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PRagic
Joined: 24 Feb 2006
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 Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 12:51 am Post subject: |
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Just to clarify a few things and to toss in my 2 cents:
@ the OP
1) Your wife's family, being Korean, will not be too disturbed should you get accepted to an outstanding Ph.D. program abroad. In fact, they might be elated if you got into a ranked program in the U.S., G.B., or one of the better universities in E. Asia mentioned in this thread. My wife is Korean and it was all pats on the back when I got into a ranked Ph.D. program in the U.S. No worries.
2) Other posters were correct in that funding is generally available to doctoral students no matter the country. Depending on your chosen dicipline, the program, and the timing, however, not all students get funded from the get-go. And remember that that stipend is not free money, nor is the tuition waver; you'll be teaching, grading, and doing research for someone else to earn your keep. Still, concern over funding is generally not a viable reason for wanting to do a Ph.D. in Korea, particularly in education. CAN you do a Ph.D. in Education in Korea? Sure.
@ nomanshaheer
1) "Korean PhDs are not respected even in Korea.": This is HIGHLY contingent on the individual, the school, and in many cases, the dissertation chair.
2) "Mostly, the most incompetent people do their PhD from Korean Universities and Professors in Korean Universities are really incompetenet." Whoa, where did all the angst come from? Not true. A lot of highly qualified Koreans chose to do their Ph.D.s in Korea specifically to work under a specific mentor or because they may not want to write a dissertation in a foreign language. Some continue on for their Ph.D. in Korea because they have family obligations here or simply can't afford the financial realities associated with studying abroad. Remember that those stipends you mention aren't all too great!
And professors in Koran universities are really incompetent? Really? Even after they finished all of those Ph.D.s at those big name schools abroad? Even after they taught abroad and published in ranked international journalsin, all in a foreign language no less. Maybe we just know different Korean professors.
3) "Most Koreans PhD love to stay in US and only those PhD return to Korea who are incompetent enough to get a job even in worst US Universities." Sorry, but I have to question whether or not you're a native speaker here. Regardless, this is simply unfounded nonsense. Many mid-rank and senior level Korean professors simply wish to work in Korea again for personal or family-related reasons. None of the professors where I work, Korean or foreign (myself included) works for our university because they have to for lack of options. We're talking about professors in a wide assortment of dicplines, from nano-technology, to political science, to economics, to law, to environmental policy to name but a few off of the top of my head.
4) This is a long statement, but I'll cut and paste it here: "Right but Payments are not that high. Actually overall academic payments are low in Korea, Off course Professors in Korea are the lowest caliber people so they have lowest incomes. A Decent Chaebol gives arond 3million to 4 million to an undergraduate only. While SKY Unoversities, after PhD starting salaries are around 5-7 million (US PhD off course). Low Caliber Universities give less than 3 million to people with Post Doctoral from SKY Universities.
The Major source of income for Professors are 3
1) Training to Corporate Sector means mostly business professors
2) Corruption money, just stole research funds or force PhD students to pay them from stipends
3) Publish research papers, what Korean Professors rarely do, Most Korean Professors just publish in childish "Korea review" type magazines which pay nothing. For publishing in good magazines, some talent is required what these "Confucian Scholars" totally Lack "
Response: What in the heck have you been smoking? First of all, salaries at Korean universities, particularaly at the top-tier schools, are virtually on par with salaries at U.S. State-level universities. Private, big name schools in the west? No, but definitely in the sink hole category you describe. And don't forget that there are VERY low paying academic positions in the west, too, so the comparison to lower salaries at lower tiered schools in Korea is groundless. Academe seldom pays salaries on par with MNCs, and we know this coming into the game.
As for the 'major source of income' thesis purported above, I'll address them one at a time:
1) Business profs the world over work in corporate training and lecturing? What's your point?
2) Research funds are highly regulated now, so perhaps the 'corruption money' of which you speak has gone the way of the Do-Do. Will you find some bad apples if you rumage through the bushel? Sure, but to generalize this kind of appalling practice to the professorial population of an entire country is beneath the readers on this board.
3) Again, your information is dated at best. Korean scholars regulary publish in ranked SSI/SSCI journals, some more than others, but that is the case no matter where you go. In fact, to even get an interview at the bigger Korean universities, you have to have a minimum of 2 or 3 ranked international publications. From there, it gets competitive. Once you're hired, your research progress is monitored. You need to have publications for each stage of promotion all the way up to Full Professor. Everyone I know goes to a minimum of one international conference a year to give a paper and many of us are invited to research institutes both here and abroad to serve as expert discussants.
