Korean Job Discussion Forums

[charmer]

Hey guys, I could use some quick advice.

I'm currently doing my MA in English Language Teaching at the HK Polytechnic University in Hong Kong. I originally was planning to try to find work here after since they give you a 1 year work visa to stay and I could potentially make more money, but due a variety of factors (High pressure, hard time making good friends, high expenses) I think I will leave after I graduate, which will be in July next year.

I'm from Canada and I do have 3 years of public school teaching experience in Korea, so my backup plan was to always come back and apply for a university position. I tried applying for positions before and did a get a few places interested in me, but the lack of an MA prevented anything from happening. Also my friends are there which I realized is a big plus for me.

I was wondering how a MA from Hong Kong would be viewed in Korea when applying for university jobs? My BA is from Canada if that makes a difference.

Even though I'm doing well academically and learning a lot, I was actually considering dropping out due to my loneliness and stress. I was considering applying to an MA TESOL program at the University of Nottingham next year, since they have a campus in China, which is where I was originally planning to study. The degree would be exactly the same as if I studied in the UK. But considering I'm almost halfway done my program and all the money and time I've invested, it wouldn't make much sense since I only have 8 months left. Is it worth it to drop my program now just to get a British degree or will a HK degree be sufficient enough? Any advice would be really appreciated. Thanks!

[drcrazy]

[rollo]

Well if you think that Hong Kong where many people speak English and every modern convenience is available is lonely and stressful, you should avoid the mainland. I would think trying one of the Hk government Net programs would be best for you. The pay is very very good. Wow to us poor mainlanders Hong Kong seems a paradise. But I think the PNet program would work for you. Oh and there is reasonably priced housing if you look hard enough. Good Luck!

[charmer]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I was thinking about the NET scheme, but I've taught kids for 3 years in Korea and would prefer to try teaching adults (Even though I know the NET scheme pays fairly well if I can get in).

The reason why I was thinking of heading to China to study is because I can earn an British MA there, which could potentially be viewed more favorably to certain employers. I'm just not sure how Korean universities would view an MA in English Language Teaching from Hong Kong though, considering it's from a university in Asia.

[rollo]

I am not sure but I believe it is possible to get a British M.A in H.K. If i were you I would definitely check that out. Good luck with what ever you decide. The mainland folks are friendler than the Hong Kongers but there is a lot less English and it can still be pretty, rude crude and rough You can end up very very isolated and that can make it super tough. If you do not have Mandarin or Cantonese skills you need to really think this through. Cantact Nottingham University and find out about fellow lao wei who attend and get in contact with them.

[charmer]

Hey thanks for the feedback Rollo.

I contacted a bunch of Korean universities and a majority of them said a MA from Hong Kong would be fine and would qualify me for their teaching positions so that's good news. The main thing they cared about was if the school was accredited and if I had teaching experience. I think I'm just going to tough it out till the summer and finish the program and then start applying for jobs.