Korean Job Discussion Forums

[leonardlee]

Hello,
I have been on the hunt for a 120 hour TESOL class. I had originally registered for a class provided by LCCTEACH, however, they postponed the class in my area twice, and now, don't even pick up their phone! To my frustration and realization of how naive I was in this situation, I decided to start my search for another TESOL program.
I have done some extensive searching for a reputable TESOL program before I go out to Korea, but I find it difficult to sort out these programs by their website, different programs have mixed reviews, and I can't even tell which programs are somewhat adequate or not. A few questions..

1. Korea requires a 120 hour TESOL certificate with a program that consists of real life teaching, correct?
2. I have read reviews on Oxford Seminars. OS stated that they have a 100 hour course, with a optional 40 hour extension class in either business English, teaching children, etc. They told me that once I take the 40 hour extension, they would give me a new certificate that states 140 hours. However, OS doesn't offer in class live teaching, correct? Is OS a complete waste of time? I hear some reviews that they only offer a 60 hour course, I am a bit confused.


Apologies for the chunk of questions, but I am somewhat exhausted trying to find a TESOL that Korea would accept. I have my diploma, FBI CBC, F4 Visa, Resume, all ready to go. I just want this TESOL as a reinforcement. If any of you can recommend me any acceptable TESOL programs, I'd be so thankful. I have also looked into CELTA, and Trinity, but they are not offered near my area, nor do I have the finances to support that at the current moment.

Once again, thanks!!

[Mw182006]

I completed the basic Oxford seminar (no business modules or anything like that) in November with the intention of going to China, and then the smog news started coming up so I've decided to try for Korea instead. I can tell you what I've experienced so far and maybe some of the veterans can pick it apart.

The basic course was 60 hours in class spread over 3 weekends, and then a 40-hour online component which is self-paced. You get a certificate at the end of each, 60 and 100 hours respectively. I won't elaborate much on the course itself other than to say it's pretty straightforward stuff. So, once I passed the online assessment I had access to Oxford's "placement services" and I've been going back and forth with them by email for the past couple weeks. My first question was whether they partner with public schools or hagwons, and the girl replied back that they do both and partner with EPIK for ps positions.

I assumed this meant Oxford had a working relationship with EPIK, until I saw EPIK's 3/8/13 post on their site about 'open selection for recruiting agencies'. This post only had a handful of companies listed (Ox not being one of them), so I don't know whether this is indicative of anything or not. Oxford has since sent my information out to a handful of recruiters, and I'm in process of arranging some initial conversations with them.

It doesn't really answer your question but hope the info helps. I'll ask the girl I've been working with if she knows anything about EPIK's post and see what she has to say.

[ttompatz]

Look at the CELTA on-line program.
It is a blended program that meets the requirements for EPIK (in class components and practicum).

Also, since you have an F4, you can just jump on a plane and take a placement directly from a public school and avoid the EPIK process all together.

You'd do the job search the same as you would for any other job.
Resume, cover letter, copies of your documents (don't give up the originals until you sign the contract) and pass them out to schools in the area you want to work in. 10 schools and you will get an interview. 25 and you will have a job.

.

[mayorhaggar]

I did a CELTA course in Torrance, offered by Teaching House. It might be a little out of the way but it was from 11AM to 8pm every day so people would beat rush hour traffic.

[Mw182006]

ttompatz: Do you mind me asking if you teach, or work in another capacity? I've been lurking a while and it's obvious you're an expert to the visa/hiring process.

[isitts]

[ttompatz]

[leonardlee]

Hello guys,

Thank you guys for such speedy responses, and so much for all the information. I have taken so much time and research to find 120 hour TESOL classes with the 20 hours in class portion, but all the courses provided in Los Angeles are either 120 hours without the "in class portion," and the other classes such as Oxford Seminars have only 100 hour classes without any classroom experience.

I am in the rut of deciding if it may be worth taking a CELTA course, it seems like this is the leading program accepted internationally. I can afford the tuition for this course, however, I am still contemplating if I can sacrifice a month out of my current work to attain the CELTA.

My three options are:
a. Looking for a job with my degree, cbc, visa, resume and without a ESL certificate.
b. Taking the Oxford Seminars (which I can consider unaccredited in most legitimate employers).
c. Taking the CELTA which is reputable.


I am finally leaning on taking the CELTA, if any of you guys can direct me towards a Los Angeles TESOL 120 hour in class course, that'd be greatly appreciated. I have called every link that has come up on google without much promise, or suspicion.

Any input and or experience from you guys will be greatly appreciated!

[ttompatz]

top 3:

CELTA
Trinity cert TESOL.
SIT cert TESOL.

Virtually everything else is just a "want-to-be" of one of those 3.
Not sure about locations near to you.
PM answered.

.