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Korean Job Discussion Forums "The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!"
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paracaidas
Joined: 18 Nov 2011
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Posted: Fri Nov 25, 2011 10:36 pm Post subject: |
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I was accepted to the SNU GSIS program for the spring semester. What I am wondering is, for those of you who have done or are doing graduate school here, how do you afford it?
SNU does not give scholarships for the first semester, but I have money saved and feel confident I could qualify for scholarships after the the first semester. Still, I need something more certain than that. I am having trouble finding out if any US federal loans could apply to SNU (I am talking about the GradPLUS loans, nobody at SNU has gotten back to me about them yet), and I haven't seen many outside scholarships that I would qualify for, or maybe I'm just not looking hard enough. I'm willing to do private tutoring while I go to school, but even though the hourly rate is quite good, I still don't know if it's possible to support yourself like that for 2 years?
Plus, I am wondering what the most economical choice is as far as housing. I am living in Anyang now and thinking about staying here and just commuting rather than shelling out for SNU-area real estate or dorms (which I hear are quite expensive, no rates yet posted for next semester though).
If you have any pointers, I would appreciate it! |
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Thiuda

Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Location: Religion ist f�r Sklaven geschaffen, f�r Wesen ohne Geist.
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Posted: Sat Nov 26, 2011 11:59 pm Post subject: |
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The Floating World wrote: |
I live in Busan now though, so would need to find a place in busan. I guess I'm going to be looking at Sept / Oct 2012 now right? |
I'd go for the better unis in Seoul. Lower-tier unis will offer less courses in English and name brand recognition is important, esp. here in Korea. Additionally, the better unis in Seoul (at least Korea U and Yonsei) will provide you with the funding you need to do research and present internationally - lower-tier unis may not do this. If you're serious about doing a grad degree in Korea, I'd consider relocating to Seoul. |
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everything-is-everything
Joined: 06 Jun 2011
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Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 12:08 am Post subject: |
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Props to all of you here furthering your education.
What do you plan to do after completing your MA? Sincerely curious, how obtaining a Master's overseas can help you.
Thanks |
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Ksamsoon
Joined: 03 Sep 2009
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Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2012 9:51 am Post subject: |
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I'm thinking about applying to a M.A. granting program in Korea for Communication studies, with the ultimate goal of doing marketing related work in Seoul. The reason I'm applying to a Korean M.A. program is (1) I want to live and work in Korea after graduating and there seem to be more opportunities to network and improve my Korean while I'm IN Korea and (2) I cannot afford graduate school in the US and would only attend a Korean grad school if I'm awarded a scholarship.
I've lived in Korea for two years and taught myself Korean up to a low intermediate level. I've never taken the TOPIK, but I think I'd place into TOPIK 3. I'm great with languages, I enjoy studying Korean, and I feel strongly that after a year of intense Korean language study, I can place into TOPIK level 4 with ease.
I have emailed the NIIED office 3 times, emailed 4 different professors, and been in contact with the Korean consulates and embassy in the US. The consulates and embassies just said "I don't know" to every question and NIIED + professors have not replied to my emails (this has been going on for over a month). So, I'm hoping I can find someone on this forum that could provide some insight into the following questions about studying in a non-English graduate program in Korea:
1. For the classes that are not in English, is it possible to turn in papers and projects in English or does all the work have to be in Korean?
2. For the classes that are not in English, are the textbooks in English or are English textbooks available for those classes?
3. Does my masters thesis have to be in Korean or can it be in English?
4. It would be great if someone could put me in touch with a student or graduated student who has studied at the M.A. level in a non-English program in Korea.
Thank you so much in advance for any help! |
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coralreefer_1
Joined: 19 Jan 2009
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Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2012 3:50 pm Post subject: |
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Ksamsoon wrote: |
I'm thinking about applying to a M.A. granting program in Korea for Communication studies, with the ultimate goal of doing marketing related work in Seoul. The reason I'm applying to a Korean M.A. program is (1) I want to live and work in Korea after graduating and there seem to be more opportunities to network and improve my Korean while I'm IN Korea and (2) I cannot afford graduate school in the US and would only attend a Korean grad school if I'm awarded a scholarship.
I've lived in Korea for two years and taught myself Korean up to a low intermediate level. I've never taken the TOPIK, but I think I'd place into TOPIK 3. I'm great with languages, I enjoy studying Korean, and I feel strongly that after a year of intense Korean language study, I can place into TOPIK level 4 with ease.