I was enheartened that your tone mellowed as the thread unrolled, but had to address the full scale broadside against Korean professors and, to some extent, against any professor in Korea. To be sure, the pros and cons of doing a Ph.D. in Korea have been debated quite a bit on Dave's, and for the most part I encourage students to weigh a lot of different things before making a final decision as to where to study. |
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nomanshaheer
Joined: 20 Mar 2012
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 12:59 am Post subject: |
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| PRagic wrote: |
Just to clarify a few things and to toss in my 2 cents:
@ the OP
1) Your wife's family, being Korean, will not be too disturbed should you get accepted to an outstanding Ph.D. program abroad. In fact, they might be elated if you got into a ranked program in the U.S., G.B., or one of the better universities in E. Asia mentioned in this thread. My wife is Korean and it was all pats on the back when I got into a ranked Ph.D. program in the U.S. No worries.
2) Other posters were correct in that funding is generally available to doctoral students no matter the country. Depending on your chosen dicipline, the program, and the timing, however, not all students get funded from the get-go. And remember that that stipend is not free money, nor is the tuition waver; you'll be teaching, grading, and doing research for someone else to earn your keep. Still, concern over funding is generally not a viable reason for wanting to do a Ph.D. in Korea, particularly in education. CAN you do a Ph.D. in Education in Korea? Sure.
@ nomanshaheer
1) "Korean PhDs are not respected even in Korea.": This is HIGHLY contingent on the individual, the school, and in many cases, the dissertation chair.
2) "Mostly, the most incompetent people do their PhD from Korean Universities and Professors in Korean Universities are really incompetenet." Whoa, where did all the angst come from? Not true. A lot of highly qualified Koreans chose to do their Ph.D.s in Korea specifically to work under a specific mentor or because they may not want to write a dissertation in a foreign language. Some continue on for their Ph.D. in Korea because they have family obligations here or simply can't afford the financial realities associated with studying abroad. Remember that those stipends you mention aren't all too great!
And professors in Koran universities are really incompetent? Really? Even after they finished all of those Ph.D.s at those big name schools abroad? Even after they taught abroad and published in ranked international journalsin, all in a foreign language no less. Maybe we just know different Korean professors.
3) "Most Koreans PhD love to stay in US and only those PhD return to Korea who are incompetent enough to get a job even in worst US Universities." Sorry, but I have to question whether or not you're a native speaker here. Regardless, this is simply unfounded nonsense. Many mid-rank and senior level Korean professors simply wish to work in Korea again for personal or family-related reasons. None of the professors where I work, Korean or foreign (myself included) works for our university because they have to for lack of options. We're talking about professors in a wide assortment of dicplines, from nano-technology, to political science, to economics, to law, to environmental policy to name but a few off of the top of my head.
4) This is a long statement, but I'll cut and paste it here: "Right but Payments are not that high. Actually overall academic payments are low in Korea, Off course Professors in Korea are the lowest caliber people so they have lowest incomes. A Decent Chaebol gives arond 3million to 4 million to an undergraduate only. While SKY Unoversities, after PhD starting salaries are around 5-7 million (US PhD off course). Low Caliber Universities give less than 3 million to people with Post Doctoral from SKY Universities.
The Major source of income for Professors are 3
1) Training to Corporate Sector means mostly business professors
2) Corruption money, just stole research funds or force PhD students to pay them from stipends
3) Publish research papers, what Korean Professors rarely do, Most Korean Professors just publish in childish "Korea review" type magazines which pay nothing. For publishing in good magazines, some talent is required what these "Confucian Scholars" totally Lack "
Response: What in the heck have you been smoking? First of all, salaries at Korean universities, particularaly at the top-tier schools, are virtually on par with salaries at U.S. State-level universities. Private, big name schools in the west? No, but definitely in the sink hole category you describe. And don't forget that there are VERY low paying academic positions in the west, too, so the comparison to lower salaries at lower tiered schools in Korea is groundless. Academe seldom pays salaries on par with MNCs, and we know this coming into the game.
