Korean Job Discussion Forums

Auslegung · Joined: 14 Jan 2009 Location: MB, SC

I have a job opportunity to teach at a university. It's definitely an entry-level, peon position, as they don't require an MA or anything TESOL, only a BA and experience. However, this part right here gives me pause:

Will teach about 25 hours a week.
The contract is on a 15-week basis and can be renewed.

I'm most concerned by that first line, "about 25 hours." Theoretically I could get there and only be doing 5 hours a week, which just wouldn't work.

But here's where it can help me. I want to teach at a uni, but they all require an MA. Some say they require either an MA or a BA plus 1, 2, or 3 years of teaching at a uni. This can be my chance to get a gig at a uni, work my butt off to make sure I can turn that 15 weeks into 52, and then continue moving up, without getting an MA first (though I do plan on doing that by and by).

For those more experienced in uni positions, what's the realistic worst-case scenario? What's worse, 10 hours/week or 25 hours/week at the uni level? Wouldn't 25/week of lectures translate to TONS of prep and planning? Have you had a position like this before? Do they treat you like an urchin whose only purpose is teaching classes no one else could be threatened into teaching? Thanks for your help.

sigmundsmith · Joined: 22 Nov 2007

I have never worked that many hours (contract) for a university. I have seen these types advertised and it always turns me away from them.

Yep, they don't require an MA for this particular job. Entry level but its just for 6 months. If you are planning on doing an MA and want to work in the uni. gig in the long run. Take the job and bite the bullet for now until you get more uni. experience that you can write on your resume.

Mr. Peabody · Joined: 24 Sep 2010 Location: here

Sounds like a uni language center position, not an actual uni job. Unless this is in Kunsan and it's the uni Young FRANKenstein was warning everyone about.

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?p=2602879&highlight=#2602879

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

RMNC · Joined: 21 Jul 2010

Yes. Also, Auslegung, do you know if there's guaranteed pay, even if you do work 5 hours a week? If it's that Kunsan place, though, don't bother.

Auslegung · Joined: 14 Jan 2009 Location: MB, SC

Thanks everyone, you've really got me thinking of good questions to ask. I was already planning on asking if there was a minimum payment or minimum guaranteed hours, but I haven't emailed them back yet. Son Deureo, I'll ask them about what you said, though honestly I think they want to hire someone for 1 semester then either not renew their contract, or continue renewing on 15-week cycles if they're pleased and to keep you begging for your job. It isn't Kunsan, thanks for the warning though.