Korean Job Discussion Forums

[danseonsaeng]

I have a BA and one year of teaching experience at a public middle school in Seoul. I've been told I could be eligible to teach at a university (granted, on the lower end of the pay scale, but still...). I don't mind 'doing time' at one of the less desirable university positions while I'm getting my MA...just lookin' for those that might accept me with what little experience I have.

I've heard Hongik's an option...are there any others? Ewha? Yonsei? Any recommendations?

When and where do these jobs listings start popping up? Hongik's site hasn't been updated with information for the Fall semester; same with Ewha (actually, I couldn't find employment information of any kind on their website).

What do you guys think?

[njp6]

I wish I had some input on this, but I'm just as curious as you are.

[Bump]

[michaelambling]

Stay away from rural universities--the working and living conditions are appalling at most places, and the isolation and distance from English-speaking Koreans makes everything difficult; plus, if you have a disagreement with your university (as I've had), going through the MoL or immigration outside of Seoul is a nightmare.

[danseonsaeng]

Definitely only considering universities in Seoul.

Anyone else know anything?

[The Grumpy Senator]

Most of the Uni's in Seoul will require a Master's degree. If they do hire those with BA's, they generally want more than 1 year experience (3 is the norm).

Yonsei, Honik and Ehwa will have about 400 applicants each, most with Master's degrees and Uni experience. But, it does not hurt to try. Brush up on your teaching methodologies and be prepared to discuss them.

Your best bet is to network and met people who work at Uni's. Many of us got the job through someone we know. 1 year experience in Korea? You have not "done time" yet.

Keep a look out on the job postings here, maybe go to some Uni's and talk to them. I think it is Beaver (a poster on here) that outlined a portfolio for getting a Uni job.

Good luck.

[Draz]

[Milwaukiedave]

Here is an official ranking of universities and how they break down in terms of pay, the hour required, etc.

[Milwaukiedave]

I think after digging I found the portfolio thread.

[makemischief]

Yonsei (not the FLI) finished accepting applications April 30th. Ehwa and Hongik, no clue. Good luck!

[ajgeddes]

To put it simply, you will not get a good uni job. The only ones you may be able to land are the ones nobody else wants. With Hongik and EWHA you won't even come close to getting an interview. You need at least a couple more years experience before you get any job that is worth getting.

I forgot to add what else I was going to say. If you truly have a chance of getting a half-decent uni job, you need to know someone that can get you hired.

[The_Source]

[FUBAR]

[Hyeon Een]

Saying he has no shot is a little unfair. My uni has hired 2 or 3 people with only BAs and a year of experience in the past. We only hire through recommendation and this sometimes leads to hiring less experienced or less qualified applicants, however they have all worked out very well.

The OP's best bet is to meet as many people who work in universities and the 2 year colleges as possible. Getting hired through a contact will be much easier with his education and experience level than applying for a job which is likely to have 100 other more experienced and/or more qualified applicants.

I know at least 6 people with decent jobs at either colleges or universities. Full vacations, working 10-14hrs a week, pay 2.2-2.8 with just BAs etc.

How do you meet university and college instructors so you can get these non-advertised jobs? I don't really know haha. Some hang out in bars, some are involved in various clubs etc. The only place I can think of where you're likely to meet a good number of uni or college workers would be something like a KOTESOL conference. If you go to one of those and network well you should be able to make some contacts who might be able to help you out in the future.

[hantak]

Sorry to bump a somewhat old thread, but I have a question similar to the OP's.

I'm looking into English teaching opportunities in Seoul. I'm wondering what my chances are at landing a university job.

I have a B.S. in Mathematics & Computer Science and a M.S. in Computer Science. While getting my M.S. I was a research assistant and published a couple papers.

I have no formal teaching experience apart from private tutoring and a couple classes on "how to teach" while getting my M.S.

I'm planning on getting certified online, but if people think it would help my chances I'll find a more hands-on certification course.

[makemischief]

Without a PhD or a year (or more) experience teaching (preferably in Korea) it would be hard even with a masters to get a uni job. not impossible (there's always someone)- work at a public school a year and you could hypothetically swing it.