Korean Job Discussion Forums

tallguy · Joined: 13 Mar 2010

Greetings. I'm considering different paths to TESL and appreciate your constructive inputs.

Mini bio: single, late 40's. have traveled to >50 countries - but have essentially always lived within 150 miles of my birthplace in the NW USA. Have Masters in International Management from Portland State University. Worked for HP for >21 years in procurement / supply chain / contracts. No teaching experience.

If I obtain the TESL certificate (in USA) - combined with my existing masters - what might be my marketability in S. Korea?

If I obtained a Master of Education in TESL from a local university in Portland OR (Concordia), what might be my marketability in S. Korea?

Is S. Korea a good place to start one's career in TESL - or would you suggest a different country (I'm not fixated on S. Korea).

Yes, this would be a big change for me, but I've often thought about teaching, particularly at the university / community college level. My goal would be to work overseas for a few years then likely come back closer to my roots and teach.

Thanks for your inputs in advance!

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

I'd say you'd get a job now (masters degree). However, your age puts you behind many younger applicants. Try sending your resume to EPIK, GEPIK etc. There are always positions in PS in rural areas - and that's where you're likely to end up (age). However, you many not want to live in rural Korea (it's a sensory deprivation experiment).

Failing that, you may be employed in a hagwon (lots of hours and exploitation but it's a valuable year's teaching experience.

Your chances will increase with a TEFL or CELTA - and you'll teach better too.

Good luck.

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

Jessie41 · Joined: 14 Dec 2007

You should be fine coming to Korea now. If you have the time and the money right now, of course get a TEFL. You could also look at the pay scales for the individual programs, such as EPIK, GEPIK, SMOE, or other public school positions. Usually, you would get a 100,000 won increase for having either a master's (any field) or a TEFL, but having both may not get you anything extra beyond that. This was my situation with EPIK. However, if you do get a public school position, there is a good chance you wouldn't start until September anyway, which would give you time to attend an on-site TEFL course. It will benefit you in the long run.

Another option is a less expensive online TEFL. With either, you could start working in Korea while you pursue a Master's in TESOL (or related). Then with your experience and new Master's, you could decide on your next move.

I know lots of people working in Seoul, and other urban areas, who are in their 40s. I don't agree with the other post about being placed behind younger applicants. Yes, the majority are younger, but that just represents the demographics of the applicants.

However, hagwons may be a different story when it comes to age. But I have no experience with them.

Troglodyte · Joined: 06 Dec 2009

whiteshoes · Joined: 14 Apr 2009

Does money matter?

If money isn't an issue, I'd go SE Asia.

If money is an issue, Korea is fine, but you will be pretty behind because of your age. In Korea a good teacher isn't someone who can teach well, it's someone who fits into a "type" parents are looking for. That type is a 25 year old blonde woman from North America. If you're not that, you need to make up for it.

Your master's will help, but if you're willing to get your M.Ed. first, do that and do like an above poster said and go to the Middle East.

Good luck at any rate!

hagwonnewbie · Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Location: Asia

I'm guessing the OP is doing well financially unless he went through some messy divorce and had a handful of bad investments.

I'd say Korea might be good for 6 months or a year, but you'll probably want to head to SE Asia after that. That's the best place for a well-off single guy who's over 40.