Korean Job Discussion Forums

[JaySee]

Hi all,

I've been offered a position for a public school job in Busan starting February next year.

The only problem is my college grades, I have an average of about 56%. My recruiter says that if your grades are less than 62% then this could stop me from getting this job.

Has anyone had a similar experience and if so, how did it turn out?

Cheers...

[Benjamino]

I got 50 to 59% = Lower second class (2.2) degree and it wasn't an issue. I've since got an MA and a Celta which may swing things back in my favour mind you.

[JaySee]

Yeah, I only have a BA with a TEFL and a years experience when February comes around. I really hope that there is some way that I can still be accepted...

[JaySee]

Well, my application was rejected because of my grades. The recruiter says that the Busan school board is very strict on the grades and that other school boards are going the same route.

It seems that a hagwon is the only way for me to stay teaching here, which is disappointing.

[northway]

Out of curiosity, where are you from that you could graduate with a GPA that low? UK?

[JaySee]

Yeah, same as the guy above.

[northway]

Do they go by GPA or percentage? Kind of unfair, if the latter.

[JaySee]

They said to me 62%, gutted. I'll have to look for another hagwon unfortunately...

[Binch Lover]

I think it just reflects ignorance about the university grading system in the UK. It might be better if you expressed your grade as a GPA equivalent. According to this page linked to below, the Fulbright Commission considers a 2:2 degree to be equivalent to a GPA of between 3.00 and 3.33 out of 4.00. This is equivalent to an average B, or 80-89%, in the US system (I think), which Koreans are much more familiar with. This would put you well above the minimum grade.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_undergraduate_degree_classification

[northway]

[fezmond]

Most people are ignorant about the UK system. I got a 2.1 which puts me in the 60~69% range but when someone asks it's hard to explain that it is a decent grade. Out of my whole year (150 odd students) only 7 got above 70% ~ a 1st.

Will have to convert to GPA if it ever comes up again.

[JaySee]

Yeah I don't think my scores are bad (not great but not bad either), a 2:2 is average at home. I managed to find work in my field at home straight out of college with these scores, it's frustrating...

[Nemo]

Don't worry, grades are irrelevant. Especially cuz of the variance between schools worldwide.

[mike in brasil]

Wow~ There used to be a time when you just had to have a pulse to get a job here.