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Korean Job Discussion Forums "The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!"
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mylovelyfate
Joined: 05 Feb 2013 Location: Canada
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Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 8:24 am Post subject: A question about schooling required (Canadians please!) |
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This is more for Canadians since I think they'll be the only ones who understand what I mean when I differentiate college and university. Other countries seem to use the two interchangeably whereas in Canada they mean separate things.
Anyway. I want to go to Korea so ridiculously badly, and I've wanted to go for a few years now, so I enrolled myself in school. I go to an accredited college that has dozens and dozens of diploma degrees and about 7 degree programs. I'm currently in a 3-year diploma program which, after I graduate, I can switch into the degree program. I actually got into the degree program initially, but I turned it down to get my diploma first. Anyway, recently I've been getting really nervous that my college degree isn't enough, and that they require a university degree. The program has been reviewed and accepted by the Ministry Board of Ontario, which theoretically puts it up to par with a university degree. Even when I check sites like Korvia it says under requirements "a 4-year degree at an accredited university". It's really been throwing me off because I don't know if they mean it interchangeably or that my college degree isn't enough (it'd also be a degree in an English subject, not that it matters). I found another transfer option to go to a university that would supply transfer credits for up to 2 years, making me only have to go for the final 2 years, and get my degree in arts + another diploma. I'm most likely going to take this route since it's the safest one, but just in case I don't get into it, I was wondering if anybody knows ANYTHING about this? I've searched online and no one else seems to have the questions that I do. I've even tried to contact a few recruiters and ask them, but alas, no reply.
I'm really confused, and hoping that someone can shed some light on this? Thank you in advance. |
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Guajiro
Joined: 04 Dec 2008
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Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 4:25 pm Post subject: Re: A question about schooling required (Canadians please!) |
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mylovelyfate wrote: |
This is more for Canadians since I think they'll be the only ones who understand what I mean when I differentiate college and university. Other countries seem to use the two interchangeably whereas in Canada they mean separate things.
Anyway. I want to go to Korea so ridiculously badly, and I've wanted to go for a few years now, so I enrolled myself in school. I go to an accredited college that has dozens and dozens of diploma degrees and about 7 degree programs. I'm currently in a 3-year diploma program which, after I graduate, I can switch into the degree program. I actually got into the degree program initially, but I turned it down to get my diploma first. Anyway, recently I've been getting really nervous that my college degree isn't enough, and that they require a university degree. The program has been reviewed and accepted by the Ministry Board of Ontario, which theoretically puts it up to par with a university degree. Even when I check sites like Korvia it says under requirements "a 4-year degree at an accredited university". It's really been throwing me off because I don't know if they mean it interchangeably or that my college degree isn't enough (it'd also be a degree in an English subject, not that it matters). I found another transfer option to go to a university that would supply transfer credits for up to 2 years, making me only have to go for the final 2 years, and get my degree in arts + another diploma. I'm most likely going to take this route since it's the safest one, but just in case I don't get into it, I was wondering if anybody knows ANYTHING about this? I've searched online and no one else seems to have the questions that I do. I've even tried to contact a few recruiters and ask them, but alas, no reply.
I'm really confused, and hoping that someone can shed some light on this? Thank you in advance. |
I think the important thing is that it's a bachelor's degree. If it's a bachelor's degree in the eyes of the province of Ontario, I would assume that it's fine for Korea. But I'm no expert. Did you ask at the Korean Consulate? They should be able to tell you. |
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Canadian Club
Joined: 12 Aug 2006
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Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2013 2:15 am Post subject: |
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If you enrolled in school because you wanted to go to Korea so ridiculously badly, why didn't you enroll in a real university that would get you in for sure? |
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ren546
Joined: 17 Dec 2010
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Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2013 6:07 pm Post subject: |
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What's the name of the "college"? |
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Charlie Bourque
Joined: 27 Jun 2010
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Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2013 6:34 pm Post subject: Re: A question about schooling required (Canadians please!) |
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mylovelyfate wrote: |
This is more for Canadians since I think they'll be the only ones who understand what I mean when I differentiate college and university. Other countries seem to use the two interchangeably whereas in Canada they mean separate things.