As for the 'major source of income' thesis purported above, I'll address them one at a time:
1) Business profs the world over work in corporate training and lecturing? What's your point?
2) Research funds are highly regulated now, so perhaps the 'corruption money' of which you speak has gone the way of the Do-Do. Will you find some bad apples if you rumage through the bushel? Sure, but to generalize this kind of appalling practice to the professorial population of an entire country is beneath the readers on this board.
3) Again, your information is dated at best. Korean scholars regulary publish in ranked SSI/SSCI journals, some more than others, but that is the case no matter where you go. In fact, to even get an interview at the bigger Korean universities, you have to have a minimum of 2 or 3 ranked international publications. From there, it gets competitive. Once you're hired, your research progress is monitored. You need to have publications for each stage of promotion all the way up to Full Professor. Everyone I know goes to a minimum of one international conference a year to give a paper and many of us are invited to research institutes both here and abroad to serve as expert discussants.
I was enheartened that your tone mellowed as the thread unrolled, but had to address the full scale broadside against Korean professors and, to some extent, against any professor in Korea. To be sure, the pros and cons of doing a Ph.D. in Korea have been debated quite a bit on Dave's, and for the most part I encourage students to weigh a lot of different things before making a final decision as to where to study. |
IF Korean PhD are so good, just give me the % of Korean PhD holders teaching in SKY Universities.
As for Publications, Kindly refer to worldwide universities Ranking for publications. You will find Indian Universities, Singaporian/HK Uni, But Korean SKY? Might not be in bottom. (At least not in top 100). |
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Whistleblower
Joined: 03 Feb 2007
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| Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 4:45 am Post subject: |
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| Thank you PRagic for your very constructive and well thought out reply. It is incredibly invaluable. I will keep everyone updated with my plans. Anyhow, I have a few things published (albeit small articles and book reviews at the moment) but am planning on contributing towards a chapter in a book, so I will have had some experience of publishing and further researching areas that I find genuinely interesting. I am planning to research on Korean learners for a small project (to see if it picks up my interest and if I get any further ideas for research at PhD levels). |
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rchristo10
Joined: 14 Jul 2009
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| Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 5:02 am Post subject: |
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| PRagic wrote: |
Just to clarify a few things and to toss in my 2 cents:
@ the OP
1) Your wife's family, being Korean, will not be too disturbed should you get accepted to an outstanding Ph.D. program abroad. In fact, they might be elated if you got into a ranked program in the U.S., G.B., or one of the better universities in E. Asia mentioned in this thread. My wife is Korean and it was all pats on the back when I got into a ranked Ph.D. program in the U.S. No worries.
2) Other posters were correct in that funding is generally available to doctoral students no matter the country. Depending on your chosen dicipline, the program, and the timing, however, not all students get funded from the get-go. And remember that that stipend is not free money, nor is the tuition waver; you'll be teaching, grading, and doing research for someone else to earn your keep. Still, concern over funding is generally not a viable reason for wanting to do a Ph.D. in Korea, particularly in education. CAN you do a Ph.D. in Education in Korea? Sure.
@ nomanshaheer
1) "Korean PhDs are not respected even in Korea.": This is HIGHLY contingent on the individual, the school, and in many cases, the dissertation chair.
2) "Mostly, the most incompetent people do their PhD from Korean Universities and Professors in Korean Universities are really incompetenet." Whoa, where did all the angst come from? Not true. A lot of highly qualified Koreans chose to do their Ph.D.s in Korea specifically to work under a specific mentor or because they may not want to write a dissertation in a foreign language. Some continue on for their Ph.D. in Korea because they have family obligations here or simply can't afford the financial realities associated with studying abroad. Remember that those stipends you mention aren't all too great!
And professors in Koran universities are really incompetent? Really? Even after they finished all of those Ph.D.s at those big name schools abroad? Even after they taught abroad and published in ranked international journalsin, all in a foreign language no less. Maybe we just know different Korean professors.
3) "Most Koreans PhD love to stay in US and only those PhD return to Korea who are incompetent enough to get a job even in worst US Universities." Sorry, but I have to question whether or not you're a native speaker here. Regardless, this is simply unfounded nonsense. Many mid-rank and senior level Korean professors simply wish to work in Korea again for personal or family-related reasons. None of the professors where I work, Korean or foreign (myself included) works for our university because they have to for lack of options. We're talking about professors in a wide assortment of dicplines, from nano-technology, to political science, to economics, to law, to environmental policy to name but a few off of the top of my head.
