Korean Job Discussion Forums

[interestedinhanguk]

I've noticed that from the sounds of it, schools are now just hiring the cheapest, least experienced teachers. I have considered getting a TEFL certificate (just one of the 100 hour online ones that schools here seem to like). Now I'm wondering if getting it would be a waste. Would it help me out in this current situation? Would schools pass me over because of it.

Right now I'm on my 2nd year of teaching kindy (and some elementary hagwon in the afternoon). This is my first teaching just. I have an unrelated Bachelor's degree and no other qualifications other than my little bit of experience. I currently make 2.4 million plus all the standard apartment, airfare etc.

So, do I have anything to gain by getting a certification? I'd be looking for work in Feb/March of 2011.

[interestedinhanguk]

bump

[thegadfly]

I would say you have nothing to lose -- your worry about being passed over for jobs because you are "overqualified" is not likely to be a problem. Depending on how much the certification costs you, it would likely help you earn more money in the long run (even if it is only 100k a month, if you are going to be here a few more years, that can add up). If you are looking more in the short term, then probably not -- dunno how much the course runs you, but figure how much of a raise it would get you, how much it cost you, and how long you plan to use it, and you should know if it is worth it or not....

[tokkibunni8]

I did an online one halfway into my second year. Well worth it. Pays itself off in two months.

[northway]

If you're American and have a bit of cash to spare you can get certified in Texas without ever having to step foot in the state except to take the certification test. I've heard it runs about three or four grand for the whole deal, but it would also pay itself off very quickly.

[RMNC]

Or, you can do what smart people do and get the cheapest possible 100 hour course online and save thousands. Spending a few thousand dollars on a TESOL degree is just silly, especially when he already is teaching in Korea. He probably learned more on his first day than that course could ever teach him.

[interestedinhanguk]

Yes, I was thinking of doing one of the ones for 200 dollars or whatever online for 100-hour course. I know that is usually what suffices here.

[northway]

[Oliver]

[interestedinhanguk]

[languistic]

[NM14456]

[mimi belle]

There are different types of certification.

There are the online certificates.
(100 hours + and they run approx $200-$400.)
Then there's the 1 month long CELTA which runs approx $1800.
And finally MA programs.

If you're deciding on the online certification, then you should do it as long as you have the money. From what I hear, it's not much use outside of asia (and some countries still require a CELTA) but you might as well.

@ northway
Are you talking masters programs in texas?
Please elaborate. Sounds interesting.

[languistic]