Korean Job Discussion Forums

Mike410 · Joined: 23 Sep 2011 Location: Canada

Im about ready to start applying for jobs in Korea. I have just finished an online 120 hour TEFL course and I hold a BA and an MA.

What type of institution should a first time teacher with no teaching experience, apply to?

Hagwon, Public, University? Is Uni even an option for someone with no teaching experience? I would assume not.

Thanks for advice

Mike

Jotun_Symph · Joined: 21 Aug 2011

I would go public. More vacation, less risky than a Hogwan. The only way I would take Hogwan over public was if the hours were less than six a day and the pay was at least 2.3 million won. Your degrees should put you in a higher pay grade, not to mention it will give you an edge in the job search. From what I understand university jobs are never an easy thing to come by and you have to be extremly lucky to land one, even with your education.

whiteshoes · Joined: 14 Apr 2009

You could get a uni job with an MA, but it will be almost impossible to do it if you are not in Korea.

I'd say, come to Korea and go for a public school job. Try to get at a high school. While you are there, be prepared to interview at uni when you get here.

While it's poor taste to change mid contract, most public schools will understand if you leave for a uni. Now, with that in mind, don't play on going to a public school for a month and switch. Just, apply if you get a chance.

koreatimes · Joined: 07 Jun 2011

Actually, I found working at a public school, they don't want to change gears. They will do whatever they can to keep you so you finish the school year.

With a hagwon, you could give notice, lose some pay, but be able to move on to another school more easily. Usually, when I "give notice" we work out immediate exit plans. This could be either clearing my stuff right away to finishing the week. When I talked to a public school, they said, "Why don't you just finish the school year out?" They are programmed to do things a certain way, and they don't like to change things.

whiteshoes · Joined: 14 Apr 2009

Mike410 · Joined: 23 Sep 2011 Location: Canada

Thanks for the replies.

A uni job is very appealing with the long holiday time, but having flights paid for and accommodation set up for when I first arrive is also very appealing!

I'm assuming Uni's don't pay for flights over.

The consensus on here from what I've read is Uni is the best, then public and Hagwon are debatable as to which type is better.