Korean Job Discussion Forums

[leonardlee]

Hello,
It has been a patient, waiting game the past couple months. After having fingerprints rejected the first submission, I finally have my resume, FBI CBC, F4 Visa, and my Bachelors in hand. As of now, I have to just wait for the apostille. Thinking I had done correct preparation, I have received some new information from my aunt who lives in Korea regarding my chances of obtaining an education job.

My aunt gave me the notion that hagwons are the last place that I should work and that I should rather try to find a job in a public school setting. Although this is my first attempt going out to Korea for work, upon reading various threads on the forum, it sounds like hagwons can be amazing or a complete nightmare. My aunt has been trying to convince me to find a public school job, and told me that my BA degree (BFA Violin Performance), F4 Visa, and FBI CBC are just not enough.

After looking up various work postings on Dave's ESL and other websites, it seems like I had prepared enough to find work out in Korea. After this new information my aunt has given me, she recommends I obtain a TOSEL. I have started my research on TOSEL, and so far, I know that obtaining a TOSEL can be beneficial, however, my aunt is almost making it sound as if a TOSEL certificate will open the job market for me 10-folds. In my opinion, a TOSEL would add a little icing on my resume, however, I know that finding a job with or without one will be the same in regards to the process of getting the job.

Yes my aunt is trying to look out for me and is a smart individual, but she is not a teacher, or in the field of education. That is why I am coming to you members on the forum for help~ Thanks for your patience as I now ask some questions that need clarification.

1. Why does my aunt insist on public schools and not hagwons? As stated earlier, I know there are bad and good hagwons, are public schools really that safe in terms of longevity and security?

2. TOSEL, TEFL, CELTA? Have done my general research, but hard to find more on specifics. Sounds like CELTA is the highest in regard, but how does TOSEL compare? The TOSEL hours are more flexible with my current schedule, but if I have to make sacrifices. Where does TEFL fit in with this? What are the main differences between the three?

3. Looked up TOSEL and realized that there are so many different "schools" that provide classes for a TOSEL certificate. I read somewhere that 120 hours is recommended, however the location near me provided by Oxford seminars doesn't equal out to that many hours. Are there different types of TOSEL certificates?


Excuse me for my chapter of a post, however, this forum seems like the right place to pose these questions. Keep in mind that I am not going out to Korea for a stint, or just a year's fun gig. Keep in mind that I am also not going out there to choose my career as a teacher either. I don't know if I am planning to stay out there for good, but all I can say is that I am keeping my options open and like to be a professional in whatever work setting I am in as I hope to do with my music out in Korea as well.

Thank you Dave's ESL Family!

[ttompatz]

1) The advantage to a public school is that by working for the government your salary (getting paid) is not based on the financial success or failure and enrollments of the school. You get paid anyway.

There are other disadvantages but largely: PS jobs are more financially secure but the supports for green-as-grass newbies is largely non-existant.

2)What is a TOSEL?
TESOL, TEFL, TESL (essentially the same type of course) and
CELTA, Trinity cert TESOL, SIT cert TESOL are brands of TEFL/TESOL course.

3) Oxford seminars is not a good choice for a TEFL cert for anywhere, not even Korea (where a basic 100 hour on-line course is often enough for a pay bump and employment in a PS). A TEFL course is NOT needed for a hagwon job in Korea.

Got a degree, clean FBI check and an F4 then just get on a plane and get to Korea. You will find work and will be able to move around to better jobs as you get connected.

.

[leonardlee]

Thanks for the response Pattz,

1) What do you mean by "the supports for green-as-grass newbies is largely nonexistent." I'm assuming you mean that rookies will find it challenging to get hired in a public school? If so, I am ready to get my experience game up, and fight the good fight!

2) Trinity (UK), SIT (Berkeley,CA) Tesol are offering classes so far from where I reside in Los Angeles. However, there is a 120 hour TESOL class being offered in Los Angeles. (http://lccteach.com/course-locations/los-angeles.html). Are all 120 hour TESOL classes provided by different sites and providers the same certificate once passed? For example, does the 120 hour Trinity TESOL Certificate hold the same value as the 120 hour LCC TESOL Certificate?

3) There is also CELTA classes near my home. Is the CELTA certificate course 120 hours like the TESOL as well? The CELTA certificate in all the various locations provide the same certificate correct? There is only one type of CELTA certificate?

4) The CELTA is around twice as expensive as the TESOL classes. Is this because CELTA is a more "revered" program? I am trying to decide if it is worth the extra tuition.


Once again, thank you forum for being helpful, I hope my thoroughness is not coming off in any annoyance!

[ttompatz]