Anyway. I want to go to Korea so ridiculously badly, and I've wanted to go for a few years now, so I enrolled myself in school. I go to an accredited college that has dozens and dozens of diploma degrees and about 7 degree programs. I'm currently in a 3-year diploma program which, after I graduate, I can switch into the degree program. I actually got into the degree program initially, but I turned it down to get my diploma first. Anyway, recently I've been getting really nervous that my college degree isn't enough, and that they require a university degree. The program has been reviewed and accepted by the Ministry Board of Ontario, which theoretically puts it up to par with a university degree. Even when I check sites like Korvia it says under requirements "a 4-year degree at an accredited university". It's really been throwing me off because I don't know if they mean it interchangeably or that my college degree isn't enough (it'd also be a degree in an English subject, not that it matters). I found another transfer option to go to a university that would supply transfer credits for up to 2 years, making me only have to go for the final 2 years, and get my degree in arts + another diploma. I'm most likely going to take this route since it's the safest one, but just in case I don't get into it, I was wondering if anybody knows ANYTHING about this? I've searched online and no one else seems to have the questions that I do. I've even tried to contact a few recruiters and ask them, but alas, no reply.
I'm really confused, and hoping that someone can shed some light on this? Thank you in advance. |
You need to complete the degree stream if you want to come on an E-2 VISA. I know exactly what kind of program you're talking about -- the kind that most provincial colleges run in partnership with local universities. You need to finish with a piece of paper that says "Bachelor of ...." |
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ttompatz

Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea
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Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 3:16 pm Post subject: |
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You have ONLY 3 options.
(1)
Finish your diploma and take a 1 year job in the TaLK program.
1.5m won per month
airfare and housing.
rural locations.
after school classes (3-6pm).
http://www.epik.go.kr/
It is the ONLY legal opportunity for someone without a degree to work as an EFL teacher in Korea.
(2)
Complete your degree and get a job in a hagwon.
(3)
Complete your degree and complete a TEFL/TESOL (100+ hours (minimum 20 hours in class)) certificate course.
Get a job anywhere in Asia (including Korea) teaching EFL.
. |
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mylovelyfate
Joined: 05 Feb 2013 Location: Canada
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Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 9:10 pm Post subject: |
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Canadian Club wrote: |
If you enrolled in school because you wanted to go to Korea so ridiculously badly, why didn't you enroll in a real university that would get you in for sure? |
Because Korea's not the only reason that I went into school lol. I have to do something with my life afterwards, and this seemed like the best possible route. Plus I thought that the degree would be enough, I'm pretty sure all I'm doing right now is psyching myself out.
Guajiro wrote: |
I think the important thing is that it's a bachelor's degree. If it's a bachelor's degree in the eyes of the province of Ontario, I would assume that it's fine for Korea. But I'm no expert. Did you ask at the Korean Consulate? They should be able to tell you. |
No, I haven't. I'll do that, thanks!
ren546 wrote: |
What's the name of the "college"? |
Not so sure how huge of a fan I am with you putting college in quotes because it is a college.
Charlie Bourque wrote: |
You need to complete the degree stream if you want to come on an E-2 VISA. I know exactly what kind of program you're talking about -- the kind that most provincial colleges run in partnership with local universities. You need to finish with a piece of paper that says "Bachelor of ...." |
Thanks!
ttompatz wrote: |
You have ONLY 3 options.
(1)
Finish your diploma and take a 1 year job in the TaLK program.
1.5m won per month
airfare and housing.
rural locations.
after school classes (3-6pm).
http://www.epik.go.kr/
It is the ONLY legal opportunity for someone without a degree to work as an EFL teacher in Korea.
(2)
Complete your degree and get a job in a hagwon.
(3)
Complete your degree and complete a TEFL/TESOL (100+ hours (minimum 20 hours in class)) certificate course.