4) This is a long statement, but I'll cut and paste it here: "Right but Payments are not that high. Actually overall academic payments are low in Korea, Off course Professors in Korea are the lowest caliber people so they have lowest incomes. A Decent Chaebol gives arond 3million to 4 million to an undergraduate only. While SKY Unoversities, after PhD starting salaries are around 5-7 million (US PhD off course). Low Caliber Universities give less than 3 million to people with Post Doctoral from SKY Universities.
The Major source of income for Professors are 3
1) Training to Corporate Sector means mostly business professors
2) Corruption money, just stole research funds or force PhD students to pay them from stipends
3) Publish research papers, what Korean Professors rarely do, Most Korean Professors just publish in childish "Korea review" type magazines which pay nothing. For publishing in good magazines, some talent is required what these "Confucian Scholars" totally Lack "
Response: What in the heck have you been smoking? First of all, salaries at Korean universities, particularaly at the top-tier schools, are virtually on par with salaries at U.S. State-level universities. Private, big name schools in the west? No, but definitely in the sink hole category you describe. And don't forget that there are VERY low paying academic positions in the west, too, so the comparison to lower salaries at lower tiered schools in Korea is groundless. Academe seldom pays salaries on par with MNCs, and we know this coming into the game.
As for the 'major source of income' thesis purported above, I'll address them one at a time:
1) Business profs the world over work in corporate training and lecturing? What's your point?
2) Research funds are highly regulated now, so perhaps the 'corruption money' of which you speak has gone the way of the Do-Do. Will you find some bad apples if you rumage through the bushel? Sure, but to generalize this kind of appalling practice to the professorial population of an entire country is beneath the readers on this board.
3) Again, your information is dated at best. Korean scholars regulary publish in ranked SSI/SSCI journals, some more than others, but that is the case no matter where you go. In fact, to even get an interview at the bigger Korean universities, you have to have a minimum of 2 or 3 ranked international publications. From there, it gets competitive. Once you're hired, your research progress is monitored. You need to have publications for each stage of promotion all the way up to Full Professor. Everyone I know goes to a minimum of one international conference a year to give a paper and many of us are invited to research institutes both here and abroad to serve as expert discussants.
I was enheartened that your tone mellowed as the thread unrolled, but had to address the full scale broadside against Korean professors and, to some extent, against any professor in Korea. To be sure, the pros and cons of doing a Ph.D. in Korea have been debated quite a bit on Dave's, and for the most part I encourage students to weigh a lot of different things before making a final decision as to where to study. |
+1; Thanks. I was reading all day and didn't have time to reply to his nonsense. |
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coralreefer_1
Joined: 19 Jan 2009
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| Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 5:03 am Post subject: |
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| nomanshaheer wrote: |
| PRagic wrote: |
Just to clarify a few things and to toss in my 2 cents:
@ the OP
1) Your wife's family, being Korean, will not be too disturbed should you get accepted to an outstanding Ph.D. program abroad. In fact, they might be elated if you got into a ranked program in the U.S., G.B., or one of the better universities in E. Asia mentioned in this thread. My wife is Korean and it was all pats on the back when I got into a ranked Ph.D. program in the U.S. No worries.
2) Other posters were correct in that funding is generally available to doctoral students no matter the country. Depending on your chosen dicipline, the program, and the timing, however, not all students get funded from the get-go. And remember that that stipend is not free money, nor is the tuition waver; you'll be teaching, grading, and doing research for someone else to earn your keep. Still, concern over funding is generally not a viable reason for wanting to do a Ph.D. in Korea, particularly in education. CAN you do a Ph.D. in Education in Korea? Sure.
@ nomanshaheer
1) "Korean PhDs are not respected even in Korea.": This is HIGHLY contingent on the individual, the school, and in many cases, the dissertation chair.
2) "Mostly, the most incompetent people do their PhD from Korean Universities and Professors in Korean Universities are really incompetenet." Whoa, where did all the angst come from? Not true. A lot of highly qualified Koreans chose to do their Ph.D.s in Korea specifically to work under a specific mentor or because they may not want to write a dissertation in a foreign language. Some continue on for their Ph.D. in Korea because they have family obligations here or simply can't afford the financial realities associated with studying abroad. Remember that those stipends you mention aren't all too great!
