Korean Job Discussion Forums

Gareth Y · Joined: 07 Feb 2011

I had a hard time finding an answer to this in the search results, so I thought I ask the pro's.

I'm applying for a PhD back home in old blighty and I was wondering if anyone had applied or even studied for a degree/masters/PhD whilst in Korea? Is such a thing possible? Research is research wherever you are in the world and from what I understand most professors are fluent in English.

Is it possible or am I just looking for an excuse to stay longer?

Hugo85 · Joined: 27 Aug 2010

I'm applying for Ph.D. in Korea at the moment. SNU, Yonsei, Korea University, KAIST and POSTECH are all well ranked internationally in terms of academic achievements so it's not like you would be going to a third rate university (unless you actually apply to a third rate Korean university which I wouldn't recommend). Not sure how much it will be recognized in practice in the states though. The application period is over for this year, but you should look into the KGSP (www.niied.go.kr) scholarship of next year which is semi not bad (900k per month, tuition, some other stuff).

A Ph.D. is always what you make of it, since you are on the ground you can actually go meet the professors and see what you think of them as they are the single most important thing to consider when choosing a Ph.D. IMO. I didn't have that luxury and can only hope he is as fluent/helpful as he was by e-mail.

bluelake · Joined: 01 Dec 2005

Yup, I finished my Ph.D. coursework in Korean studies at a Korean university and will have my dissertation finished by the end of the year if all goes well. Likewise, my son finished his Ph.D. coursework (in linguistics) and also now needs to finish his dissertation.

Cedar · Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 7:18 am Post subject:

Got my MA in Korea, moved to the States working on my PhD (back in Korea now doing field research). Had no trouble going from top notch Korean MA program to a top notch research 1 in the US (got accepted to almost all the programs I applied to).

Personally, unless you intend to spend the rest of your life in Korea in a second tier teaching job, I think a PhD from top US or UK school is better because you can't even get hired to Yonsei tenure track unless your terminal degree is from a top US/UK schools (maybe France for art, Germany/Austria/Italy for music, you get my drift)

UknowsI · Joined: 16 Apr 2009

sadguy · Joined: 13 Feb 2011

Cedar · Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 7:00 pm Post subject:

I'm not knocking the education in Korean universities, certainly not the MA or PhD level. I just think that a US/UK terminal degree leaves you many more options in the future. You get good education just about anywhere if you have the motivation, the dedication and a reasonably supportive advisor to point you in the direction you need to go whether it be directing you towards a helpful class, a helpful book or setting up an introduction.

Hugo85 · Joined: 27 Aug 2010

A US/UK top school is better than the top Korean schools, but below those top schools I'd give both korean top schools and UK/US almost top schools consideration... especially the UK ones below top 5 UK.

Gareth Y · Joined: 07 Feb 2011

It's interesting to hear from people who've actually gone through the system here. It all sounds delightful so far. I know you've mentioned linguistics above, and Korean of course, but what other areas of research are investigated here? I've been following the other thread about ridiculous areas of education and could well believe that there are courses or institutes interested in pursuing them in the UK! What about the Koreans? I studied sound/broadcast engineering for my undergrad and music technology at postgraduate level (a healthy interest in all things �sound� you see), would there be Korean institutes with deep roots in either field? It would be interesting to hear about the arts field here also.

murmanjake · Joined: 21 Oct 2008

It's interesting to read threads with posters who post in different colors. We should all collaborate to make this board more colorful and welcome in spring!

UknowsI · Joined: 16 Apr 2009

Cedar · Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 11:54 pm Post subject:

If it was me and I was into anything sound related I'd check out K-Arts (Korean National University of the Arts) first. Not sure what they offer, but it's the best -practice based- program for musicians, dancers, singers, etc. in Korea, hand's down.

Gareth Y · Joined: 07 Feb 2011

I'm excited a little now, I'm going to have a good look at those institutes mentioned above Very Happy

I've tried to Google search "tuition fees for PhD's in South Korea" and found the wording a little confusing Confused

Are they about $6000?

I just wish everyone put a "U" in colour Laughing

Hugo85 · Joined: 27 Aug 2010

Gareth... bad idea to do a Ph.D. on your own dime. Not only are you paying tuition, you also aren't getting paid.

Gareth Y · Joined: 07 Feb 2011

There seems to be plenty of talk about international student funding from a couple of the institutes and there are multiple start dates throughout the year at some places too. A bit more research and fact finding is in order I think. I'd prefer to be funded for those exact reason Hugo, fingers crossed I find it.