Korean Job Discussion Forums

XD_Kimba · Joined: 09 May 2012

Hi all,

I've trawled the various conversations about finding work at universities but I still need some advice.

Some background: I'm English and living in the UK at the moment (yeah I know, not being in Korea is an issue, but I'm not able to do anything about that at the moment!), I have a Masters in TESOL from a UK uni, I also have a DELTA (though I know that counts for nothing in Korea). In addition I have 4 years teaching experience, ranging from teaching kids to business English to pre-sessional English at a UK university. Regarding documents, I've got everything that's asked for, including a CRB check (UK version of CBC). I've not got my documents Apostillised yet... is that my next step??

I've applied for every job I've seen on here and a couple of other sites and looking at the job descriptions it seems I fit everything they want - so what's with the lack of responses??

Any advice or reality checks would be gratefully recieved. I'm really excited about going to Korea but I'm not willing to take a job teaching kids (if I wanted that I'd stay in the UK)!

(Btw, feel free to tell me if you think I'm sounding like a spoilt brat Embarassed

)

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 4:18 am Post subject:

As ttom said you are applying at the wrong time of the year for University positions.

Since you do not want to teach kids, your best bet now if you want a summer start is a Hakwon or Unigwon that teachers adults.

Those are not as numerous as Hakwons that teach kids but there are some.

XD_Kimba · Joined: 09 May 2012

Right, so get apostilling, think about waiting til December and have a look at hakwons/unigwons. I have seen loads and loads of adverts for unis over the past month and I've applied for them all, so surely it's not that impossible to get a job at this time?

Also, I know I'm cutting out 'that huge chunk of the available market' but sorry! I don't like kids! Rolling Eyes

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 6:47 am Post subject:

XD_Kimba · Joined: 09 May 2012

Thanks for all the input guys, it's much appreciated Smile

sojusucks · Joined: 31 May 2008

XD_Kimba · Joined: 09 May 2012

seansmith · Joined: 31 Aug 2010

Your Masters in TESOL plus DELTA plus UK uni experience is an impressive combo of qualifications that 99% of the teachers in Korea don't have. But that's all moot as you're not in Korea. You need to be there. As has been stated, some jobs are hiring for September but the bulk will be for March. I would think coming in December would be even a little late to secure a March position.

Here's what I did: flew in to Seoul with all documents on a one-way ticket just in time for Halloween. Then I rented out a room for the month of November in a cheap yogwan (simple hotel). I applied to every uni hiring, did a couple of interviews, and by November 10 had accepted a good offer at a top 10 uni. I realise that was quick and that I was fortunate. Later in November I signed on for a Winter Camp in January so I knew some cash was coming in and I could survive until the first uni paycheck.

You should be able to get an offer given your qualifications are stronger than mine: I have a Masters in TESOL but no DELTA. So the moral of my personal story: get there in early November - of course with all documents prepared. And if you get offered nothing? That was my paranoia. I was prepared to teach at an adult hogwan like ELS or Pagoda and then continue looking for uni work while there. If that happens it's not ideal. Still, you're only in your mid-20's and can view the experience as paying your Korean dues (one of these being only 10 days holiday in one year!). Teaching adults students is interesting in that they teach you about Korean culture, whether they're intending to or not.

If you do get hired at a uni it's going to be a shock to be stuck in a rotating cycle of 1st year English conversation classes. If you want to be challenged, shoot for the universities that offer TESOL Certificate programs, MEd TESOL Programs, and Bachelor of Education programs. In those you can actually apply what you've learned in your Masters in TESOL and DELTA courses.

If Korea doesn't work out, then you could be teaching EAP at a uni anywhere in Europe, a continent that acknowledges and understands the DELTA qualification.

kona · Joined: 24 Jan 2012 Location: USA

edwardcatflap · Joined: 22 Mar 2009

kona · Joined: 24 Jan 2012 Location: USA

shocking · Joined: 19 Jan 2009 Location: Busan

Everyone at the BC Korea teaches kids at the moment, there is no escape from this. If you have a DELTA and a MA then why Korea? Do EAP or something like that elsewhere. If you do come to Korea then could you please teach them what the DELTA is Smile

It would make mine and others' lives a lot easier.

I'm With You · Joined: 01 Sep 2011

OP,

First take your CELTA and DELTA right off your resume. Korean professors and university administrators don't know what it is.

I was sitting in front of the search committee at an interview a few years ago and told them I had a CELTA / RSA TESOL certificate which was met with pretty much blank stares. One prof said that he'd thought he'd "...heard about it." English Literature (mainly Shakespeare) = teaching English in Korean universities. Applied Linguistics - what's that?

Like the poster above said, if you want your CELTA and DELTA recognized, you need to stay in Europe or head to South America. Asians typically don't know what these TEFL teacher certs. are, what they involve or, even if they do, offer any extra compensation for holding them.