Korean Job Discussion Forums

OneWayTraffic · Joined: 14 Mar 2005

Hi. I was in South Korea from 2001 to 2009. Got married, F2 visa and 2 kids. (Now three.)

I'm now qualified as a secondary (high school) in the NZ system with maths and physics as my primary subjects. I will be working in the schools here for at least the next 2 or 3 years I expect.

At some stage though I'd like to come back to Korea for a year or two so the kids can build their Korean fluency and also because I miss the place. If so I'd like to be doing something a bit more "professional" than the mixed kinder/corporate/private gig I was doing before and far better paid than working in a public high school as a 'visiting teacher.'

Anyone here know if the SAT places would look at a non American? This is going to be a few years down the track so there's a chance that I'll be higher qualified than now as well. Thinking about an MBA at some stage.

jrwhite82 · Joined: 22 May 2010

Have you taken the SATs before or a similar test in NZ? (not sure what test you take there) Many of the higher paying SAT prep schools require your scores be very high to get in.

International schools offer some major benefits for someone like you. The pay might not be as high, but for a guy with kids, it is the sure bet if you ask me. Most schools will let you enroll your little ones for free or a deep discount if you teach there. You'd be on the same schedule as them. Better vacation than the test prep schools. Chances are, when you return to NZ you will be able to count those years at the international school towards your pay grade (if its similar to teacher salary tiers in the US anyway). Some schools will even help you ship your belongings over and provide you with key money for an apartment.

So don't fall into the big money signs of the test prep schools. Especially with the saving you could have taking your kids to a quality international school with you for free.

OneWayTraffic · Joined: 14 Mar 2005

Yea JR I've looked at the international schools. I need to have at least 2 years of classroom experience before they will look at me, and then there's the fact that most of their teachers are from the US, and about half have a MA or higher. It complicates things that they usually prefer couples that come over to be teaching couples, but I guess my wife could work in admin or similar.

In short, I'd definitely go for an international school; that would be my first choice. If not though, then at some stage I need to consider other options.

I'm looking at it now a few years in advance in case I need to prepare something.

NZ doesn't have SATs or similar. Our system is a bit different. However I'm sure that I could pass the SATs now, if it's possible to take them as adults.
Smile

FMPJ · Joined: 03 Jun 2008

It's very unlikely you'd get an SAT-prep job as a non-American, at least not a very good one.

OneWayTraffic · Joined: 14 Mar 2005

That was my fear. It's funny, it's not like the maths changes. But then the exam prep business was never about the actual subject.

jrwhite82 · Joined: 22 May 2010

FMPJ · Joined: 03 Jun 2008

FMPJ · Joined: 03 Jun 2008

northway · Joined: 05 Jul 2010

Assuming you have those scores and went to a high-ranking non-Ivy, how easy is it to get one of these jobs (with teaching experience)?

FMPJ · Joined: 03 Jun 2008

OneWayTraffic · Joined: 14 Mar 2005

And this will be the problem. Especially as by then I may be at the top of the NZ teaching scale (68k NZD) It's hard to take a pay cut.

When I first came to Korea it was more money for less work. How things have changed. Exchange rate and more competition.

I may have a look at uni jobs later on. I plan to have a crack at a masters degree after I'm established in the classroom here.