' or 'Kyopo' in the title so they notice it. They can give you loads of information specific to your situation.
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smartwentcrazy



Joined: 26 Feb 2009

PostPosted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 12:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Trevor wrote:
Do you need money right now to pay off debts? If so, I am with the public school crowd. If you read the complaints on this board, the big ones are mostly from hagwons. There are exceptions. I worked for a wonderful hagwon my first year here.

That being said, I encourage you to stay in school -- if possible. Get an MA, if it is within your means.

Why?

- A BA in history qualifies you for very little in the professional world.
- The exchange rate is very iffy, right now. YES IT CAN get worse. You might not make much here and be disappointed with the returns from your effort.

A nasty recession is the perfect time to stay in school.


Yes, I understand that a BA won't qualify me for much, especially since I am planning to take the teaching route. However, I've discussed this with my professor, and he had suggested taking this route to not only save money for grad school, but the teaching experience would prove to be invaluable - not only for my own knowledge but to add to my resume/transcript when applying for grad school. My goal is to eventually get my MA and doctorate and teach at a university level.

I understand that the exchange rate is terrible right now, but my prof informed me to open a savings account and just keep my money there until the rate starts to climb, as well as to add interest over the months/years. He's told me that transferring money from Korea to the states is relatively simple, so I'm most likely going to take his advice. Thanks for all the suggestions!
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koreandefence



Joined: 05 Oct 2007

PostPosted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 2:31 am    Post subject: Re: Need some advice! Teaching Korea in '09 Reply with quote

hang10 wrote:
smartwentcrazy wrote:
I'll be graduating this summer from a University of California, with a BA in History. I've been exploring the prospect of teaching in Korea, and given the current economy and rising unemployment in the U.S., I'm starting to look into the job more seriously. If any of you with prior experience in Korea could help answer some of these questions, I'd appreciate it.

1. What job can I expect with just a BA in Korea? Will majoring in History have any beneficial/adverse effects to applying for jobs?

2. I'm leaning towards teaching in a Hagwon or private school, but after reading some of the posts here, I get the feeling that a public school will be a safer bet since they are insured by the state and I will be compensated regardless of whether the school goes bankrupt/fails. What is your opinion on this? Should I go public or private as a first-timer?

3. As far as applying for jobs go, what factors are there to be considered? Do schools look at GPA, SAT, or something else in particular? Should I take classes prior to teaching in Korea, to obtain a certificate, to elevate my paygrade/resume? Is this possible, and if so, can it be obtained relatively easily (is it even worthwhile)?

4. I am Korean by nationality, but I am a U.S. citizen. I've lived in the U.S. for practically my entire life, so I'd consider myself an 'Americanized' Korean. I can speak Korean, to the extent that I would be able to get around places, but I wouldn't be able to engage in any intelligent conversations. Will this help my chances of getting a job? Is there a negative stigma attached to Koreans who are unable to speak Korean?

5. Any last tips you'd give to a first-timer? I've visited Korea a handful of times in my life, so I have a general understanding of what to expect. But it has been nearly a decade since I've visited Korea, so a lot must have changed..

Thanks!


Yea well if your Korean ask your parents. Also if you go to korea and you look korean then you fit in at 99%. The only problem is, if you didnt know already, you will find it hard getting a job as most korean employers want us whities to fill the slave jobs.

Now if your a black korean then that would be a real winner.

Dont worry you'll have a great time in Korea the cultural center of the world. I must admit when i was there i really enjoyed the warm kind smiles i recieved everyday from people and food was the best i have ever eaten. Well thats what they said i should say.

Come to korea, it will be the most wonderful experience you'll have.

I will never forget my time there..........

Question


My advice: Read the posts on this forum, just like this one I quoted for you, and see how it does not take that much social grace or cultural respect to fit in better than the majority of twats on here.
If you like a new adventure, can accept people, and want life changing experience then get her, for good or bad. But bewarned most ESL teachers are social misfits who talk crap and can't fit in. So please do not be like them:)
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lionel



Joined: 07 Jan 2009

PostPosted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 2:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Search the forums for posts about military duty for gypos. I remember reading two accounts where the person's family had not taken them off a registry which meant that they had to serve in the military, no exceptions. Even though they were American citizens. Just to be safe, have a look and ask your family (if you were born in Korea).
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Kikomom



Joined: 24 Jun 2008
Location: them thar hills--Penna, USA--Zippy is my kid, the teacher in ROK. You can call me Kiko

PostPosted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 7:27 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I was just getting ready to say it, but Lionel beat me to it. Ask your family if your birth was registered in Korea in some kind of family registry. If so, they'll snag you for a mandatory military stint (2 yrs?), if you're between 18 and 35 and male. They won't care that you hold US citizenship. I seem to recall from reading about it here that your family had to have taken you off the registry before you turned 18. Otherwise you're screwed, immigration will catch up with you when you apply for an Alien Registration Card.

My son over there is a History(/Poli-Sci) major too. He's teaching Science in a hagwon.
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