Korean Job Discussion Forums

[flash viego]

I'll be 42 years old in September, when I plan to start working. I have a BA in Sociology in the US, but my GPA was barely a 2.0.

From what I have been researching, the public schools seem more appealing me than the Hagwons.

I have been teaching, and coaching tennis to kids and adults for 15 years. I plan on getting either TESOL, or CELTA after my first year of teaching in Korea. As far as the work goes, I am prepared to accept any challenge, whether it be large groups, very young kids etc.

As far as my outside life, I love to play tennis. I play tennis at a high level, and really need to be somewhere that I can afford to play, and have others to play with. That's about all I need. I think I can deal with most anything else.

Does anyone have recommendations for areas to go where my GPA for a public school won't matter? Where I can play tennis regularly?

Thanks for any help,advice,info.

[ttompatz]

GPA won't matter since, largely, transcripts are no longer a requirement.

The requirement is a certified true copy of an undergraduate degree with an apostille affixed to the copy and a clean CBC with an apostille.

If you want to work in a public school, a TEFL cert (CELTA is the best known and most expensive brand) may be a requirement (now, is a requirement for EPIK).

Playing tennis on the other hand....

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[flash viego]

Thanks ttom

In my current city(Houston TX) there is a TESOL course that I believe I can take over a few months. I do have the time, and could probably afford it, but it might be tight. I think it was like 1500 USD or something like that.

There is a TESOL online course on groupon, but I'm guessing that's not acceptable.

In September, I should have a good nest egg, which is why I'm planning on working then. It seems from what I have read that this is the best time of the year to get a job. I have a job here ending August 12.

That's good to know about the transcripts. I am also confused about EPIK, GEPIK, etc. Would I use a recruiter for a public school position?

Is there anything else I can do, or should be doing between now and September? I have heard that I am way to early to apply now.

I am studying Korean, and trimming down my personal possessions, and things like that.

Thanks for your help. I have read many of your posts from other people's questions, and always find them helpful.

[ttompatz]

Public schools positions for LATE AUGUST starts will begin recruiting in April and be done in early May.

Have your documents ready for April applications.

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[flash viego]

Wow, so I could know if I have a job by May? How is the recruiting done. Would I just contact multiple recruiters?


This is the course that is offered near me. Does this look like it's what I need?

http://www.oxfordseminars.com/tesol-tesl-tefl-course/citydates.php?city=Houston

I spend all my free time looking at youtube videos, and learning as much as I can. I am so jacked up for this. Sorry for the continued questions, but there's so much I want to learn.

Cheers

[Tyshine]

There are cheaper TEFL courses that can be completed in a month. I Think ITTT (or something like that) has been used by several people and can be done quickly.

[flash viego]

According to Footprints recruiter website, ITTT 100 hour online TEFL is sufficient. Does that sound right? Its under 200 USD. The in class one is like 1200 USD.

I know the in class one would be better, but financially now, online would be the best, if it is all I need. After a year of work, I'd be prepared to pay, and attend in class certifications.

The online thing would be great for now if it is accepted by all public schools in Korea. According to Footprints it is.

[ttompatz]

EPIK is now strongly suggesting that your TEFL course should have a minimum of 100 hours PLUS 6-20 hours of observed practicum.

You can either contact a recruiter or

go direct to EPIK:
http://www.epik.go.kr/

The same is true of GEPIK:
http://cge.ken.go.kr/eng/skin/layout/sub_02/teaching1.asp

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[Guajiro]

[ttompatz]

The standards set by the major players (Cambridge, Trinity, SIT) are 120 hours with 6 hours of observed practicum.

Many (training facilities) who try to compete with the big players offer TEFL programs of 120-150 hours and the difference is usually a practical component of 20-30 hours.

Can you get by with 20 hours classroom/practicum and 80 hours on-line = yes (look at the blended CELTA course as an example).

If you want to work in Busan or Seoul, then take a 30-day course because that is what your competition will be doing (employer's market means they can choose who they want rather than take what they can get).

.

[Alum]

[flash viego]

I just don't see how I can afford to pay for the masters much less study and not make any money for a few years. Maybe after 2 years of teaching. I hope I can still land something.

[Soldier]

FV,

EPIK does ask about the grades...there is even a space on the application form that asks for your GPA. Also, in the interview; the HR Officer will comment on your grades whether high or low. If they are low, he will ask you to explain why. I have heard of EPIK teachers refused a position on account of the GPA...one factor among others.

You may want to mitigate that risk and try to explain why your grades were low...were you a 'party animal' in university, and by now, have grown up? Do you have a learning disability? You may not want to share that here as image is very important in Korea. Try to show how you have grown, and a dedicated profession, ie shed light on your work experience. You may want to stress your leadership skills.

There are other things too.

But make no mistake...the competition is a bit keen...so be prepared to talk about anything on the application form, the ref letters, your cover letter, and your CV. GPA seems to be somewhat important given the fact I know from experience, along with others, that it is an issue; and the question will be certainaly raised. Not a big one, if you can explain what happened and how you matured.

Cheers.

[Soldier]

The issue of GPA's will be raised, I and almost guarantee it it. Please be prepared to show how you have matured since your uni days.

There many teachers that have been turned down by EPIK.


Cheers.

[Drew345]

I have a question about getting the documents ready in April for a position in late August. So, say I get the documents done in March to be ready for April. Now those documents "expire" in mid September, which is fine if they process the ARC immediately on getting the job. Still, the timing on those documents seems to have to be exactly right (to get them by the application period and have them still good after getting the job and processing the ARC). And the apostilled FBI check can take between 2 to 4 months (about a 2 month uncertainty window). It seems you need to get the documents at just the right time, too early and they will expire before getting the job, too late and you can't apply. But the window of uncertainty in processing time to get the check is so big, you can't get the documents at just the right time (or at least it is up to luck). Am I missing something? How does this end up working out in the end? I am also planning on applying for positions this fall so am under similar document timeline.
Thanks,