Korean Job Discussion Forums

[gdeihl]

I recently graduated from a 4-year university with a BS in Economics. I'm a 47 year old white male (I look closer to 35). I've been getting discouraged with the lack of decent opportunities available to me in the US. I've been throwing around the idea of teaching English in a foreign country for many years, but felt that the lack of a 4-year degree would hinder my chances. I've never actually taught, but do have a little experience as a teacher's aide at an elementary school. I want to do this mainly to pay off my student loans and to experience different cultures. If I really enjoy doing it I might make it a career, but that remains to be seen.

I'm planning on getting a TEFL certification in January from ITTO. Does anyone have any experience with this organization? I will most likely be going to the Guadalajara location. After completing their 140 hour course, I would like to get a job in South Korea. I'm not sure yet whether I want to try to get a job with the public schools or at a hagwon, so I'm trying to get all my paperwork done with the idea that I'll have my bases covered either way.

My tentative itinerary is to go to Mexico for 5 weeks, return to Portland for a couple of weeks to take care of any last minute things and to say goodbye to family and friends. Hopefully, I'll then go to S. Korea in March when the new term starts.

Please feel free to poke holes in my plan or offer advice about what I'm planning on doing.

[Keeper]

How much is the course? It isn't really necessary. China may be a better option for you. Koreans are known for their age discrimination. There may be jobs but you have to get past recruiters who want to turn a fast buck. That means they will promote blonde, blue-eyed 22 year old females who barely passed college instead of someone who made the dean's list but is older.

If you are not sure this is a long-term thing don't do the course. It's a total waste of money.If long term then look into getting a CELTA.

[gdeihl]

The cost (including private housing) is $1970. With RT airfare, food and a little spending money it will probably be a bit under $3000.

There is a CELTA course being taught in Portland next month. I will probably go to a free informational meeting going on tonight to find out more. The cost is a lot more attractive to me than going through ITTO, but I was under the impression that if I want to teach in public schools in Korea at all, I will need a TESL certificate that includes at least 100 hours (or 120 hours) of instruction and has to have an actual teaching component to it - not just lectures. Is this true? I may eventually want to go to a different country also. If I get a couple of years teaching experience under my belt will CELTA or TESL certification help me get a better job at that point?

I'm intrigued with the idea of going to China, but I keep hearing a lot of horror stories about it. I really don't want to get into something that I'm going to regret. I'm open to new experiences and realize that wherever I go there will be issues, problems and stress involved, but is China really a good idea? There seems to be a lot more info on people's bad experiences rather than those who had good ones.

[ttompatz]