Korean Job Discussion Forums

afsjesse · Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Location: Kickin' it in 'Kato town.

I've been in Korea for just over one year and a half, I've grown to really like it here. I find the people nice, life in comfortable and cheap, and the time to travel in between weekends and holidays is plentiful.
About 3 months ago I applied to a MA TESL program in the United States and was accepted. Along with this I applied for a Spanish Teaching Assistantship. I just found out that I have been offered the job and the chance at free schooling along with an 8000 USD stipend to live off of. This is a two year program and would be a very busy time.
I'm excited as hell, but at the same time it's a mundane excitement. Kind of a feeling of mixed emotions as the thought of going home really doesn't excite me for a number of reasons. 1. The economy. 2. I don't have alot of money saved, but enough to start out. 3. I will really miss Korea (call me crazy, I know, but this is the thing that bothers me most).
I'm not dumb enough to pass up an opportunity like this and odds are I'll probably come back and try to get a university job in a couple of years.
Not that it's a huge question, but what would you do and why? My minds made up, but there's still that inkling of uncertainty.

Gracias,
Jesse

drdst122 · Joined: 12 Apr 2009

First of all, congratulations on your acceptance.

You have your mind made up, you don't need any justification for making the decision you want to make.

You can always make it back to Korea. This education will enhance your life. Go for it!

Good Luck!

esetters21 · Joined: 30 Apr 2006 Location: Seoul

As the above poster said, you don't need any justification. Only good things can come from your decision to advance your career. Korea isn't going anywhere is it? Congrats and good luck!

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

An MA funded with a stipend? No brainer. Hell, see if you can roll it right into a Ph.D. program with the same conditions! Korea will always be here when and if you want to come back.

When it comes to grad degrees, the only regret I've ever heard voiced is that those who have completed them, especially those in education, only wish they would have completed them sooner.

And remember, it's not really '2 years', it's 4 semesters, and semesters have good chunks of time between them. It's never as bad as it seems.

Good luck. Fantastic opportunity.

Draz · Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Location: Land of Morning Clam

Why did you list the economy as a reason to not look forward to going home? You already lined up a job and you're going to school for basically free.

lifeinkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Location: somewhere in China

Stay here, babysit the 1st and 2nd graders in elementary school Laughing

Good luck!!

afsjesse · Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Location: Kickin' it in 'Kato town.

Yah, no brainer alright! I listed the economy because I still would like to find a part time job to take ontop of all the stuff I have to do. Anyways, thanks for the comments!

Kikomom · Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2009 5:37 pm Post subject:

What a fantastic opportunity! Yea, the economy stinks, but the best place to sit it out is an ivory tower. If you've picked up any frugal habits, now's the time to put them to good use and you'll get by fine. Definitely set your sites on a Ph.D.

Buena suerte, Jesse.

SandyG21 · Joined: 26 Oct 2008

Go to grad school and there will be some kind of parttime jobs somewhere on campus I am sure - tutoring, working in a residence hall cleaning or something to help out with food costs or whatever.

Just take that deal and have fun with it.

ldh2222 · Joined: 12 Oct 2007

Great opportunity... key word here being, "opportunity"! Take it and don't look back...

VanIslander · Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2009 8:46 pm Post subject:

You'd probably regret it someday if you didn't go.

You could return to Korea anytime, it'll be waiting for you.

Good luck whatever.

bobbybigfoot · Joined: 05 May 2007 Location: Seoul

I understand where you are coming from OP. Sometimes it's hard to move on when you have to leave something that is pretty damn good.

Always listen to your gut. And yours is telling you to move on...

Best of luck to you.

Scotticus · Joined: 18 Mar 2007

You would be stupid not to take it. A free-ride MA, plus a stipend? Korea will be here in two years, and with your new degree, you'll be able to pull in even more money than you were before.

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

DO IT!!!!

bogey666 · Joined: 17 Mar 2008 Location: Korea, the ass free zone

what's a Spanish teaching assistant position? what does that mean?

and what does one do with an MA in TEOSL btw?

is this what you want to do with youf life?

anyways , the stipend seals it. You're getting something for nothing and getting something on top of it! Smile

ES OBVIO!

HAZLO PENDEJO!

que le vaya bien Cool

si Corea te hace falta, siempre puedes regresar!