Korean Job Discussion Forums

[smeggysmeg]

My wife and I lived in Busan from 2009 to 2010 where we taught in a hagwon.

We had a pretty decent experience, but I was having unknown medical problems and we always intended that to be a one-year experience.

Since coming back, my wife hasn't been able to get a job teaching in a public school here in Texas (she's a licensed teacher), and she's resorted to working at her mother's insurance agency. I've been working in IT, since that's where my skills and experience happens to be.
Plainly speaking, she hates it. She feels like she does nothing of value, and she's stressed and unhappy. I've been quite bored, but not miserable or anything, and the medical issues should all be worked out, soon.
Financially speaking, we don't feel like we're making any money and that it isn't going to improve just all that much. We have more expenses and possessions to manage.

So... we're considering a permanent return to teaching EFL.
My strongest concern is whether teaching EFL, whether in Korea or wherever the work takes us, has long-term viability.

We both have four-year university degrees where we made top grades, and we are more than willing to get TEFL certificates before returning. However, I don't think either of us has it in us to do a master's program (the whole reason we're where we are is that we could never get accepted to graduate schools).

She loves teaching kids. She loved teaching kinders and elementary aged students. I found kinders to be alright, elementary aged kids to be mildly to moderately irritating, and middle school aged kids to be great.

I would hope to get into a position that has a bit more permanence, and possibly vacation, than at your typical hagwon.

Are there any other certificate or degree programs that we should consider?
Is this really something that we can do for the next 30+ years?
Does anyone have any tips or information that we should consider?
Has anything significantly changed since we left in July of last year?

Thanks!

[some waygug-in]

If you are going to work in Eastern Europe or elsewhere, get a CELTA.

If Korea is your only goal, any 120 hr. Tefl course will do.

As far as the next 30 + years go, if you ever want to get better jobs than entry level, (hagwon or public school) you'd better think about an MA.

There's a lot of competition for the better jobs, and with out an MA you'll be at the bottom of the barrel.

Not saying it isn't possible, just not likely.

[bbud656]

I don't know where the next 10 years will go in Korea. They seem to be trying to phase out PS teachers or at least they are cutting the budgets a bit. Eventually, these kids we are teaching will grow up and they won't need as many of us around. If you are looking for a country that has a relatively low cost of living vs, decent wage, there aren't many. Thats why we are in Korea. If Japan or Thailand were offering the same deal, I would be there.

[ttompatz]

[mellow-d]

You should look into getting a Teacher's Certification so you and your wife can work in international schools. There are some really good positions out there for teaching couples in different countries. If you could find a short program (like one year) to do that, it might make a big difference in the long run.

[zappadelta]

I don't understand. If you had top grades in your undergrad program, how can you not get accepted into an MA program? That doesn't make sense at all.

[Bruce W Sims]

[Carbon]

For long-term viability in EFL an MA is necessary. (A relevant MA is best; App.ling., TESOL, etc.) An MA is necessary to get you into the better jobs which is really the only way to do EFL in Korea long-term.

Sure, you can work for hagwons for 20 years probably, but I don't think you would want to do that.

[Warhammer820]

Teaching kindergarten in Taiwan is illegal. I know you didn't say teach kindergarten in taiwan, but I think he should know.

[ttompatz]

[koreatimes]

[Adam Carolla]

[ttompatz]

[koreatimes]

[PatrickGHBusan]

OP you CAN do very well in Asia as a Teacher (as can your wife).

For the longer term view, you need to upgrade your qualifications and up your employability in the process.

Your wife is a certified teacher which means she can work in International schools. Those schools typically offer decent pay and benefits and allow you to teach your major as opposed to teaching English conversation. They are however hard to get into.

As for you a CELTA or TESOL cert is a good start. A MA in Education, Second language acquisition or some other related field would be a wise investment if you wish to progress to the better jobs.

If you choose to return to Korea you could choose to do this MA via distance education with some residency requirement. That would allow you to keep working while you study.

The important thing to progress in Korea (and elsewhere) is proper qualifications, accumulation of referenced experience and networking. Networking simply means attending conferences when possible, meeting other professionals in your field and establishing professional relationships. This can include your co-workers and supervisors. What this does is put you in play for many jobs that are typically not advertised. You do this right and after a couple of years you will start getting offers without having to look for them.

Basically, as a couple, you can do well all over Asia, including Korea.

I lived in Busan 1997-2008 and I did very well for myself. A lot of people have done the same or better.

cheers and good luck.