I have emailed the NIIED office 3 times, emailed 4 different professors, and been in contact with the Korean consulates and embassy in the US. The consulates and embassies just said "I don't know" to every question and NIIED + professors have not replied to my emails (this has been going on for over a month). So, I'm hoping I can find someone on this forum that could provide some insight into the following questions about studying in a non-English graduate program in Korea:
1. For the classes that are not in English, is it possible to turn in papers and projects in English or does all the work have to be in Korean?
2. For the classes that are not in English, are the textbooks in English or are English textbooks available for those classes?
3. Does my masters thesis have to be in Korean or can it be in English?
4. It would be great if someone could put me in touch with a student or graduated student who has studied at the M.A. level in a non-English program in Korea.
Thank you so much in advance for any help! |
1. Depends on professor. Most professors are at the very least somewhat familiar with English, but expecting the professor to accept papers written in your native language would be a bit taboo in that the Chinese/Vietnamese and other foreign students must hand in their work in Korean, so it would be much better for you if you did also. Basically what I always did was to do my best with a Korean version, but then also attach an English version as well.
2. At Graduate level, (depending on subject) there is a better chance for the class to use English textbooks, but it is entirely up to the professor. That said, even if the used textbook is Korean, there are usually supplementary books suggested for reading that are in English, or otherwise the professor may personally advice you on a particular English-language book they deem fit for the course.
3. From my understanding, for native English speaking students, the abstract must be in Korean but the thesis itself may be presented in English or Korean. This varies from university and department.
4. That's me, currently doing an MA now. If you have any other more specific questions, feel free to shoot me a PM. |
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rickpidero
Joined: 03 Sep 2009
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Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2012 5:18 pm Post subject: |
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Ksamsoon wrote: |
I have emailed the NIIED office 3 times, emailed 4 different professors, and been in contact with the Korean consulates and embassy in the US. The consulates and embassies just said "I don't know" to every question and NIIED + professors have not replied to my emails (this has been going on for over a month). So, I'm hoping I can find someone on this forum that could provide some insight into the following questions about studying in a non-English graduate program in Korea:
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That scholarship doesn't accept Americans. It is usually for those from less developed countries. |
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Ksamsoon
Joined: 03 Sep 2009
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Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2012 8:22 pm Post subject: |
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coralreefer_1 - thanks for all of the information, I really appreciate it. Unfortunately, I can't PM you because I haven't posted enough times on this site, however if you could PM me your email, I'll shoot you a message. Sorry for the inconvenience.
rickpidero - yes it does, there are 10 allotted spots for American students. Also, I spoke with an American student who is already on that scholarship.... |
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bbud656
Joined: 15 Jun 2010
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Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2012 11:22 pm Post subject: |
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Im considering the Yonsei GSIS program. I have a 3.6 GPA from my undergrad from a decently well known and ranked university in the US. However, I haven't kept very good connections with my former professors. Its been a few years, I am an introvert, and most of my classes were on the larger side.
It says the non degree and the masters programs undergo the same application process. Are both programs equally selective? I would guess not. I'd like to go straight into the masters program, but if its as hard to get in as some people are saying on here, I might have trouble without some good recommendations. I could probably get one from some Korean profs that I work with, but that's not really attesting to anything I've done as a student. Also, its been a few years since I was in an academic mindset, so the non degree program would probably help me to see if I was ready.
What is the class schedule like? I have a light schedule at my job (around 10 teaching hours a week), but im pretty much tied to my desk from 11-2:30 Mon-Fri. I have plenty of time to do schoolwork, but I cant be taking a class during those times. |
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Hugo85
Joined: 27 Aug 2010
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Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 5:08 am Post subject: |
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Ksamsoon wrote: |
I'm thinking about applying to a M.A. granting program in Korea for Communication studies, with the ultimate goal of doing marketing related work in Seoul. The reason I'm applying to a Korean M.A. program is (1) I want to live and work in Korea after graduating and there seem to be more opportunities to network and improve my Korean while I'm IN Korea and (2) I cannot afford graduate school in the US and would only attend a Korean grad school if I'm awarded a scholarship.
I've lived in Korea for two years and taught myself Korean up to a low intermediate level. I've never taken the TOPIK, but I think I'd place into TOPIK 3. I'm great with languages, I enjoy studying Korean, and I feel strongly that after a year of intense Korean language study, I can place into TOPIK level 4 with ease.
I have emailed the NIIED office 3 times, emailed 4 different professors, and been in contact with the Korean consulates and embassy in the US. The consulates and embassies just said "I don't know" to every question and NIIED + professors have not replied to my emails (this has been going on for over a month). So, I'm hoping I can find someone on this forum that could provide some insight into the following questions about studying in a non-English graduate program in Korea:
1. For the classes that are not in English, is it possible to turn in papers and projects in English or does all the work have to be in Korean?
