Korean Job Discussion Forums

[oldlongears]

I know this is a variation on a theme that's been done to death. Sorry.

For the experienced long-term teachers: I'd like your opinion. I taught in South Korea for a year after undergrad and then came back to America for grad school. Now I have 2 MAs (English Ed and English Lit) but there are no jobs and I miss South Korea. If I go back it would be for the Long Haul- 20 years or so. Since I know age is a factor, I'm in my mid 20s.

To the questions. Do my credentials make a career in South Korea possible? If so, would university jobs be the best option? International schools? Foreign language high schools?

Thanks.

[lifeinkorea]

[oldlongears]

Thanks for the input.

Additionally, o wise forumites, do you think it would be possible to find a good (understanding that "good" is entirely subjective) job from abroad, or would you suggest taking a decent job for a year and then networking for a better position while in South Korea?

[PatrickGHBusan]

2 full MAs in your mid-twenties and a year in Korea. You sure keep busy kid

In all seriousness you can do quite well with those qualifications over the long term.

In practical terms, your experience is next to none (just that one year) but your credentials are far above the average esler. You seem to want to apply from abroad so you should aim for a DECENT position, perhaps at a PS.

When you arrive, start networking, attend conferences, start projects and build up for your next job. This can mean a year or two of work at a PS or at some of the better Hakwons to build up your experience base. Since you are in your mid 20s, a couple of years building up experience should not be a problem.

With your credentials, a University job is quite realistic. You could get one after another year of experience in Korea and you can do quite well there. However, being under 30 can be a drawback for some universities who prefer to hire slightly older teachers.

International schools typically require Teacher Certification. Some will accept a MA instead but its not that common.

Your key here is: have a set of goals, plan accordingly and stay on course.

Where you can work depends now on WHEN you want to arrive in Korea. Public schools only hire at set periods of the year as do Universities. Hakwons hire year round but that experience is not always counted when it comes to Universities unless its referenced.

The market is competetive for good jobs but with your credentials and a bit of added experience you can make out quite well.

[Epik_Teacher]

You might consider the CELTA and eventually the DELTA, it will make you more marketable outside of Korea. In Korea, no one cares about them, outside Korea they could make the difference between a crap/so-so job and a great job.

[edwardcatflap]

[PatrickGHBusan]

[oldlongears]

Thanks for the informed replies. The people who I hoped would respond did. As for the CELTA and DELTA, I am certified to teach English in America, so I'd like to position myself to teach at least some classes that involve English lit. rather than teaching solely conversation/TOEFL test prep.

And I can't send private messages yet, but that is definitely the kind of school I had in mind. Thanks again.

[PatrickGHBusan]

[oldlongears]

Sorry for the lack of clarity. I am certified to teach English in public schools (grades 7-12) in my state in America. I don't possess any kind of TEFL certification.

[PatrickGHBusan]