Korean Job Discussion Forums

Baron · Joined: 30 Jun 2009

I was going to get a TEFL qualification but want to go ASAP as more and more people are starting to go from my country (Ireland) and am starting to get a little afraid that the better jobs are going to start going quickly. That's why I was thinking of not bothering with one as my funds are kind of low.
I know that you are not generally required by a hagwon to have a TEFL but I was a little afraid of being placed in front of a Korean class without any idea what to as I have no teaching experience.
Do you think I should still take a weekend TEFL for this reason or would a general English grammer/classroom planning book do the same job.

The latter option would obviously be preferable but I still want to be as prepared as possible for the job as Im sure that would make settling in far easier.

Thanks.

Kikomom · Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 8:03 am Post subject:

Zippy did it last year without anything but a BA. He was there less than two months out of Uni., his funds were low too.

Pa Jan Jo A Hamnida · Joined: 27 Oct 2006 Location: Not Korea

The certifications certainly help but really aren't necessary for hogwon work.

Baron · Joined: 30 Jun 2009

Ah, I don't know what to do. My mum is hassling me to do one now. I think I might just do one to put my mind at ease. I hope it doesn't turn out to be a waste of 300 odd quid.

uk27 · Joined: 19 May 2009 Location: Korea

I got my TEFL Certificate in Rome three years ago so I could teach in Europe. Although I don't need it for coming to Korea, I'm glad I did it and that I've got it.

Having said that, if time and money are sparse don't bother. You'll pick up just as much in your first month of teaching as you would doing a quickie weekend TEFL course.

Your choice though (or your Mum's Very Happy

)

Tycho Brahe · Joined: 15 Jul 2009 Location: Suwon, SK

I'm from ireland too.

I did the weekend TEFL but I didn't actually mention it when applying for jobs.

The weekend TEFL really doesn't matter to any of the employers in Korea. They don't seem to care at all unless you have more than 100 hours worth of courses done.

And lets face it for every 1 hour you spend trying to work through all the online TEFL stuff you'll spend at least another 2 on facebook or something .... so it'll take awhile - I am still working away at 120 hours of courses but thats pretty much to stave off the boredom of being unemployed.

You can find month long properly taught classes around Dublin which involve some actual teaching experience, that would be something worth looking into.

But otherwise I wouldn't bother. Your mom will stop pestering you once you start getting job offers....

jimbob1980 · Joined: 13 May 2009 Location: Manchester, UK

I have the same problem. Cannot decide whether to save cash and not bother with the TEFL but concerned that have no experience. Would this hinder me getting public school jobs?

definitely maybe · Joined: 16 Feb 2008

coming over with nothing but an undergraduate degree is pretty common. if you're ready to come, then come. having an introduction to tefl is certainly helpful, but not a dealbreaker if you don't.