Korean Job Discussion Forums

[demitri]

Hi,

After having taught in Korea, I returned to Europe and continued teaching in Greece. I've been here for 2 years and have decided to call it a day at the end of this school year. The work is fine but I've just had enough of living here.

Now, I'm debating with myself about what to do next. I'm not about to go back to the UK and be stuck in my parents' home job hunting for weeks or months only to be rejected from the most tedious of jobs. So, I guess I'm to continue on the teaching route (which has been a rather pleasant experience in Greece).

However, I can't help feeling that to move on to some other European country is not a great idea. With rent factored into the equation (haven't had this expense in Greece) I feel that it would be a major struggle just to get by.

Hence, the 'return to Korea' bell is ringing. Part of me feels that it's the best option, while the other screams that this would be a major step backwards. The last 2 years in Greece, I've actually had real responsibilities as a teacher and have had to teach everything. It's been a much bigger workload than anything I had in Korea but has been so much more satisfying as a result. I haven't just been an English conversation teacher.

Has anyone been in a similar boat and perhaps has some advice? Would it be a step back or is there a way to make it progressive? (If that makes sense).

Thanks

[Wiltern]

[demitri]

I see your point, but truth be told my options for that 'steady job' back home are, I believe, few. I have a degree but that doesn't mean much these days, especially when it's been several years since graduation and you haven't worked in that given field to build experience. The job market in the UK is crap. I've spent the last 3 years as an English teacher. Realistically speaking, I would be looking at some silly office jobs.

In light of that, I'd rather continue as an expat teacher. Plus, I can't say I'm too keen on settling back in the UK.

Any teachers on here who have gone from a relatively serious teaching gig in Europe to monkeying around in Korea? Are there serious teaching opportunities to be had in Korea, honestly?

[Ribena]

Why not do a PGCE back in the UK and become a qualified teacher in the UK. Once you have a bit of experience you can teach in International School all over the world.

[naturegirl321]

[edwardcatflap]

"monkeying around in Korea" eh

So I see you're in the same mind set as you were back in December when you said this

[ESL Milk "Everyday]

[naturegirl321]

[demitri]

[quote]If you believe what you say then I wouldn't recommend coming here no and according to you, you wouldn't be able to teach anything anyway if you can't speak Korean. Stay in Greece and be a proper teacher[/quote]

Edward, sorry you feel that way mate. It's not my fault you're getting old as a chump in Korea. We made our beds. But, ok. If it makes you feel better than yes, I'm sure your teaching position in Korea is deadly serious. That's why you're on esl cafe messing about every day posting peoples old comments. You got to grow up some time mate. Silly boy. Run along back to your class of kids who are hoping they don't end up like you

Back to the topic at hand. I guess I'd be willing to return if it were a uni gig. The MA coupled with the experience in Europe should suffice, right? But then there's the issue of landing a uni gig from outside Korea. Is that even possible?

[demitri]

[quote]I've taught at intl schools and let's just say I'd much rather make at least 40K usd after taxes, teach only 20 hours a week and have 5 months paid vacation than be a "real" teacher.[/quote]

Naturegirl, you've worked in SA and Europe, right? How is it moving from International schools back to Korea? I mean, presumably you've had your share of serious/professional positions. Did you feel it was a step backwards going back to Korea?

I'm not talking about the money side of things as the money I make and save in Greece is not so different to what I remember saving in Korea. But granted, that's not the norm. Fortunately, I don't have rent expenses. As for the 5 month paid vacation, wow! Is that for real? Surely such opportunities must be far and few between right? Did you get your uni job while in Korea?

[edwardcatflap]

[demitri]

[quote]So are you going to ask me about the chances of you landing a job at the place where I work?[/quote]

Why not? You don't really know who I am. Demitri is not my real name. Plus, if the Korean teachers liked me I doubt your objections would have much weight. You're not one of them remember. So go on, tell us where you work and I'll apply

Jokes aside. The 5 month thing sounds amazing, and you're telling me it's not that special/unusual in Korea. OK, this changes things. I need to look into this.

[edwardcatflap]

[oldtrafford]

Because you can't teach and have no real interest in the job. (you admitted so yourself in another post)

I agree, why bother, get back to blighty you schumk and get a 'proper' job. Maccy D's is calling thee!!!

[demitri]

[quote]Because you can't teach and have no real interest in the job.[/quote]

I said I have no interest in the job? Hmmm, ok. Don't remember saying that, but if you say so. I can't teach? Hmmm, ok. That's because I expressed an opinion about L1 being necessary (to an extent) in language learning. People are allowed to have different opinions mate.

Your opinion is bound to one-sided anyhow. Being a monolingual teacher in a country where you can't revert to students' L1.

Anyway, this conversation is silly. You're an educated guy (probably well into your 30's) 'teaching' in Korea. Nonsense.