Korean Job Discussion Forums

[forster.joe]

Hi guys,

I am a first time poster but a long time visitor to this site and have found it tremendously useful in seperating the 'fact' from the 'fiction' that various recruitment websites say about the TEFL experience.


My question is in regards to the current market saturation. As the jobs market is so poor here in the UK and US I believe that this has had the affect of flooding the market in Korea.

This being said, how difficult is it obtaining work for a first timer? I am planning on getting a TEFL qualification before I apply for jobs and have a Masters' Degree. Myself and a friend would really like to find work in one of the cities pref. Busan.

Any words of wisdom would be much appreciated!

[matthews_world]

In Korea, you're a good match for universities which may already be in the interview process for the March start of the next semester so there may be some hope.

For basic hagwons, you're overqualified and that means schools think they will need to pay you more than the piddly 2.1-2.2 going rate that you see on Dave's jobs boards which hasn't increased since 2002.

In your case, I'd get a CELTA and land yourself in Japan where the exchange rate is looking much better all of the time or look at the Middle East where they need Master's degrees and offer more lucrative salaries.

Since you're British, get the CELTA there first. Your classmates and trainers can give you insight about the different ESL markets.

[creeper1]

I don't think the Japan idea will fly. It is insanely difficult to get a job there.

OP, you are thinking of the ideal place to start your TEFLing career.

Korea welcomes newbies all the time.

Get a good photo. Do up your CV and prepare to accept jobs offering 2.0 or thereabouts.

Be patient. Trust me getting a job in Korea may not be apply today, start tomorrow as in the old days but its still 100 times easier than getting a job in the UK.

[forster.joe]

Thanks guys. Yes, I am VERY interested in teaching at a University (who wouldn't be?) but I am quite prepared to work for the first year or so in a hagwon and maybe the public school system for whatever is the going rate.

I'm not sure if being 'overqualified' would be an issue. After all, I've never taught before so I'm not overqualified for the job per se. As far as the wages go, most graduates would be happy with �14-15k in this country as the jobs market is so awful.

Thanks again guys. Here's hoping!

[Carbon]

Sounds like you are realistic, which is good. Your MA puts you in good stead to get a better job, but as you said, you still need to gain experience.

Do some internet reading about EFL teaching; preparing lessons, classroom management etc.

After you get here, network. I don't mean at the bars either; join KOTESOL and meet people who can help you get better positions.

Good luck.

[forster.joe]

Thanks for that. To be honest, I was more concerned that ALL jobs were extremely scarce (even at hogwans). As long as I/we can get some sort of foot in the door I'm not to bothered about starting from the bottom.

[iggyb]

I think the job market is tighter overall than the last few years. The global economy has been bad the whole time, but public school jobs are in a transition period: SMOE and Gyeonggi Province are downsizing and there is much pressure on TESOL budgets.

That means more public school teachers will be shifting to hakwons.

I think that will mean more in terms of salary drops than inability to land a job. The lowest qualified people might start being unable to get a TESOL job here, but for someone like you, with an MA degree, especially if you add a TESOL certificate, you should be able to get a job.

I doubt you'll have much luck getting a college gig from abroad - though you aren't concerned about that. Most of those TESOL jobs go to people already in country.

If it were me, I'd go for a public school job. With an MA, you should get one.

Public schools don't grind you to death. You'll have enough free time and energy to settle into Korea and make connections within the community. You won't have to worry about getting cheated on pay and the other things that are annoying in a hakwon.

Hakwons can be fine to work for, but it is much harder to land in an adequate one than it is to trust a public school job.

If you're looking for work outside of Korea, I always heard the Japanese market is full and very hard to crack unless you are in Japan. China seems to be the biggest draw now other than Korea. As a Brit, you might have a good shot in the Middle East and other Eastern Hemisphere locations. Last time I checked, many more countries specified preference for British English than American English (if they noted a preference).

After you have a few years experience, I think the door opens up much more if you have a TESOL certificate.

[forster.joe]

Thanks for that mate. I think public school is the option I'll go for. The large class sizes and upfront airfare costs do put me off somewhat. The friend I am travelling with also would need to get a job and he only has a BA, which may complicate matters somewhat.

I would definitely consider China but I believe this new tax they have imposed makes the wage considerably less attractive. I have to admit, the Middle East doesn't really appeal to me.

[iggyb]

If you are set on being close to your friend, public schools might be a problem. You don't get to choose your location when you apply for public schools. The two of you would be split up if you both apply.

You could work it this way: You get a job in a public school and make the move over. Then your friend can come and find work in a hakwon in whatever city you are placed.

Once you are in country, finding work is much easier even with just a BA. If the friend does a TESOL certificate - easier.

[Adventurer]

[kvacum]

Main obstacle is correct understanding of Korean-style thinking.

[Carbon]

[kvacum]

No problem.
For example, I'm not sure that a newcomer may know fact that Koreans don't say "NO" usually. They just keep silence, wait and observe. Isn't it?

[forster.joe]

[Dodge7]