Korean Job Discussion Forums

[KuroBara]

I have just been awarded my TESL MA this May. I am under GEPIK contract until March 2010, but wanted to know how soon to start looking for jobs more inline with my new degree. I want to be an ESL teacher as my career, preferably overseas.

My main problem is lack of experience, I think. This is my first year teaching, and I am teaching children. I have not published anything, but I do not plan on going further than the MA, so I'm not looking into research. I want to teach adults, but am I qualified for uni careers? What are my honest chances of getting a better job teaching adults, not just here in Korea, but Japan or any other Asian country? I am not afraid to travel, if I know what I'm going for.

Thanks for any help.

[okayden223]

You could get a job teaching at a uni in China no problem. Once you're finished up with this year you'll have enough experience to get your foot in the door in a lot of unis. Japan is definitely out because they look for pretty experienced teachers at that level. A buddy of mine just took a uni job in Jeju and he only has a B.A. and 1 year experience teaching at a Kid's Club. I've known a few people actually who've taught at the uni level with only a bachelor's degree, although that opportunity is becoming harder to find, as it should be.

[Theo]

KuroBara, I have two masters degree, but not in TESL. I taught university-age students and adults (up to age 55) in China for five years, and then for almost one year in Korea. I also had university teaching epxerience in the U.S. prior to going overseas. I had not trouble getting ESL teaching jobs, and I really loved teaching Chinese students; Korean students quite a bit less.

Anyway, having an advanced degree (especially in TESL) will definitely help you get work, but according to my six years of experience, it won't get you better treatment, respect, or support from Chinese or Korean employers and managers, then less educated and/or experienced foreign teachers. They only like the fact that you have the advanced degree because theu can boast to students and parents that you are part of the teaching staff. The like the marketing aspect of YOUR achievements.

In short, the only thing my two master degrees helped with was getting hired; beyond that, not much (if anything) else. Over the five years I was in China (2003-2008), FT salaries were dropping steadily; mine as well. My salary in Korea last year was MUCH higher than what I earned in China, but the cost of living was MUCH higher, and so I actually had a better quality of life (apartment, social life) in China, than Korea.

Good luck.