Get a job anywhere in Asia (including Korea) teaching EFL. |
Thanks. I'm planning on getting my TESOL next year so I'm not pressed with time. The third option is the one that I'm aiming for  |
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watergirl
Joined: 01 Jul 2008 Location: Ansan, south korea
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Posted: Sat Mar 02, 2013 2:27 am Post subject: |
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I think you're mixing-up 'accreditation' with a bachelor's degree.
So, Korea does want a bachelor's degree, which is normally 4 years of post-secondary schooling.
Colleges do provide diplomas and they are accredited, but they are only the first 2 years of a bachelor's program.
I know there r some university-college's which will allow u to complete more than 2 years of a bachelor's degree.
Does your college certificate, upon completion, say a 'bachelor of...'
A diploma is not a bachelor's degree.
It could be that your college is a) offering programs that simply are longer than 2 years, but are not bachelor's degrees or b) are letting u do 3 of the 4 year bachelor degree there (and then to get the bachelor's, u need to transfer and complete yr last year at a university.
By the way, Europe offers degrees that are only 3 years I think, or some countries do, and my friend could not work legally in Taiwan because of this. |
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Charlie Bourque
Joined: 27 Jun 2010
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Posted: Sat Mar 02, 2013 3:08 pm Post subject: |
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Actually, I'd like for tompatz to chime in on this:
Can Canadians with a 3-year B.A. come on an E-2 VISAor does it specifically have to be a 4-year one? Even the 3-year degree says Bachelor of Arts, so does it matter if it's a 3-year or a 4-year one? |
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ttompatz

Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea
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Posted: Sat Mar 02, 2013 5:00 pm Post subject: |
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Charlie Bourque wrote: |
Actually, I'd like for tompatz to chime in on this:
Can Canadians with a 3-year B.A. come on an E-2 VISAor does it specifically have to be a 4-year one? Even the 3-year degree says Bachelor of Arts, so does it matter if it's a 3-year or a 4-year one? |
Bachelor of <something>; BA, B.Sc., B.Com., BBA., BFA., etc.
The time frame isn't stamped onto your parchment.
3 years, 4 years... not relevant as long as you meet the institutional requirements for graduation from an institution that has been government authorized (by an act of Parliament or a Provincial Legislature) to grant a degree.
It is also possible (and not that uncommon) to do a 4 year degree in 2-3 years with transfer credits or by taking classes during the intersession (summer session).
. |
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Charlie Bourque
Joined: 27 Jun 2010
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Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2013 8:51 am Post subject: |
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ttompatz wrote: |
Charlie Bourque wrote: |
Actually, I'd like for tompatz to chime in on this:
Can Canadians with a 3-year B.A. come on an E-2 VISAor does it specifically have to be a 4-year one? Even the 3-year degree says Bachelor of Arts, so does it matter if it's a 3-year or a 4-year one? |
Bachelor of <something>; BA, B.Sc., B.Com., BBA., BFA., etc.
The time frame isn't stamped onto your parchment.
3 years, 4 years... not relevant as long as you meet the institutional requirements for graduation from an institution that has been government authorized (by an act of Parliament or a Provincial Legislature) to grant a degree.
It is also possible (and not that uncommon) to do a 4 year degree in 2-3 years with transfer credits or by taking classes during the intersession (summer session).
. |
Thanks! Good to know!
A lot of friends are very interested in travelling a bit and they only have 3-year General B.A. with a minor. They thought they weren't eligible for E-2 visas, and their Japanese and Chinese equivalents. |
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valkerie
Joined: 02 Mar 2007 Location: Busan
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Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 5:21 am Post subject: |
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watergirl wrote: |
By the way, Europe offers degrees that are only 3 years I think, or some countries do, and my friend could not work legally in Taiwan because of this. |
That sounds weird to me. I'm English and most degrees are completed in 3 years. (Exception would be those with a sandwich year spent abroad or in a related job). I have several contacts who work in Taiwan and they have not had a problem getting a legal work visa. |
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nahanni
Joined: 21 Mar 2007
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Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 8:10 am Post subject: |
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Hey my lovely,
A little off topic but I'm curious to know why you chose Korea over other countries to work / experience? |
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