Korean Job Discussion Forums

[daveeslcafe888]

Hi Everyone,

I'm interested in getting more education while I am in Korea. However, I don't speak any Korean.

Do you guys have any recommendations about what to do? (i.e. will some universities teach classes in English, etc.)?

Thanks

[decolyon]

Man, you are asking a million questions before you even get here. Why don't you just wait, arrive, get settled in your job, become familiar with your town, your coworkers, your students.. and see how things go. It will most certainly take you at least a month or two to get into a routine and find out where everything is and learn how to live without having someone hold your hand the entire time.

By the time you get settled in, it will be too late to start any kind of university class of worth. And you may find you don't even like living here and decide to leave. If you do stay, it's not like you can take one or two masters courses at the local university that will transfer back home. You would have to complete an entire degree to have the work recognized State side.

But yes, there are classes and degree offered in English at some of the larger universities. But can you even name them? Do you even know the Korean word for "milk?" Why don't you try working out the small things and taking time to enjoy the culture before you start planning your entire life out here. Besides, I promise you, no matter your plans, your first few weeks and months will be the same as everyone else. It will take some time to get into a rhythm with your classes and students. Your coworkers will drag you out for galbi and beer a few nights a week. Weekends you'll spend sleeping in and going out to the bars or on a date with that lovely Korean girl you met at the gym or office or bus stop or subway or burger king. The next thing you know, you've been so busy just exploring and soaking things up, 6 months have passed and all that planning you did back home will just be a memory.

[PRagic]

There are several large universities in Seoul where you can do an MA or MBA in English.

Seoul National University, Korea University, Ewha Womans University, Yonsei University, and Sogang University (just off the top of my head) all have Graduate Schools of International Studies.

Your best bet, as a previous poster recommended, is to get here, get the lay of the land, and see how things go. If you're serious about knocking out your MA here, you'd be better off on a student visa and just working around your class schedule. You might, however, end up with a decent boss in Seoul who would let you just work nights during the semester. Again, you'll have to get here to find out.

[minos]

Get a public school gig and the time off will easily allow it(might be able to leave early if our school appreciates you alot).

My head english teacher did her PHD while on the job!

[Milwaukiedave]

Also look into accredited online programs. It really depends on what area you are wanted to study.