Korean Job Discussion Forums

[BigHaDaddy]

Hi Everyone,

I want to take a year off of working in the corporate world to teach in South Korea for a year. I'm 27, a gyopo, and a college graduate. I don't view teaching English as a permanent job, but will still put in all my efforts to become a great teacher.

The UCI TEFL Program costs around $5,000, and has job placement services available, but it is $5,000.

Would it better serve me to try to find a job directly with a Korean Hagwon or should I go through with this program? I do not have teaching experience.

Thanks,
Matt

[ddeubel]

Matt,

Usually I'm all for professional development and teacher training, however $5,000 for 200 hours is just ridiculous. On top of that - I really recommend jumping into the water first and then getting some training. Why? Well, then you have some context upon which to acquire knowledge (this is also the basic driving principal behind language instruction too).

So my advice is 1. Do you own pre-job training or try and get some free experience prior by volunteering. (lots of churches run programs in ESL for example and would jump at volunteers). See my Teacher training materials all over the net but also here. http://setiteachers.ning.com/page/teacher-training 2. Search for a position in Korea. Be careful to check it out fully with an email/phone number of present teachers.

Good luck. It's a great experience.

DD
http://eflclassroom.com