And professors in Koran universities are really incompetent? Really? Even after they finished all of those Ph.D.s at those big name schools abroad? Even after they taught abroad and published in ranked international journalsin, all in a foreign language no less. Maybe we just know different Korean professors.
3) "Most Koreans PhD love to stay in US and only those PhD return to Korea who are incompetent enough to get a job even in worst US Universities." Sorry, but I have to question whether or not you're a native speaker here. Regardless, this is simply unfounded nonsense. Many mid-rank and senior level Korean professors simply wish to work in Korea again for personal or family-related reasons. None of the professors where I work, Korean or foreign (myself included) works for our university because they have to for lack of options. We're talking about professors in a wide assortment of dicplines, from nano-technology, to political science, to economics, to law, to environmental policy to name but a few off of the top of my head.
4) This is a long statement, but I'll cut and paste it here: "Right but Payments are not that high. Actually overall academic payments are low in Korea, Off course Professors in Korea are the lowest caliber people so they have lowest incomes. A Decent Chaebol gives arond 3million to 4 million to an undergraduate only. While SKY Unoversities, after PhD starting salaries are around 5-7 million (US PhD off course). Low Caliber Universities give less than 3 million to people with Post Doctoral from SKY Universities.
The Major source of income for Professors are 3
1) Training to Corporate Sector means mostly business professors
2) Corruption money, just stole research funds or force PhD students to pay them from stipends
3) Publish research papers, what Korean Professors rarely do, Most Korean Professors just publish in childish "Korea review" type magazines which pay nothing. For publishing in good magazines, some talent is required what these "Confucian Scholars" totally Lack "
Response: What in the heck have you been smoking? First of all, salaries at Korean universities, particularaly at the top-tier schools, are virtually on par with salaries at U.S. State-level universities. Private, big name schools in the west? No, but definitely in the sink hole category you describe. And don't forget that there are VERY low paying academic positions in the west, too, so the comparison to lower salaries at lower tiered schools in Korea is groundless. Academe seldom pays salaries on par with MNCs, and we know this coming into the game.
As for the 'major source of income' thesis purported above, I'll address them one at a time:
1) Business profs the world over work in corporate training and lecturing? What's your point?
2) Research funds are highly regulated now, so perhaps the 'corruption money' of which you speak has gone the way of the Do-Do. Will you find some bad apples if you rumage through the bushel? Sure, but to generalize this kind of appalling practice to the professorial population of an entire country is beneath the readers on this board.
3) Again, your information is dated at best. Korean scholars regulary publish in ranked SSI/SSCI journals, some more than others, but that is the case no matter where you go. In fact, to even get an interview at the bigger Korean universities, you have to have a minimum of 2 or 3 ranked international publications. From there, it gets competitive. Once you're hired, your research progress is monitored. You need to have publications for each stage of promotion all the way up to Full Professor. Everyone I know goes to a minimum of one international conference a year to give a paper and many of us are invited to research institutes both here and abroad to serve as expert discussants.
I was enheartened that your tone mellowed as the thread unrolled, but had to address the full scale broadside against Korean professors and, to some extent, against any professor in Korea. To be sure, the pros and cons of doing a Ph.D. in Korea have been debated quite a bit on Dave's, and for the most part I encourage students to weigh a lot of different things before making a final decision as to where to study. |
IF Korean PhD are so good, just give me the % of Korean PhD holders teaching in SKY Universities.
As for Publications, Kindly refer to worldwide universities Ranking for publications. You will find Indian Universities, Singaporian/HK Uni, But Korean SKY? Might not be in bottom. (At least not in top 100). |
With all due respect, why ask someone else to do the research to prove YOUR point? We all can have differing opinions and such, but why the continual need to prove you are right? Furthermore, the OP never stated that his goal was to work in a university as an actual professor...he simply stated that he wanted to work in the university (presumably teaching English) while pursuing a PhD. There are many folks here who are very happy to be English lecturers in Korean universities and make good money doing it..so why assume that the OP has the goal of becoming a "real" professor with a tenured track? (in short, bringing all of the things you mention into consideration?)
