Korean Job Discussion Forums

Reise-ohne-Ende · Joined: 07 Sep 2009

Hi there -

I've been teaching at a public school in Korea for almost a year now, and I'm looking at some other options for next year. Is it possible to find a job with a university if I don't have a Master's degree? If so, what is the best way to find a job like this - networking, contacting the English department, recruiters, etc.?

Thank you for your help!

eslwriter · Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 11:09 pm Post subject:

It is possible but becoming more difficult.

Your biggest challenge is lack of college and/or university teaching experience. One year of experience is not much anymore.

You can get that experience if you apply to the colleges in smaller cities.

A short, easy to read cover letter with a nice photo mailed to the chair of English departments in countryside schools will probably yield at least one interview.

Reise-ohne-Ende · Joined: 07 Sep 2009

Thank you for the response!

It's a great idea, but I'm hoping to stay in Busan next year. So if that means teaching at a hagwon instead of a uni, so be it ><. Still, any chance I could find something here?

oldtactics · Joined: 18 Oct 2008

I'm working at a college this year, without a Masters. The jobs are out there, but you need to be willing to go to areas where there isn't a lot of competition. Experience and great references are a big help.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Location: Home sweet home

YOu could get a job at a college. And there's less competition outside of the main cities.

eslwriter · Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2010 2:16 am Post subject:

Busan is a great city. Lots of other people think so, too. That's why there are heaps of waygooks in this town. So competition is stiff.

I have no special knowledge of, connections at or insights into these places but take a look at Dongeui college (possibly Dongeui university as well) and Busan College of IT (otherwise now as BIT).

good luck

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2010 4:43 am Post subject:

No MA will leave you out when it comes to University positions in Busan unless you aim for unigwons.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Location: Home sweet home

What about little colleges?

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2010 4:55 am Post subject:

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2010 4:58 am Post subject:

Sector7G · Joined: 24 May 2008

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2010 10:16 am Post subject:

True sectorG.

But without that MA, it is becoming increasingly harder to make that jump to those university positions.

Sector7G · Joined: 24 May 2008

Reise-ohne-Ende · Joined: 07 Sep 2009

Unigwon! So cute, haha. How would one go about finding one of those? Recruiters? Window shopping near a university?

Contacts of course...although I hate pestering my Korean friends. I guess they get to practice their English with me, so they might not mind helping me with this. Smile

decolyon · Joined: 24 Jul 2010

I've been moderately curious about this as well. I was wondering if some of you could answer some questions about it?

-What do the salaries look like at unis?

-Would Daegu bee considered a small enough city to make this jump without an MA? I'm willing to get out of Seoul, but I can't be in some hick town. I left Alabama to get away from that kind of life.

-I have 4 years experience in Korea. 1 at a hagwon, 1 at a kindergarten, and 2 at one of the top private elementary schools. I could probably score a teaching certificate in a few months if I had to. Do you think that would be enough to make the jump?

- What are some of the other benefits? Right off the top of my head I can think of better pay, fewer hours, more vacation, probably bigger and nicer apartment being outside of the city, and maybe getting actual respect from you students. But what am I missing?

thanks