Korean Job Discussion Forums

mrwright · Joined: 20 Nov 2009

I am a licensed teacher in Arizona. I am certified to teach History and Science. This is my 7th year teaching. I am interested in coming to teach ESL in the Epik program next year. I've been trying to get a read on the market right now, and am getting mixed signals. It seems Epik is competitive, but I'm not sure how flooded it is. Assuming I can perform a decent interview, what does anyone think my chances are of getting accepted? I'm flexible as to the location, and I am willing to get a tefl certificate if that will help. I appreciate any input. Thanks.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

mrwright · Joined: 20 Nov 2009

I'll probably apply to those too to see if I can find a school that is a match and will hire me. But I like the idea of teaching English and just having some fun with my students. I don't mind being an on-stage performer for their entertainment. I'm actually kinda good at that. From what I've gathered, teaching in the Epik program is better working conditions than other scenarios in Korea and can make pretty good money. I barely scrap out a living here. Saving would be something entirely new to me. If something else comes along, fine. But I'd like to take a shot at ESL there. Can anyone comment on if I am misinformed about Epik being reasonably moderate stress and having a favorable quality of life, professionally?

hogwonguy1979 · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: the racoon den

if you have a Master's Degree and really want to work in Korea, look at the univ route. There are still a few schools out in the sticks that will interview you while there in the states. Do a year there and move to Seoul where the money is

Even out in the sticks you will have a lower workload and tons of free time (4 day work weeks are the norm with 4-5 months off)

mrwright · Joined: 20 Nov 2009

Unfortunately, I don't have a masters. My BA is in secondary ed/History, but no MA.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

$24k/yr + airfare, housing and basic medical at EPIK.

$40-60k + full benefit package (14 weeks annual holidays with pay, airfare, housing, full medical, etc) at internationally accredited schools all across Asia.

You might want to look at bit harder and quit hanging out on EFL boards.

For a newbie with a freshly minted degree, a 30-day TEFL cert and up to their eyeballs in student loans then EPIK is an easy step up from the dorms (but not much of a step up). Korea is still the best option in Asia.

For a certified teacher with more than a few years of actual classroom experience, EPIK is a death knoll. There are FAR BETTER options (both career wise and financially) to choose from.

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hogwonguy1979 · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: the racoon den

ttom is right you will be broke and bored up to your eyeballs here in Korea in the EPIK program. Personally (and I think ttom would back me up on this) given what I'm seeing in the EPIK and who they are hiring they might not hire you either because you are too qualified with all those years teaching or not qualified enough because you don't have the magic 120 hour tesol certificate.

go the international school route you will be so much happier than being here. Too bad you don't have an MA, even with deteriorating teaching conditions, you would be happy in a univ position but the MA is becoming mandatory

wooden nickels · Joined: 23 May 2010

mrwright · Joined: 20 Nov 2009

Hogwonguy, why do you say broke? From what I've learned, you can make good money in Epik and save nice chunks of $. Is this wrong? I will probably get my tefl certificate, both to look more qualified, and to actually be more qualified, in that I've never taught ESL before. Bored? I'd love to be bored. Lol.

12ax7 · Joined: 07 Nov 2009

Keep on working in Arizona and study part time to get an MEd. That's what I'd do if I were you.

Ranman · Joined: 18 Aug 2012

mrwright · Joined: 20 Nov 2009

I assume only a masters in education or tesol will provide that upward mobility? I'm currently working on my masters in Buddhist studies. Not very marketable, I know.

Ballerina2012 · Joined: 17 Jan 2012

$40-60k + full benefit package (14 weeks annual holidays with pay, airfare, housing, full medical, etc) at internationally accredited schools all across Asia.

Tell me where these are so I can apply!

Usurname · Joined: 21 Oct 2011

How much is the 24k after American tax?

rollo · Joined: 10 May 2006 Location: China

TTom is dead on. Not only can you make more money , be morefufilled in teaching in an international school. Another option in Hong Kong. Net program. the pay is as good or better than the International schools. Also Hong Kong is an exceptional place , ideally located to explore Asia. I feeel you would be bored and frustrated in the Korean system. It is geared to newly minted grads with no experience teaching. Look at the options. It is not all about money,professional development is important also. Hong Kong is a great option, great city, a lot of diversity , an awesome city.