You mention being an MBA from a SKY university, and working in a chaebol. That's pretty cool and I commend you for that. With that said however, have you interviewed someone directly at said chaebol and rejected them for a job because of their Korean degree...or otherwise were you rejected from such and such opportunity specifically because of your Korean degree? If not, you have nothing more to add to this conversation than any of us (let me say, you are not the only person in this thread who has done an advanced degree at a Korean university) This is not to say that your input is invalid or unwelcome, just to say that your opinion does not seem to carry any more weight that some of the others here, although you seem to insist that it does.
I bit on your previous comment, and while the search I did was for Asia (since you mentioned Asian countries in your statement) there are in fact 3 Korean Universities in the top 50 in regards to publications..and wow guess what? .only one of them is a SKY university, and the SKY university places 43rd...while the other two Korean Universities (Kaist and Posco) placed 15th and 16th.
http://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/asian-university-rankings/2012/indicator-rankings/papers-per-faculty
We all have seen your opinions, and appreciate them. That said, i think you have made your point, so I dont see a need to continue to defend the position that Korean PhD's are crap. I know it is hard to fight the urge to challenge someone that has a different opinion/experiences than yours...but really..let it go. You think this way, others think that way...but in the end the OP will decide what is best for them in their situation. Noone here made any statement that Korean PhD's were "good" or highly looked upon..just some are taking issue with your assertion that they are as bad as you say.
I will close by saying that although I did my MA in Economics in the US, I came to Korea and did another BA here in International Trade, and am currently doing a second MA in International Commerce. I applied/was accepted/and completed an internship program early this year with the US Commercial Services in Seoul (basically a promotion branch of the International Trade Administration, Dept. of Commerce) this past semester, and when I applied, I didn't bother to note my US degrees.
Now perhaps the fact I was already in Korea unlike some of the other applicants (i served with a few other interns from universities like Columbia, Berkley, Duke) had something to do with it...I was not rejected or looked down upon because of where my degrees came from.(and I promise you, its nowhere close to a SKY university) While an internship seems like a small and trivial thing, completing said Internship pretty much makes one a shoe-in for a job with the US dept. of Commerce after I finish this winter.
In essence, like myself and several others have been saying..the degree does not make the man (or woman) |
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Hugo85
Joined: 27 Aug 2010
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| Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 3:16 pm Post subject: |
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| nomanshaheer wrote: |
IF Korean PhD are so good, just give me the % of Korean PhD holders teaching in SKY Universities.
As for Publications, Kindly refer to worldwide universities Ranking for publications. You will find Indian Universities, Singaporian/HK Uni, But Korean SKY? Might not be in bottom. (At least not in top 100). |
From a brief survey it's not that low. But then again, teachers at University of Toronto and McGill rarely come from Canadian universities and professors at middle-high rankings in the USA rarely come from middle-high ranking universities. Nearly always from a step up. And no one is comparing SNU to MIT or Stanford.
Korean top universities pretty high in the QS and THE rankings (as someone else mentioned). Highers than Indian universities and comparable to Singapore. Unless you are using the Jiao Tong university rankings?  |
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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: Mon Jun 25, 2012 6:55 pm Post subject: |
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I am currently completing a PhD at a SKY uni. I have no regrets; it was the right decision for me and my career.
My field of interest is (psycho)linguistics with a focus on language acquisition, especially in regards to how Korean L2-learners acquire and process foreign languages. My research is supported and supervised by individuals at a Korean university, an Aus uni, as well as a US uni. Funding is pretty good, due to interest in the field, and the coursework component of my PhD was covered by a scholarship.
There are some downsides, though they are not necessarily Korea specific.
1) Top-tier US unis are outstanding and with few exceptions are unis around the world quite as good in regards to the high quality of instruction. In regards to the quality of instruction at my uni: it's a mixed bag. Most of my professors were satisfactory, a few were outstanding, and some I didn't care for. I had the same experience at Canadian and Australian unis. After a while you get to know which profs you like working with, develop a relationship with them, and inevitably these are the ones that supervise your research, thesis, and diss. They are also the ones that write you letters of rec, introduce you to other members of the research community, facilitate cooperative research projects, and point you towards jobs.
2) I found that Korean grad students were less willing to participate in group discussion than grad students with a western cultural background. This is unfortunate, because I like discussions and consider them a great way to exchange info, gauge wether I'm on track with my learning...etc, however, conferences provide ample opportunity for similar exchanges, and I found that there is a sufficiently large number of western students at the SKY unis to make up for any lack of discussion with my Korean peers.
