Korean Job Discussion Forums

TECO · Joined: 20 Jan 2003

Teaching EFL is not a profession that requires any type of university degree.

Those of you here who think a good TEL teacher needs an M.A. or B.A. in Chemistery, Biology, or E-commerce are not helping the EFL profession.

Kristsoy · Joined: 23 Mar 2004

only one person thinks that...the one who gives us the visa

The Lemon · Joined: 11 Jan 2003

TECO · Joined: 20 Jan 2003

mithridates · Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 6:05 am Post subject:

It doesn't really require one in Japan, at least for a year (Working Holiday). There is the same visa here, but it's nearly useless as the WH doesn't work here without a degree, in which case an E-2 is better...

crazylemongirl · Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Location: almost there...

I don't think that being a good teacher requires a piece of paper but it sure does help. I use a lot of the stuff I learnt in my degree here and I think I didn't have to use as much time on trial and error as other people.

However I think the underlying jist of your post seems to be that you think it's ok for people to knowingly flaunt immigration laws, that's wrong.

mithridates · Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 7:03 am Post subject:

I wonder how one goes about changing immigration? I think their policy should be that
-most teachers should have a degree
-a teacher with a degree in humanities is even better
-a teacher with a degree plus knowledge / love of of Korea(n) is even better
-a person without a degree but with certain special attributes can be excepted

just a little more flexible...

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

I think it depends upon where you are planning on working. If you want a half way respectable job in a university or public school, then I say yes, you should have some kind of a degree.

If, however you are going to take a babysitting position with "so and so kiddies hagwan", then I don't see any need for a degree. In fact, it may be detrimental to your sanity to think that, "here you are with an MA. in business admin. and you are teaching nursery rhymes to toddlers." Shocked

Not that you couldn't do it, but it sure would be hard on your sense of self worth.

Anyway, I'm sure to get "flakked" for this, but that's my 2.5 centavos.
Cheers

rapier · Joined: 16 Feb 2003

The esl trade is already full of people who can barely teach. You want to lower the bar even further???

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

No, that's not what I mean, but I hadn't thought of that angle. What I mean is it would separate the "real" teaching jobs from the babysitting places.

People without degrees already work at a lot of these places, I've met a few. Some have working student visas, others are just illegals.

I mean it might make the industy start to think about setting some standards for the SCHOOLS, not just the teachers. Shocked

Only the real schools would require degrees, and we would all be able to tell what kind of job it was. No degree = babysitting

Degree = real school

Anyway, it's all just speculation. We both know it will never happen.
Cheers

matthewwoodford · Joined: 01 Oct 2003 Location: Location, location, location.

The Man known as The Man · Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 2:05 pm Post subject:

TECO · Joined: 20 Jan 2003

In my view, the university degree 'requirement' in order to obtain a work visa in countries like Japan, Taiwan and Korea serves no useful purpose in terms of attracting good ELT teachers.

In fact, the only people who seem to care about it is an extremely, very small number of people who post on Dave's ESL Cafe.

The private schools, run by business people, sure as h ell don't care.

Not one private school I've ever worked for in Asia - in 6 years - has ever recognized TESL / TEFL training or made it as a requirement to employment.

Degrees completely unrelated to teaching EFL are deemed acceptable to obtain a work visa.

'A degree in biology - chemistry? Good enough to teach EFL!'

Lemon Girl:
It's their country - if they don't give a s hit, then why should you.