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Lahiho
Joined: 07 Oct 2012
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 Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2014 4:29 pm Post subject: Studying a Master's in Korea |
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I have recently been thinking about studying a Master's in Korea (I am currently teaching English). But I don't have much information on it, I would apply till next year and my Korean level is already ok so i think I could get it high enough for when I apply, plus I would hope to do a course in English if I could.
I was curious how difficult it is to apply, especially as what i want to study is not related to my original Bachelors (which i also didn't get that great of a grade for) and how useful it is to have a Masters from Korea in other countries. Is it worth it? How can I find out general information about it? When I google search, everything is more about what to expect in Korea as a student or for Undergraduate studying.
Thanks |
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ttompatz
Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Location: Kwangju, South Korea
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| Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2014 5:00 pm Post subject: Re: Studying a Master's in Korea |
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| Lahiho wrote: |
I have recently been thinking about studying a Master's in Korea (I am currently teaching English). But I don't have much information on it, I would apply till next year and my Korean level is already ok so i think I could get it high enough for when I apply, plus I would hope to do a course in English if I could.
I was curious how difficult it is to apply, especially as what i want to study is not related to my original Bachelors (which i also didn't get that great of a grade for) and how useful it is to have a Masters from Korea in other countries. Is it worth it? How can I find out general information about it? When I google search, everything is more about what to expect in Korea as a student or for Undergraduate studying.
Thanks |
You're probably going to get a lot of ethnocentric answers on here from people who have never taken a graduate level program (much less done one outside of their home country) but...
re: applying for an unrelated masters:
If you apply and you are at least close to the minimum standard (GPA and/or experience) for entry to the program you will probably get an interview.
If you are an international student you are almost assured some level of acceptance even with a low GPA in your undergrad but you may be expected to take extra coursework to make up for your deficiencies.
re: usefulness - in MY experience:
The usefulness will depend on your research and thesis. A master's (or above) is not like your undergrad degree. It is not about the coursework (most of which is designed to prepare you for your research). Even those courses that have a set of comprehensive exams in place of a published thesis still require you to do a "master project".
AFTER you have completed your master's degree it won't matter where you got it. Future employers will be more interested in the fact that (a) you have it and (b) what you do with your knowledge after you get hired.
Contrary to what you may be told here by our local cast of speculators, you CAN get work in your home country with a post grad degree earned abroad (even if you are American).
I have both a masters and a PhD that were earned outside of north America and have NOT had any problem being invited to participate in research projects in the US or Canada.
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tob55
Joined: 29 Apr 2007
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| Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2014 7:23 pm Post subject: Re: Studying a Master's in Korea |
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| ttompatz wrote: |
| Lahiho wrote: |
I have recently been thinking about studying a Master's in Korea (I am currently teaching English). But I don't have much information on it, I would apply till next year and my Korean level is already ok so i think I could get it high enough for when I apply, plus I would hope to do a course in English if I could.
I was curious how difficult it is to apply, especially as what i want to study is not related to my original Bachelors (which i also didn't get that great of a grade for) and how useful it is to have a Masters from Korea in other countries. Is it worth it? How can I find out general information about it? When I google search, everything is more about what to expect in Korea as a student or for Undergraduate studying.
Thanks |
You're probably going to get a lot of ethnocentric answers on here from people who have never taken a graduate level program (much less done one outside of their home country) but...
re: applying for an unrelated masters:
If you apply and you are at least close to the minimum standard (GPA and/or experience) for entry to the program you will probably get an interview.
If you are an international student you are almost assured some level of acceptance even with a low GPA in your undergrad but you may be expected to take extra coursework to make up for your deficiencies.
re: usefulness - in MY experience:
The usefulness will depend on your research and thesis. A master's (or above) is not like your undergrad degree. It is not about the coursework (most of which is designed to prepare you for your research). Even those courses that have a set of comprehensive exams in place of a published thesis still require you to do a "master project".
AFTER you have completed your master's degree it won't matter where you got it. Future employers will be more interested in the fact that (a) you have it and (b) what you do with your knowledge after you get hired.
Contrary to what you may be told here by our local cast of speculators, you CAN get work in your home country with a post grad degree earned abroad (even if you are American).
I have both a masters and a PhD that were earned outside of north America and have NOT had any problem being invited to participate in research projects in the US or Canada.