3) My biggest problem with the uni that I'm at has been administration, though this is in part due to my limited Korean. Still, I think that if universities are going to internationalize, they need to provide access to all services in English. It seems to me, however, that this concern is in the process of being addressed.
In any case, I second the view that it isn't just where you got your qualification, but what you have to show for it, i.e. conf presentations and paper, pubs, academic service, etc. |
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nomanshaheer
Joined: 20 Mar 2012
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 7:36 pm Post subject: |
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| Thiuda wrote: |
I am currently completing a PhD at a SKY uni. I have no regrets; it was the right decision for me and my career.
My field of interest is (psycho)linguistics with a focus on language acquisition, especially in regards to how Korean L2-learners acquire and process foreign languages. My research is supported and supervised by individuals at a Korean university, an Aus uni, as well as a US uni. Funding is pretty good, due to interest in the field, and the coursework component of my PhD was covered by a scholarship.
There are some downsides, though they are not necessarily Korea specific.
1) Top-tier US unis are outstanding and with few exceptions are unis around the world quite as good in regards to the high quality of instruction. In regards to the quality of instruction at my uni: it's a mixed bag. Most of my professors were satisfactory, a few were outstanding, and some I didn't care for. I had the same experience at Canadian and Australian unis. After a while you get to know which profs you like working with, develop a relationship with them, and inevitably these are the ones that supervise your research, thesis, and diss. They are also the ones that write you letters of rec, introduce you to other members of the research community, facilitate cooperative research projects, and point you towards jobs.
2) I found that Korean grad students were less willing to participate in group discussion than grad students with a western cultural background. This is unfortunate, because I like discussions and consider them a great way to exchange info, gauge wether I'm on track with my learning...etc, however, conferences provide ample opportunity for similar exchanges, and I found that there is a sufficiently large number of western students at the SKY unis to make up for any lack of discussion with my Korean peers.
3) My biggest problem with the uni that I'm at has been administration, though this is in part due to my limited Korean. Still, I think that if universities are going to internationalize, they need to provide access to all services in English. It seems to me, however, that this concern is in the process of being addressed.
In any case, I second the view that it isn't just where you got your qualification, but what you have to show for it, i.e. conf presentations and paper, pubs, academic service, etc. |
Would you please comment a bit on career opportunities for foreigners having PhD from Korean Universities? Especially if Korean skills are limited?
Also, A few of my PhD friends (not from SKY) pointed some discrimination between Korean and Non Korean students for example Korean students get sponsorship easily, university publishes opportunities only in Korean so foreign students even dont know about them, many programs are not for foreigners like many good courses are taught only in Korean so foreigners cannot take it, many international comferences and exchange programs are limite dto Koreans only etc. Such things limt the ability of foreigners. Any related experience? |
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PRagic
Joined: 24 Feb 2006
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| Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:09 pm Post subject: |
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Well, I can tell you that one of me MA students just wrapped up his thesis and it was widely accepted as pretty darn good. Some profs, unsolicited, said that the field work and associated quantitative and qualitative analyses were good enough that with a few more chapters, hey, it could have been a dissertation. But, hey, maybe I'm just playing the proud papa prof. We'll definitely publish one SSCI article based on that work.
It does drive home the point, however, that you get out of a program what you put into it. This kid was uber motivated and did everything in English to boot. At my suggestion, he loaded up on extra econ and stats classes as he wants to go straight into a Ph.D. program (he's deliberating now between doing his Ph.D. here or in the U.S.). Anyhow...
Funding? I had him working under one of my grants, so his stipend was on par with a Ph.D. stipend amount at a state university in the U.S. He also TAd some additional programs in which I lectured, which padded his pockets a little, too. Good for him. He deserved it and I was only too happy to help out.
