Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Kitty귀요미]

Hello everyone, my name is Kayla, but I go by Kitty.

I am finishing my classes for my AA, preparing for a BA, but every part of my life urges me on to working in Korea teaching English.

I desperately want to travel and help children. I believe being multi-lingual is the best asset anyone can have, and the younger you learn, the better you understand and retain. I was so distraught when I saw that EPIK was only for BA or higher, and I have this immense need in me to go now (completely unsure of why, but my heart and mind tell me going to teach children English is my purpose). When I found TaLK, I was beyond cloud nine.

I was wondering if anyone has applied for TaLK and been accepted. I have so many questions about the application process. I desperately want to get the whole process done the right way the first time.

Any advice concerning any part of the application process (ex; FBI CRC, getting things apostilled, getting the paperwork for changing my driver's license, the interview, any of it) would really help and I would be extremely grateful.

My life has always revolved around being a polyglot, and with some minor complications, I have a problem with succeeding, but I know I can assist children in learning one of the biggest trade languages to better their futures.

Thank you so much in advance, everyone!

[edwardcatflap]

[schwa]

Hello Kitty!

TaLK might not be a bad option for you, given your stated aims. Consider, though, it would provide just a gap activity for a year or two. If you're serious about pursuing teaching children english, finishing your BA first would open longer-term doors.

edwardcatflap is right, some specialized training will help you understand how to teach better. Knowing other languages can provide some insight into second language acquisition, but doesnt mean you know how to teach, & yes, you'd be expected to teach in english exclusively.

Following your "heart & mind" isnt a bad thing, but being patient & taking a larger view might give you more satisfaction in the end.

Re: practical tips for applying, you need to do your homework. The info is out there & you shouldnt need others to walk you through it. The odd specific question, sure, but not hand-holding.

Best luck.

[ttompatz]

TEACH and Learn in Korea (TaLK) program:

Position: Educational Scholarship
Grade Level: Elementary School
Location: Rural Areas ONLY
Monthly stipend: 1,500,000 Korean Won (KRW) per month

Teaching Type (Hours): After-School Classes (15 teaching hours per week)

Eligibility:
- Associate’s Degree or enrolled in a B.A. Degree Program(3rd year or higher)
- Must be a citizen of one of the following countries:
. - Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, U.K, U.S.A.

http://www.talk.go.kr/talk/talk_new/main/main_eng.jsp

It's not rocket science.
Get an FBI check done and get an apostille on it.
Get a certified true copy of your Associate parchment and get an apostille on it.
Get a couple of references (with signatures).
APPLY via the website and follow directions.

EVERYTHING ELSE is extraneous.

.

[Kitty귀요미]

Thank you everyone for the tips and advice. I have been researching the documents needed for TaLK, and have two professors agreeing to write reference letters, and have looked into getting a TEFL/TESOL certificate.

I am making sure to go through the TaLK site, following their requirements and writing everything down so that I have my own checklist as well. I am also considering the time frame.

If I have any more questions specifically targeting a part of the application process, I will ask again; thank you so much everyone.

[PRagic]

When you're 20, 2 more years of university can look like an eternity; it's not. Best advice? Finish your BA, get your TEFOL certification, and then join the fray.

In the end, you may well find that after coming over and participating in the TaLK program that you do indeed want to engage in ESL teaching as a vocation. Then what? You're back to square one because you don't have the requisite qualifications to gain full time employment. To boot, you'll be a year or two older and trying to transition back into university study with the end goal of finishing up the degree you need, after which you'll be older than all the other applicants with BAs. Yes, you'll have that TaLK experience under your belt, but don't count on that to get you a leg up for entry level positions.

The ESL teaching market isn't going anywhere. Do your time, then make your dime.