Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Zulethe]

I'll make this quick:

I'm soon to be 42 and I'm trying to decide whether or not I should go back to school.

I hold a master's in psychology and I don't really need any more schooling.

Then why go back to school?

There's this new GI bill that is a result of 9/11. Basically I'll get paid a monthly stipend - ranges from 1300 in Phoenix to as high as 2300 per month in high cost of living areas of Cali, NY etc...

Also, my tuition will be paid for so I'll be able to go to school for free as well as receive the monthly stipend.

I also have a pension from the Army that pays about 1,000 per month.

Part of me wants to use this awesome benefit but another part thinks that it's just going to be a waste of time (not getting any younger).

However, I've calculated that if I do go back to school and work a part time job as well, I could potentially save more than I do in Korea while going to school for free.

thoughts appreciated.

[jmuns]

does this mean that if you went to school in NYC you would live off of 3300 a month (2300+1000)? that might not even even cover rent, utilities, expenditures, and food. how much money are you planning on making from your part time job?

[dharma bum]

anything you could study that'd be interesting to you or help you in your career?

[tomwaits]

I'm in Canada but I have insomnia so I'll add an answer.

I'd do it but be leery of working at the same time. I went back to school (at your age in fact) but I got got greedy working too many hours and screwed it all up.

Figure a budget and put 100% into studying---could be a great year if done right.

[Rusty Shackleford]

Even though I don't agree with govt funded holidays like this, I would say you should definitely take advantage of it.

[Mr. Pink]

Aren't you the guy who already has a degree from Columbia?

Are they going to foot the bill for you to go to an expensive private university like Columbia or Harvard, or is is mostly state schools for you?

I might do it if I knew it was going to pay off in some way. Aren't you already basking in the big bucks?

[Kikomom]

I would take advantage of every opportunity this stinking government offers. Do you have a teaching certificate? That could come in handy with an education degree. Or education administration?

[Zulethe]

Thanks for the replies. As far as cost of living, you can live cheaply anywhere if you're smart.

Columbia? I wish.

The tuition paid is up to the highest in state tuition, but many schools participate in a program where they will match the amount the goverment pays. For example, private institution costs 20,000 per year. Goverment pays 10Gs and the school takes the hit for the rest.

It's not about money. It's about leading a fulfilling life. Albeit, only people with money can say that.

I'm on my second year here in Korea and although it has been fun and easy, I think I need more of a challenge.

I thought this was going to be my last stop professionally, but I've got too much gas left in the tank.

Wow, Dave's has helped me make a decision. I never thought that would happen and on Christmas too!

Cheers

[Mr. Pink]

If I was you I would take advantage of that big time. I guess it is that other guy who posts on here mc_jc that went to Columbia.

I'd probably go for a uni in California because of the nice weather. Why not get an MA which leads to a teaching certification?

Too bad Canada doesn't offer such nice deals, it might have led me into joining the military in my youth.

[tfunk]

You haven't detailed the alternative!

[Kikomom]

Here are the participating schools by state, division or school, number of students being accepted, and school contribution amount (per student/per year). Pick a state:
http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_info/ch33/YRP/YRP_List.htm

more basic info here:
http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_info/ch33/yellow_ribbon.htm