2. For the classes that are not in English, are the textbooks in English or are English textbooks available for those classes?
3. Does my masters thesis have to be in Korean or can it be in English?
4. It would be great if someone could put me in touch with a student or graduated student who has studied at the M.A. level in a non-English program in Korea.
Thank you so much in advance for any help! |
I would e-mail the program coordinator for that degree rather than NIIED or the professor as its really not within their functions.
I'm on KGSP, shoot me a PM if you have questions.
@rickpidero: undergrad KGSP doesn't have a quota for Americans, grad KGSP does. |
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Ksamsoon
Joined: 03 Sep 2009
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Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 11:46 am Post subject: |
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Hugo85 wrote: |
I would e-mail the program coordinator for that degree rather than NIIED or the professor as its really not within their functions.
I'm on KGSP, shoot me a PM if you have questions.
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Thanks Hugo85. I'd love to email you with questions, but I haven't posted enough to send out PMs. If you could PM me your email address I'd really appreciate it.
I have sent out emails to the address listed under the Communication department for several universities, only to receive no response. I also called the universities which resulted in either (1) being told nobody speaks English (2) being transferred around until I end up with an extension that keeps ringing and nobody answers or (3) being told to email someone who answers one of my questions in Korean and then refuses to answer my other questions because I won't be accepted since I don't have TOPIK 3 (this is AFTER I told her I was going to study Korean for one year and I would have a TOPIK 3 or 4 when I enroll in the masters program)! |
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Francis-Pax

Joined: 20 Nov 2005
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Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 8:22 am Post subject: Re: Going to a Korean University Master's program? |
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minos wrote: |
So Some of my friends are thinking about this (specifically at a SKY school).
Certainly the English graduate programs....
Anybody know what the entry requirements are? My college grades aren't too amazing, but I could probably ace the GRE or any graduate program test.
Is getting into a SKY school as a foreigner difficult? |
I wouldn't waste my time and money on a Korean degree unless you plan to always work in Korea. |
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plato's republic
Joined: 07 Dec 2004 Location: Ancient Greece
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Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2012 6:24 am Post subject: |
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Bumping an interesting thread. |
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Francis-Pax

Joined: 20 Nov 2005
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Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2012 7:07 am Post subject: |
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plato's republic wrote: |
Bumping an interesting thread. |
Wow! It's been ages since I have visited Dave's ESL Cafe, but I got this message:
Quote: |
Hello,
You are receiving this email because you are watching the topic, "Going to a Korean University Master's program?" at Korean Job Discussion Forums. This topic has received a reply since your last visit. You can use the following link to view the replies made, no more notifications will be sent until you visit the topic. |
So here I am. I am no longer in Korea. Now I am working on my doctorate, and enjoying the life in the Middle East. After looking at some of the threads in the Korea forums, I am reminded why I don't come here anymore. The same negative threads, immaturity, and trolls lurking around. Nothing has changed. I even noticed the same topics being discussed from when I first joined Dave's in 2004.
In reference to this thread, I have recently learned of a person who is studying for a doctorate in Europe after earning an MA in TESOL from Sookmyung University. He (there are male graduate students at Sookmyung) told me that his MA was basically worthless outside of Korea; however, he obviously was able to get into a doctoral program with it. This means that it might be 'academically' ok, but not good for jobs.
I hope this adds to the discussion. |
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plato's republic
Joined: 07 Dec 2004 Location: Ancient Greece
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Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2012 11:54 pm Post subject: |
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I've noticed quite a few people mentioning that getting an MA in Korea didn't hinder them from going on to do a Ph.D back home, though I'm wondering if anyone has ever made the jump from getting a Ph.D in Korea, and then finding a teaching job (particularly in the social sciences) back home or in another country. |
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Francis-Pax

Joined: 20 Nov 2005
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Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2012 12:04 am Post subject: |
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plato's republic wrote: |
I've noticed quite a few people mentioning that getting an MA in Korea didn't hinder them from going on to do a Ph.D back home, though I'm wondering if anyone has ever made the jump from getting a Ph.D in Korea, and then finding a teaching job (particularly in the social sciences) back home or in another country. |
I don't know of any cases, however I think it really depends on the subject. Obviously, doing a PhD in Korean Studies from Seoul National University probably has much more weight than a PhD in other subjects.
I do think, however, that you are at a disadvantage outside of Korea with a PhD from a Korean university. It is a disadvantage for Koreans as well. This is assuming that you want an academic career. If you are going to do something else, it may not matter. What is the goal? |
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