Korean Job Discussion Forums

[letflyJ]

I'm re-posting this thread here because I am assuming that I incorrectly placed it the first time I posted it and that's why it was deleted.

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Hello all,

I was formerly in the military for six years but I do not have a college degree yet. I am going to post this thread here and then in a couple of other country specific forums here and I'll list why below.

About my work experience. My job in the Navy was a Korean interpreter. I graduated from language school in California and while I was there I taught Korean reading and writing for one year to Korean-American children at my church there. (한글 학교) For those of you with a bit of familiarity with the Korean community abroad, I'm sure you know about 한글 학교 that goes on every Saturday for a couple of hours at Korean churches. I also lived in Korea for one year when I was stationed there. As an interpreter, I worked on a Korean military base with nothing but Koreans during my entire year in Korea.

So, that's my work experience in regards to Korea/Korean. I am pretty comfortable in Korean. I can read, write, speak, and understand it. I'm not native level but I am pretty good though in speaking and understanding. As an interpreter, I don't write it much so I'm not so advanced there but I do read it often.

Before I ask you all experienced teachers about my options, I will let you know that I am also interested in teaching in Japan, Thailand, China, Philippines, and South America especially Brazil in general. Out of the countries above that I listed, the only language that I am not comfortable in is Thai. For the others, I speak (in order of fluency) Japanese/Tagalog/Spanish (same level), Portuguese, and Chinese. Just so you know.

I am thinking about teaching English in Korea and since you all now know my background, I am wondering what advice you can give me about teaching in Korea (and the other countries listed) in regards to my specific situation. You do not have to inform me at all about Korean culture aside from teaching in Korea. I am very intimate with Seoul and Korean culture in general.

So, your detailed thoughts? Thank you!!

[rainism]

[morrisonhotel]

Your original post was probably deleted because of you discussing illegal private tutoring. Korea is out until you get a degree or start working towards a degree (TALK). From my, somewhat limited understanding, it's becoming more and more the norm as a basic requirement to have a degree to get a job in a lot of countries now. Get the degree or you'll never get to work in Korea legally as a teacher. If you choose to ignore that advice then please enjoy being removed from the country whilst simultaneously having your wallet emptied.

[World Traveler]

[rainism]

[littlelisa]

Are you gyopo or an adoptee?

[Carbon]

Don't come back. You have lived here already and clearly have an extensive and extended (from childhood, I suppose) background of things Korean. So, you have been there and done that.

Go somewhere you haven't been for similar, but new opportunities. No offense, but the most interesting aspect of your post for me was your even asking the question. I am also thinking that your parents are fairly rigid about maintaining certain aspects of Korean culture? And if so, there may be external influences also at work. My suggestion assumes that you are completely free to make your own mind, but if that is not the case, then still go somewhere new.

If you were to come, things would be bittersweet for you, depending on the employment avenues you pursue. There are F4 (assuming you qualify)visa advantages and disadvantages as well. Recently there have been a couple (one?) case of an American-Korean returning after a murder charge was leveled against him; you may face some issues (though I don't suspect this will come to pass). As you said, you have already been here, so maybe you are well aware of all of this.

Good luck wherever you end up.

[chrisinkorea2011]

Until u can actually obtain a degree you basically mean nothing to employers here because its illegal, plain and simple. Like someone else said get your degree first then shoot for teaching. Honestly even if you taught at a korean american church (which i did as well) the degree is what matters most. And lets be real about the languages as well. What you believe as fluent or skillful and REAL world ability are 2 different things. Unless you grew up in each of those places, there are slang words/terms and other things you dont know.

[louisfx]

Basically, it would depend on what you want to get out of the experience...

[louisfx]

Should probably clarify if you are after making some money, or having a good time, or a bit of both...

[louisfx]

Since you know Korea, figure the others.. China is good... living costs are low... pay is low too... and fun stuff, would depend on where you are...

[louisfx]

You probably do not want to head to Thailand just now... though north country is pretty good. Pay is better than China,... night life is good...

[louisfx]

Fair bit of foreigners in Thailand as well... partying.. having a working holiday..

[louisfx]

Philippines is not bad as well... the pay is okay... if you can find the work.. Many speak English well....

[louisfx]

Japan is probably the most like Korea--but you'd not make enough to send home... Living costs are rather on the high side...