Korean Job Discussion Forums

[fakeplastiktree]

I returned home about three months ago from a year in Korea. It was my first teaching job and I worked at a hagwon. I didn't have the greatest of experiences there. I'm a city girl and foolishly took a job working in Jeollanamdo (about as far from Seoul as one can get). I found a hagwon to be an incredibly frustrating place to work since most of the students had no desire to learn and had already spent the rest of the day at school(s). I also got very irritated by a lot of "Korean things" that many people on here incessantly bitch about (xenophobia, disorganization, dishonesty, obsession with appearances, etc.).

My undergrad is in Psychology, I have CELTA, and I also have a college graduate certificate in Technical Writing. In the course of doing said education, I accumulated a great deal of debt, which is basically why I ended up in Korea last year. Thus, I'm wondering what my best options are at this point. Ultimately, I'd like to move on to another country. I went to Japan on vacation last year and really loved it there. I'd also consider Taiwan, Hong Kong, or maybe even China (for the right pay). My biggest priority is basically earnings potential.... however, the ability to have a decent social life is also quite important to me (and was something I didn't really get with my experience in Jeollanamdo).

In my mind, the good points about coming back to Korea are: a) I have some friends there already b) financially, it seems like the best place to save. Considering Korea offers the free flight, free housing, severance pay, and pension, would it even be possible to find a better deal than that anywhere else in the world with my credentials? Any input is greatly appreciated!

[oftenadrift]

Honestly, Korea is still your best bet to save money unless you manage to round up a B.Ed (then Hong Kong or Dubai is pretty sweet from what I've heard).

I spent 3 years teaching in Korea on and off at various Hagwons and worked with the good, the bad... and well you get the picture. I'll be returning to Korea this year to gather up some cash so I feel for your situation.

I can recommend you the MoonKKang chain of schools in Daegu. I'll be working for them again later this year as I am tired of playing russian roulette with schools. I love Seoul, but I figure at least with MK I won't end up tearing my hair out over unpaid benefits etc.

As far as Hagwons go, it is the only one I'd ever return to or reccommend to anyone. The boss is a little eccentric, but you don't see him much. The foreign teacher managers are western, they pay on time, and are on the ball with all documents and schedules. You can honestly skip the BS with them. Just read your contract thoroughly because what you sign is what you get.

If your really done with Korea, China is looking up. I've been doing a lot of research and I might consider there for 2010. As far as pay goes, there are positions that are comparable now thanks to the strengthening Yuan. Some other things to consider with China: they generally have a lower cost of living (unless you say want to live in Shanghai or a comparable city)... plus they provide accommodation, and reimburse airfare (some only part so best to check).

As far as Japan goes, I share your love. Pay is good, but with no airfare and very expensive accommodations, you could make it work, but it would take a lot of research. You'd probably end up in a much smaller city to offset costs on housing.

For Taiwan, one of my good friends lived there for a few years and taught. From what I gather the schools there are as sketchy as hagwons, so I'd look for a word of mouth position. They generally provide rent (not accommodation) and airfare might be reimbursed, but that depends on the schools. Also Visas are apparently a little tougher to get, but if need be there are a lot of schools that will look the other way.

Hope something in here helps you out

[D.D.]

The xenophobia seams bad these days in my rural town. It makes it tough to justify living in Korea. I would say China is much more fun but you need to find the right job there. I have had it with Esl in general and would say to stay away from it.

My feelings change about living in Korea but the overall feeling I get is that China was a lot more fun.

[soviet_man]

It is a hard call. I kind of agree with most of what the above poster said.

But there is no ignoring the fact that 1 million won = about $790 US dollars currently.

The won remains in the dumpster.

If saving cash is your prime consideration, it is really hard to argue that it is the best time to be in Korea.

I know that I am probably around 15-20% worse off today, compared to 3-4 years ago when 1 million won nudged $1000 US at various times.

If you had a degree, CELTA + some experience (and money was a main factor) then the Arabian Gulf states and Saudi should be on your radar.

[PRagic]

Bangladesh
http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/index.cgi?read=19575

Hong Kong NET jobs (certification required)

Louisiana Teachers Fellowship Program (work and get your certification)
http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/index.cgi?read=19538

[PRagic]

Pressed submit a bit too fast....

Scan the international jobs section.

Take a look at the Korea jobs section for university positions. It would be better if you had your MA, but your background in writing is more and more in demand at Korean universities.

If you're serious about teaching, you'd be better served by getting your MA and ceritification knocked out, plus some experience backin your home country. In the long run, that'll pay off in spades. The current top NET positions in Hong Kong, for example, pay about US$ 75,000. With housing allowances...well, you get the picture. In Korea, your career growth is limited and the public system isn't designed to recruit and keep qualified teachers. You could work for a better international school, though, and those are a different story.

The degree in Psych might line up well in education, but you'll probably need another emphasis (history, math, geography, science, English...) to be marketable in the primary/secondary teaching field.

Good luck.

[Voodoo27]

PRagic, I noticed the OP is from Toronto. Do you know whether the Louisiana Teachers Fellowship or other US Teacher Fellowships hire Canadians?

[PRagic]

No idea, but I think Canadians can get into the Hong Kong NET program with just the BEd, certification, and at least 2 years of experience teaching in Canada.

All I know is that if I were looking to get into primary/secondary ed and work abroad, I'd get the qualifications knocked out and be headed for Hong Kong in a heartbeat! I just work at the university level, so I don't know all too much about the program other than what a good friend of mine who has been with the NET program for years has told me over time.

[Straphanger]

[cruisemonkey]

With your credentials, K-land is probably the the best place you can go.

While Straphanger is at times obtuse , in this case I agree... think twice about Seoul. You've been in the 'boonies' of K-land; but remember - the grass is aways greener over the septic tank.