Korean Job Discussion Forums

[gingercat]

Hello,
I am curious if having either of these degrees would be beneficial in some way in the international community. I have both but currently use neither (I work in finance). I read on the board recently that native speakers with a science degree are rare. Any pointers on which countries this would be most helpful, and whether or not it is true that international schools would be a good prospect?

Thanks,
Ginger

[ttompatz]

[gingercat]

Thanks for the reply, I should mention I have a teaching certificate for K-5 in NJ. I don't have teaching experience though, unfortunately the governor in NJ cut education. But, I have lived in Europe for a summer and really liked being overseas. I lived in NYC for years and loved it, but it was too expensive. I am not afraid of city life or new cultures, so I think teaching abroad would be great. Thanks again.

[enchoo]

Hey dude I saw a few ads in Daves ESL looking for law professors who can teach law subjects in English a few months ago Yes there are opportunities out there. I myself is a chemistry undergrad, science education masters, public health management 2nd masters, plus 3 years medical school experience.

Now I am teaching in a major private university in Korea (outside of my field in science/health) but having a blast so far.

The question is how much they will pay you in salary and other benefits and you might still be teaching many subjects outside of your field.

Whatever you do good luck with your search and I will keep my eyes open too!

[gingercat]

Thanks for the info enchoo. I am still a little confused about whether you can teach at more than one place at a time (like, can you pick up an after school program to earn more money outside your GEPIK school or hagwon?)

I considered medical school too. Sounds like we have a lot in common. I hear uni jobs are definitely the way to go, sounds hard to get in though. I was thinking I might be able to get into one (after 1 year teaching general ESL) since a law degree is a doctorate degree. I'm not so concerned with the money right now, I just want to get there.

Is it easy, not so easy or extremely hard to make new friends there?

[enchoo]

Helps if you take the initiative and participate in different activities

Helps if you speak or are willing to learn Korean....

People will have sudden respect for your law /science degree......

I think being social shouldn't be a problem for you!!!

Maybe you should apply to my university--> you seem to be qualified....

[Riker]

You have a law degree?

TTom is correct.


Unless you graduate from a Top tier school in the top 10%, your probably looking at habitual unemployment and or permanent Shit law / doc review at 15 bucks an hour.

As for coming to Korea, I would probably leave that off the resume if you want to find a Job.

Most employers will immediately think "too expensive" because there are 1,000 more looking to do the same job with less qualifications.

I think you would be much better off staying in the States and going to Medical School.

I'm taking my MCAT soon, and off to medical school for me.

[gingercat]

Eh if I were you I would rethink med school. I have asked around and find that med school and law school aren't very different as an end result. Lots of MDs are out of work. I really didn't care for the legal environment and truly would like to have a career as a teacher. I am qualified/certified to teach K-5 in general ed and K-8 math. I am one state exam away from being qualified to teach K-12 science. But, I have no problem with teaching English over math or science, I just want to teach. (And yes, I am planning on leaving the JD off the resume).

If you want a medical environment why not get your RN? Then go for the MD after that. The hard thing for me is to decide if it's worth it to leave my current job in finance. I definitely feel the itch to live abroad. Ugh so many decisions.

[Riker]

MD's are not out of work.

That's funny.

Schools have been asked for years to relax strict enrollment restrictions because they can't fill demand.

Its finally starting to happen in a very controlled manner.

Unlike the ABA. The ABA essentially created this glut of lawyers, essentially making a JD a worthless degree without serious connections.

[ThingsComeAround]

To add to this science degree discussion, I am considering a return home for getting a degree in Science education- with a further goal of returning to Korea to teach.

Is an MA TESOL better? I'd prefer to teach English as gravy and get my hands dirty discussing biology/chemistry

[isitts]

[Riker]

[isitts]

[gingercat]

"Did biology and general science get saturated, too?"


In my state (NJ), yes. I have a BS in bio and wouldn't be able to find a job teaching in NJ right now due to budget cuts. Even chemistry or high school math is hard to find, unless of course you are willing to teach in high risk areas. Again, it will still be competitive.

I got my certifications through Alternative Route in NJ, which was really easy. You have to pass the praxis exam and take a 24 hour class, and you have to observe 4 hours of teaching. It's a joke really. I took the praxis without even studying. It's a smart idea for someone who wants to go to Korea and get higher pay to just do Alt Route and get any teaching cert your state offers, K-5 general ed is the easiest here. I am hoping to use that to get an extra 100000 KRW per month. Every little bit counts.

[ttompatz]

If you have home country teacher certification then you should look at places like Taiwan (public or government schools). The remuneration package is pretty good (better than Korea).

Look at the NET program in HK as well as international schools anywhere in SE Asia (pay is similar to or better than the states) and the cost of living is much lower (meaning you can save $15-20k per year).

.