Korean Job Discussion Forums

[judoka]

A question. I am wondering how my decision to drop out of a teacher credential program will affect me since I want to go to Korea next July/August. The only difference is a slightly lower pay, right? But in a way, don't they prefer ones with no teaching credentials to pay them less? I dropped out because I didn't think I'd need it since I want to only teach in Asia: Korea/Japan/China.

One more question. I know in Hong Kong universities offer PGDE programs. Do any Korean universities offer this as well? Thanks.

[thegadfly]

A place that "prefers" those without a teaching credential is probably a place that has a host of other problems. Most of the "good" gigs I have heard about give preference to those with the credentials and experience, rather than to those who will work cheapest.

The cost-benefit ratio of getting a teaching credential could be debated, especially if you never intend to use it elsewhere -- but it WOULD open up the opportunity to work at some of the better places. I don't know how much your program would have cost you, so I can't really comment, but figure out how long you intend to teach, how much more you would earn a year with a credential (figure in that you might get some of the sweeter deals with one, like a foreign language high school or competetitve hakwon), and compare that with the cost to get an idea if it is worth it.

Normally, I would say that it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it, but I think there are too many people with teaching certificates that should NOT have one, so if you are not sure, I would say hold off.

[judoka]

Sound advice, to hold off if I am not sure. But I wonder if it is possible to get the credential/PGDE while in Korea. Anyone know? I know MAs can be easily gotten via online courses. That's another option for me as well.

[ttompatz]