Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kona]

How's it going everyone,

I've been doing a bit of applying to universities in Korea recently but haven't got any responses yet, probably because I do not yet have my MA TESOL in hand yet (which is a strict requirement for a quite a bit of universities I understand; I'll be getting my MA in July). Also, I don't have much experience and (only 6 months in mexico teaching efl, but I also got practicum experience and one year teaching middle school students w/o certification I might add).

I've tried to apply for EPIK and SMOE (thru EPIK) but I didn't get my CBC back in time (evidently, I was informed by my recruiter that they had already closed everything by the second week of April!). I tried to get a position in Ulsan MOE but that didn't work either because of an issue w/ one of my letters of recommendation (the recruiter wasn't very responsive to what the issue was either). So now I'm just trying to do a little assessment on possible job opportunities this fall. I think I could do one or a couple of the following:

1. Wait til I get my MA TESOL in hand and then apply to last minute universities. Maybe there are a few that are trying to fill some spots last minute and I could jump aboard if my timing is right.

2. Try and swoop up one of the remaining public school positions. I think GEPIK is still hiring (I'll need to apply right away though) although I'll probably get a position out in the boonies. I can rough it for a little while I think.

3. Find a good hagwon. Don't know where to find these, but hopefully Seoul has got some that do IELTS or TOEFL prep, or something for older students thats not going to completely rip me off. Any recommendations here would be greatly appreciated btw.

4. Corporate in-house type gig. I figure these are not too common and may be particularly tricky to line up. Any info would be appreciated for this as well.

Well, that pretty much sums it up. I appreciate any and all constructive feedback, questions, and concerns!

[Gorf]

With an MA in TESOL, don't bother applying to public schools or hagwons. First of all, you'll end up lowballing yourself for your actual worth. With public schools, you'll be working the same hours and pay/benefits as a frat boy who barely graduated with a sports science degree. Add on top of that idiotic office politics, co-teachers, little kids... just, no. You will also have trouble finding a job from some schools who want someone cheap, as an MA in TESOL commands something like 2.3 per month.

Hagwons: No. Don't even think about it unless they're throwing boatloads of cash at you.

Corporate gigs: They have lofty expectations. At least at universities, the onus isn't completely on you to make everyone instantly improve via English osmosis.

Apply for universities, maybe even fly over for interviews if you're bold enough to go that route. Honestly, even a university out in the boonies is going to have MUCH better pay, benefits, vacation, and most important to me, - the hours. 12-15 hours a week with at least 2 months of vacation. You can't beat a uni gig here, plain and simple. If I were you, I'd be looking at university positions everywhere, including the middle east, Europe, and other parts of Asia.

[ttompatz]

You get your MA parchment about 3 weeks before the start of 2nd term.

Nothing other than last minute stuff or hagwans will come your way.

If you are set on a Uni position then be ready for November recruitment and the job starts next March.

If you take something in July/Aug you will NOT be able to easily change to a uni job for the start of the 2013 academic year. Go to Taiwan and work for a few months in a buxiban or a language center in Thailand and be ready to begin your serious job hunt for a Korean university job next winter.

China is also an option (Their school year better coincides with the west). You'll need to start at the bottom (probably a government university) but there are lots of ways to supplement your income if you have the wherewithal that ghod gave to green apples (leave your scruples at home); extra tutoring, selling your own book to your students, etc.

.

[naturegirl321]

Three out of four of the new teachers at my uni didn't have their MAs in hand when we started. We just had to hand them in before the end of the first year. Just get a letter from your uni saying that you've graduated but don't have your degree. Some places will accept it, some won't.

[kona]

well, I'll just have to apply apply apply. Although I'd rather live in Seoul or a major city, I'll apply everywhere. I think my problem is A. I have applied to enough places, and B. haven't considered working in the boonies as of yet. Worse case scenario, I take some last minute public uni position in china. Anyone care to look at my resume?

[JustinC]

Hi Kona,

My opinion (it's only that - an opinion) is apply to Public Schools now and avoid any last minute dramas. If you're in the boonies, so what? It's teaching experience, plus the people there will most likely be friendly. If you're teaching lower levels, so what? It's experience and you can use your skills to help the staff (although don't expect or try to change mindsets) and/or develop the materials. If you're being paid less than you could get it's okay. Really. It is. Your MA doesn't have a sell by date!

[Malislamusrex]

If you are looking for a uni conversational teacher job you are qualified now, but you have to be at the right place at the right time.

How can you be at the right place at the right time? You need to be in Korea.

[sojusucks]

With an MA TESOL degree you could find a job with better working conditions than South Korea.