Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Sudz]

Greetings.

I posted this question ages ago, but didn't really receive a definitive answer.

Would anyone be able to confirm whether or not I would be eligible for a visa (I think an E1 in my case) with just the MA (from a UK university)? A tricky question I realize, as I don't think there are many people in my position.

Thanks.

[ttompatz]

[waynehead]

How do you have an MA without a BA? I didn't know that was even possible.

[figshdg]

[Sudz]

Thanks ttompatz. Sounds promising - also received a PM suggesting that I may be okay.

[waynehead]

[big_fella1]

Congratulations on graduating. I was in the same position as you. I have never claimed to have a bachelor degree.

The standard as explained to me by the Korean consulate many, many years ago is a minimum of a Bachelor. Masters is higher provided it was obtained from a bricks and mortar university even through distance education. Online degrees are not acceptable.

Immigration only asked to see sealed transcripts, I submitted my Masters degree and transcripts only and got 3 E2's to work in hagwons.

All of this could be academic, if you've never had an E2 before, that means applying from your own country, and I doubt any recruiter will help you as there are more applicants than jobs these days. You could come here and look for work, but you would need to return to your own country to get a visa.

Univeristies in country areas may look at you providing you have documented teaching experience, but you would need to come here. The good news though is if you can get an E1, you don't need to return to your own country.

Ttomplatz knows his stuff, but I wanted to share my story. I suggest you just try, to apply if you're that keen on Korea, otherwise CHina is close to here.

The fact that I got a visa makes no difference on your ability to get a visa. Korea does not use precedent. Maybe giving me a visa was a mistake. Also my last E2 was issued in 2008, the regulations have changed a lot since then.

Good luck.

[Sudz]

Thanks for that.

Actually I haven't graduated yet, but 'so far so good' (probably about another year of PT studies to go). I am interested in mapping out what to do nex though, hence this post.

Interesting information. I received a PM from someone who was able to get an E1 with just an MA, though this was a couple of years ago.

I feel like Korea would be a good starting point for uni work, though I'm not dismissing China either - or other options. However (regarding China) I've heard that the uni conditions there aren't always...professional. It doesn't seem like an MA TESOL is necessary at most universities. I'm sure though there are some more respectable institutions, probably in the bigger cities (I would be interested in working in Shanghai/Bejing for a year or so actually).

Currently in Vietnam, and not sure if it'll be convenient to go home for a visa. A bit too early to know I guess : )

Thanks again

[CentralCali]

[big_fella1]