Cheers, all. |
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luckylady
Joined: 30 Jan 2012
Location: u.s. of occupied territories
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| Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 10:14 pm Post subject: |
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the Univ of Wisconsin is an excellent American university; they have a relationship with Ewha Uni - it would be my suggestion that you delve into what school(s) you are interested in and chances are, if they have any kind of reputation at all, they also have a relationship with an American uni (or from England, even Australia); you can do your coursework there and then come back for your research project and wrap up your thesis then you only have to spend about 2 yrs away from Korea during the time you take classes.
most PhD programs are pretty flexible for research and as someone else mentioned, it's the research that's important anyway - for you to do it about Koreans, in Korea, and bring it back and publish in the U.S. could be a very nice feather in your cap. |
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nomanshaheer
Joined: 20 Mar 2012
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 10:18 pm Post subject: |
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| luckylady wrote: |
the Univ of Wisconsin is an excellent American university; they have a relationship with Ewha Uni - it would be my suggestion that you delve into what school(s) you are interested in and chances are, if they have any kind of reputation at all, they also have a relationship with an American uni (or from England, even Australia); you can do your coursework there and then come back for your research project and wrap up your thesis then you only have to spend about 2 yrs away from Korea during the time you take classes.
most PhD programs are pretty flexible for research and as someone else mentioned, it's the research that's important anyway - for you to do it about Koreans, in Korea, and bring it back and publish in the U.S. could be a very nice feather in your cap. |
It is a great Idea. However, if you are a foreigner and receiving stipend, you are not allowed to research abroad. It is policy in most schools. If any school exempts foreigners from this policy, this will be a great idea. |
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luckylady
Joined: 30 Jan 2012
Location: u.s. of occupied territories
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| Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 11:48 pm Post subject: |
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| nomanshaheer wrote: |
It is a great Idea. However, if you are a foreigner and receiving stipend, you are not allowed to research abroad. It is policy in most schools. If any school exempts foreigners from this policy, this will be a great idea. |
never heard of any such policy; not saying you're wrong - just never heard of that. it's my understanding if a student pays for the research themselves, then they are allowed to do it on their own terms.
the "stipend" you might be referring to could be an assistantship which might involve teaching, in which the requirements would entail being on campus.
in any event, all this would be worked out beforehand as certainly the PhD candidate would want assurances his plans were acceptable, in which case, your point is moot anyway because if it wasn't acceptable he'd know and wouldn't do it. |
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nomanshaheer
Joined: 20 Mar 2012
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2012 1:17 am Post subject: |
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| luckylady wrote: |
| nomanshaheer wrote: |
It is a great Idea. However, if you are a foreigner and receiving stipend, you are not allowed to research abroad. It is policy in most schools. If any school exempts foreigners from this policy, this will be a great idea. |
never heard of any such policy; not saying you're wrong - just never heard of that. it's my understanding if a student pays for the research themselves, then they are allowed to do it on their own terms.
the "stipend" you might be referring to could be an assistantship which might involve teaching, in which the requirements would entail being on campus.
in any event, all this would be worked out beforehand as certainly the PhD candidate would want assurances his plans were acceptable, in which case, your point is moot anyway because if it wasn't acceptable he'd know and wouldn't do it. |
You are right. If you are paying you can go anywhere. But OP is attracted to Korea because of scholarship so he cannot avail international opportunities like this |
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luckylady
Joined: 30 Jan 2012
Location: u.s. of occupied territories
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| Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2012 7:49 am Post subject: |
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| nomanshaheer wrote: |
You are right. If you are paying you can go anywhere. But OP is attracted to Korea because of scholarship so he cannot avail international opportunities like this |
I'm more than aware of what the OP has posted. not sure why you responded for him; the point is to provide information so he can make an informed decision.
further, as I mentioned, if he finds a Korean uni with a partnership with an American uni, he may be able to work out the financial details with them as well.
so how about you just let him make those decisions?  |
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nomanshaheer
Joined: 20 Mar 2012
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2012 3:05 pm Post subject: |
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| luckylady wrote: |
| nomanshaheer wrote: |
You are right. If you are paying you can go anywhere. But OP is attracted to Korea because of scholarship so he cannot avail international opportunities like this |
I'm more than aware of what the OP has posted. not sure why you responded for him; the point is to provide information so he can make an informed decision.
further, as I mentioned, if he finds a Korean uni with a partnership with an American uni, he may be able to work out the financial details with them as well.
so how about you just let him make those decisions? |
I was just clarifying a point and dont think that this clarification will stop OP to make a good decision. While dealing with Korean academia, Contract enforcement is not that great. I was alarming OP of a possible pitfall from acting upon your proposal. It has happened in a few universities, I know a SKY university myself, that promissed international opportunities to all admitted international students but later, violated the commitment and deprived foreigners from exchange programs etc. And It was a SKY University. This happens lot frequently in Non SKY ones. |
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