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+1 to what he says. I have pursued and completed two advanced degrees while living abroad, and have participated in a great deal of research with others from my home country. My most recent is the PhD I finished in 2014 which is one that gave me lots of enjoyment while completing the research for my dissertation. Don't worry about what the naysayers have to throw out. The accomplishments of any advanced degree really depend on the individual. Lots of success stories that have been the result of people getting away from the 'got to do it in my home country' mentality. Go for it and good luck!  |
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SeoulNate
Joined: 04 Jun 2010
Location: Hyehwa
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| Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2014 8:00 pm Post subject: Re: Studying a Master's in Korea |
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| ttompatz wrote: |
AFTER you have completed your master's degree it won't matter where you got it. Future employers will be more interested in the fact that (a) you have it and (b) what you do with your knowledge after you get hired.
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The rest I agree with, but the above part I have got to disagree with. Strongly. Especially if you ever consider going for a PHD and trying to receive any type of funding from the school.
Getting a Masters from a top 20 ranked school in your area of study will open a hell of a lot more doors than one from Joe Blows Online Degree Mill will. |
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PRagic
Joined: 24 Feb 2006
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| Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2014 8:58 pm Post subject: |
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You might want to run a search using either Dave's option or via Google for Dave's threads on the topic. This has been discussed quite a bit over the years.
I'd tend to agree with the previous posters in that GETTING the MA is the most important part. As with most diciplines, an MA earned at a global top 50 (or 100..or...) may carry more weight in the immediate aftermath of the degree's completion; over time, though, not so much.
You're probably going to be looking at the Graduate Schools of International Studies at Yonsei, Korea U, SNU, SKK, Ewha, and Sogang, all of which are now fairly well established with large numbers of students from both Korea and abroad. SKK and Sejong both offer dual degree programs, although SKK's is far more reputable.
If you don't have a related undergrad, getting into some of the more popular majors is no longer a forgone conclusion, but it's not impossible by any stretch of the terms.
And an MA from any one of these institutions can work as a stand-alone, or be a bridge to great Ph.D. programs back in N. American and Europe. I did my Master's at Yonsei's GSIS and then skipped back to a top tier Ph.D. program in my field back in the U.S. Almost all of my profs were from U.S. Ivy or highly regarded Euro schools. You'll find most of the GSIS programs staffed with similarly qualified profs. I know for a fact that Yonsei has also placed a number of students into big name Euro and N. American (Ivy) Ph.D. programs.
Like most degrees, you'll get out of it what you put into it. You will take a language exam to graduate, you'll sit for grad exams, and you'll write a thesis (figure 80-120 pages for a grad thesis).
The school you target should largely depend on your chosen field of study and, following through, what you want to do after graduating.
Good luck to you. |
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aq8knyus
Joined: 28 Jul 2010
Location: London
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| Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 6:14 am Post subject: Re: Studying a Master's in Korea |
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| Lahiho wrote: |
I have recently been thinking about studying a Master's in Korea (I am currently teaching English). But I don't have much information on it, I would apply till next year and my Korean level is already ok so i think I could get it high enough for when I apply, plus I would hope to do a course in English if I could.
I was curious how difficult it is to apply, especially as what i want to study is not related to my original Bachelors (which i also didn't get that great of a grade for) and how useful it is to have a Masters from Korea in other countries. Is it worth it? How can I find out general information about it? When I google search, everything is more about what to expect in Korea as a student or for Undergraduate studying.
Thanks |
The application process is not difficult at all and most universities have both English speaking admissions staff and English language websites with some of the information you need.
Although in my experience the English language website is rarely updated, so just email or call the admissions staff during the application periods.
You might need to do an interview, but even if it is in Korean all you would need is an intermediate grasp of the language to pass. For some universities I think you have to get TOPIK 4 in order to graduate, but after 2 years that is not at all difficult.
I would say it is definitely worth it and frankly it costs so little it is less of a gamble than a super expensive MA from your home country.
If you get a D visa you can teach on the side and your flexible working hours are very attractive to employers. You can most definitely earn while you learn and make yourself a nice little pot of savings for yourself after you graduate.
If you look at some of the other unis outside of the ones mentioned above you can also get 100% scholarships and as there are so few native English speakers it is easy to find work with the university.
That being said if you are aiming to do a business related MA then the big schools would be much better, if a lot more expensive.
Finally, make sure you improve your Korean and take full advantage of internships available to students. I personally found the internship opportunities and the contacts you make to be much more useful than the actual degree itself. |
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Lahiho
Joined: 07 Oct 2012
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| Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 7:03 am Post subject: |
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Thank you very much everyone, the advice has been really helpful so far.
