Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Eglayzer]

Hello all,

I taught ESL at a Hokwon in Korea for two years before coming to the US for a PhD program. However, I have discovered that academia may not be the place for me. Luckily, I entered a program in which I got my MA along the way and will have the option to leave at the end of this year.

I left Korea because I didnt much like teaching kids that didnt want to learn. I am considering going back to help pay off some student loan but I would rather avoid hakwons and kindy/elementary.

What can I do?

I wouldnt mind teaching adults but would ideally like to teach something other than English at the University level. Is this possible? I was once offered a job (before I had an MA) in China teaching high school history in English but turned it down because of the location of the school. Can that sort of thing be had in Korea? What else might I be qualified to do there?

My MA is in Anthropology with a focus on Korean gender and consumerism. I speak basic Korea just below conversation level.

Thanks in advance!

[Chaucer]

If your BA or MA is from a "name" university, try applying at one of the foreign language high schools--Minjok Academy had an ad out a while back.

[PRagic]

Because you have teaching experience in Korea and a B&M MA, you might be able to find a job teaching ESL at a university. Be aware, however, that competition is a bit stiffer than it once was, and many programs now prefer to hire those with MAs related to teaching English (TESOL or AL).

With just the MA, you won't be able to teach content at university here, or at least at any of the universities I'm aware of. With the Ph.D.? Doable, but I don't know how many positions are available in Anthropology at Korean universities for international faculty. The larger the university, the better the chances that they'll be hiring across the board in all diciplines.

Having said this, within some university English programs, there are English related content courses taught by internatinoal MA holding faculty. These courses can generally be described as 'advanced English courses' and involve at least a tertiary connection to the use of English. Examples might include teaching drama, culture of [insert some English speaking country], public speaking, debate, or business communication. You'd have to suss out an individual program in advance to see if that type of opportunity exists.

Good luck to you!

[Paddycakes]

[dg7104]

There is a new government rule in Korea in which you must have 4 years teaching at a university as a minimum requirement. How do you get that precious 4 years if they don't hire you? Good question. Perhaps teach in another foreign country, and come back.

If you have an M.A., the criteria is less than 4 years. However, you should ASK about this in any emails before you bother to show up to an interview or submit documents. You may be wasting your time.

[Eglayzer]

I would really like to teach at the university level in Korea. So since I already have two years of teaching experience, a BA, and soon an MA in Anthropology, should I look into getting a Celta or Teslo certificate or should I just take the plunge and find a TESOL Masters degree program with good financial aid?

Im already almost 30 years old so dont much want to be in school for forever but also want to get my education level high enough so that I dont have to teach kindy for the rest of my life.

[chrisblank]

look for schools that have social science programs that relate to your degree, try to apply. lots of unis here want to have English speakers doing content. Maybe look into doing a PHd at the same school. I know a guy who did his in Public Administration and works in the same department.