Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mervanm]

After reading all the different comments on the TEFL certificate and it's usefulness in teaching ESL in South Korea, I am interested in hearing first hand experience with its effectiveness. Aside from a BA, what type of salary/job placement should I experience with my TEFL certificate. I am only talking in regards to South Korea. Any accurate info would be greatly appreciated.

[edwardcatflap]

This comes up all the time and as a result the advice tends to get more and more succint.

So, as briefly as possible

If you are going to teach children.....

With just a BA, do a cheap online TEFL cert if you're not really into teaching but want to work 1 or 2 years in Korea and get a rise in salary at public school. Hagwans don't care. They will employ you with just a BA and give you rises each year if you look the part and parents don't complain.

Do a proper TEFL cert with teaching practice if you are either interested in teaching EFL long term, or want to widen your opportunities for working in as many countries as possible.

To equip yourself fully for teaching children, the best qualification is obviously a primary school teaching qualification in your own country. In my experience teachers who have done that can adapt quite easily to Korean state school teaching. Failing that, a good short practical qualification like the CETYL will serve you well.

For teaching adults, do a CELTA if you want to work at a reputable school and avoid getting complaints.

If you want to work at a Korean university, do an MA

[mervanm]

Thank you for the info. I am registered for a TEFL certificate through Oxford Seminars. Because I am interested in teaching ESL in Korea for around 3 years, what type of salary would I be looking at with my certificate as opposed to not having it? Also, what is the average raise each year in a public school vs. a hagwon. Lastly, how many hours per week is doable for private tutoring? Any accurate first hand help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

[marlow]

It can add up to almost $4000 per year with EPIK.

[mervanm]

Is EPIK similar to a recruiter in that they take a fee or some of my pay? What are the benefits and drawbacks of going through the EPIK as opposed to just landing a job through eslcafe?

[marlow]

EPIK is the government funded scheme. When I worked for them a 120-hour certificate was the difference between me getting 1.9 instead of 2.2, as I already had over a year of experience teaching at a hagwon.

[mervanm]

Thank you for your response. So you would suggest that I take the additional course to complete 100 hours for the certificate instead of the 60 that is included in the standard course?

[mr.whiskers]

If you're going to do it, definitely do 100 hours. Nobody will recognize anything less.

[fergalreid]

[marlow]

[air76]

Personally I think that it is worthwhile to get your CELTA...yes, it is more expensive and will only bump your pay slightly, but having some knowledge of how to teach will make this job so much easier. If you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you will only be teaching for 1-2 years and then without question you will quit the field, then it might not be worth your money, but otherwise I'd get your CELTA from the beginning and start off on the right foot.....with a CELTA and a couple years experience you can land a decent university job, not one of the great jobs, but a job that blows any hagwon or public school gig out of the water.