Korean Job Discussion Forums

[toph]

Sorry if this topic has been posted before, but my search function isn't working...

Anyway, I'm getting my B.S. in Psychology this December, and I'm coming to Korea as an ESL teacher in January/early-February. But I was wondering: Has anyone tried going to grad-school in Korea? More specifically, a psychology program? If not psychology...simply going to grad-school is fine. I'm just wondering, cause I'm already planning on spending 2 years in Korea, and I'm wondering if it would be worth getting my Master's in Korea vs. America. I'm unsure whether or not a Master's from Korea would be recognized in America, so if it isn't...that would suck hard.

Oh...and I'm also SERIOUSLY considering making a career in Korea as a psychologist. So, that's really the only reason I'm asking. Anyway, any help is appreciated!!!

[definitely maybe]

I'm not sure the field is held in nearly as high a regard as the west. I'd imagine there are accessible programs, but I think a decision like this will require a lot more research and attention to detail than most posters on this site can provide. Harpeau is a foreigner who does some counselling here, so he might be a good person to contact for some information about the mental health industry in Korea if that's the area you're interested in.

[toph]

Well, actually psychologists are very respected (they are doctors afterall). I just don't if the psychologists practice modern theories in psychology. That's part of the reason I want to make a career there, because I want to bring more modern ideas of psychology into Korea. (Lol...yeah I know, this is pretty aspirational). I'm just worried that if I get a Master's/PhD in Korea, and eventually decide to come back to America...it won't be recognized. My dad has told me about international schools in Korea, but I don't know too much about these programs. Oh...I'm gyopo, so my dad knows all about the schools there, obviously. But yeah, I was just wondering if anybody here had current personal experience :/

[definitely maybe]

You might want to ask your father to get in touch with some people with a bit more knowledge of the situation in Korea. I'd imagine that will get you far more reliable answers.

By the way, I said "the field" was not as highly regarded, not psychologists. There is, however, still a significant stigma attached to people who seek out help from psychologists in Korea. Now, before you decide to tell me I'm wrong again, know that I've been here a long time, am married to a Korean, and know more than a few professionals, including doctors. I'm not just doing guess work based on six months in a hagwon and encounters with a couple of kids with possible learning/behavior disorders.

As for people going to grad school here, it's far from unusual. Plying your trade as a psychologist back in the states could be a bit more difficult though. I could maybe rationalize a masters in psych here, but not a doctorate. Even then, you might still have a bit of trouble getting into the same kind of doctoral programs back home because you did your grad work here. You seem to be willing to consider staying here for the long haul though, so it might work out in your favor.

[toph]

Woah, woah...didn't mean to offend you. Sorry. I know that the stigma exists, which is why I want to bring those "modern ideas" to Korea. I didn't mean for you to think that I was calling you wrong, or anything like that.

But yeah, I think I'll just talk to my dad when the time comes, cause I don't really need to worry about it now. I just wanted to hear a foreigner's experience in a Korean grad-school program.

[definitely maybe]

Not offended. You're likely to get some responses from people who fit the stereotype I threw out in the last post. I genuinely wish you the best of luck. There's a lot that goes unnoticed or ignored here, and it might take foreign-born Koreans coming back and shaking up the system to actually effect some change.

[Troglodyte]

[Yaya]

Don't get a graduate degree in psychology in Korea. That field still seems to be in its infancy in Korea. If you want to be a shrink in Korea, get your degree in the U.S. and then come back.

[Skipperoo]

Personally I think clinical psychology (which seems to be the field you're interested in? "Psychologist" isn't very specific...) is a difficult enough field to break in to without trying to do so in a country like Korea.

I'd say do it in your own country at a good school, get your experience, get your PhD, THEN make the move to Korea with a set of globally respected qualifications. That way if Korea turns out to be less than you hoped for, you're still free to try elsewhere in the world.

[Milwaukiedave]

I'd have to concur with Yaya, get your graduate degree in the US. If you want to work in Korea then come over after that.

[bucheon bum]

Not to jump on the bandwagon, but yes, getting a grad degree in Korea instead of America would limit your options significantly.

[toph]

I guess I have to agree with everybody else, in that I should get an American degree and come back to Korea. I suppose I knew the answer to my question already, I just needed the reassurance?

As for the career specifications: I want to be a clinical-psychologist, specializing in obsessive OR depressive disorders (still not quite sure).

Anyway, thanks for the help everyone!!