Another question, i am curious about a Masters in Education. Is something like that worth doing and what can it lead to? As my country has a separate course for people training to be a teacher I was wondering if anyone knew what the benefits of studying education would be and what kind of jobs you would aim for if I did it.
Furthermore, what kind of things would you recommend to study in Korea? I want to do something to do with education or language but I am not 100% sure yet.
Thanks again |
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tob55
Joined: 29 Apr 2007
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| Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 1:33 pm Post subject: |
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| Lahiho wrote: |
Thank you very much everyone, the advice has been really helpful so far.
Another question, i am curious about a Masters in Education. Is something like that worth doing and what can it lead to? As my country has a separate course for people training to be a teacher I was wondering if anyone knew what the benefits of studying education would be and what kind of jobs you would aim for if I did it.
Furthermore, what kind of things would you recommend to study in Korea? I want to do something to do with education or language but I am not 100% sure yet.
Thanks again |
Typically, an MA is more practical in terms of its coursework, although, it is just as rigorous as the M.Ed. The M.Ed. is considered to be more research based and thus lends itself to areas of employment that are geared towards development, management and administration. As the two will receive little in the way of discriminating comparisons from most employers, the answer to your question is up to you. It really depends on the type of position you hope to secure in your future. 90% or more people usually go for the MA, and that's fine. When I did my M.Ed. back in 2003 I decided I was more interested in educational development and research, so I chose to go with the more research based program.
As for study in Korea, the door is quite large in terms of the type of degree you are seeking. Many of the National Universities offer some excellent Master's and Doctoral programs that are taught in English. My PhD was completed at a National University. You just have to decide what you want to study. Be aware of the fact that if your credentials are unrelated to the type of degree program you seek, you may have to do extra credits in your field of study to make-up ground for what the university feels you do not know. For example, my M.Ed. was in Educational Technology, but when I applied for my PhD program in Linguistics I was only granted 15 transfer credits from the M.Ed., thus requiring me to do 45 credits of coursework, i.e. two extra semesters of study.
As for the language comprehension, the National University policy regarding language comprehensive exams is that students should demonstrate foreign language competency in some language that is not their native language, OR the language that is the focus of their study program. (My study program was in English Linguistics, so I could not use a TOEIC or TOEFL score, and plus my native language was English). Foreign students DO take the Korean Language Comprehensive exam, however, it is not a requirement to take only Korean. I took French as my comprehensive exam, and many of my colleagues took some other language besides Korean for their exam.
Finally, not to criticize SeoulNate concerning his comments, but it is likely that very few countries other than South Korea would be salivating over someone with a degree from a top 20 University. Don't be afraid to study abroad. Often it is a great experience and quite cost friendly. I finished my PhD for just under $10K USD, something that would have cost me well over $60-70K USD back in the States. More than three and one half solid years of coursework, research, 5 comprehensive exams, 6 published research articles, AND a 250 page dissertation. My credentials are in my opinion just as valid if not more valid than someone coming from a top tier University or Graduate School back home. The degree you seek is more about your ability to excel in your chosen field. Good luck and let us know what happens. Cheers |
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SeoulNate
Joined: 04 Jun 2010
Location: Hyehwa
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| Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 4:35 pm Post subject: |
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| tob55 wrote: |
Finally, not to criticize SeoulNate concerning his comments, but it is likely that very few countries other than South Korea would be salivating over someone with a degree from a top 20 University. Don't be afraid to study abroad. Often it is a great experience and quite cost friendly. I finished my PhD for just under $10K USD, something that would have cost me well over $60-70K USD back in the States. More than three and one half solid years of coursework, research, 5 comprehensive exams, 6 published research articles, AND a 250 page dissertation. My credentials are in my opinion just as valid if not more valid than someone coming from a top tier University or Graduate School back home. The degree you seek is more about your ability to excel in your chosen field. Good luck and let us know what happens. Cheers |
While I would generally agree with you, I will add one caveat. It completely depends on what you want to do with the degree. Also, it is not about 'salivating' over someone with that kind of degree, it is just a simple fact that a degree from a good school is more likely to open doors than a degree from a crappy school; this is true everywhere in the world, not just here.
Now, I will grant you, it is not going to get you a job by itself since employers will consider many other aspects of the candidate as well, but it is impossible to deny that it would be a huge advantage. |
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PRagic
Joined: 24 Feb 2006
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| Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 6:15 pm Post subject: |
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...one more caveat: your Ph.D. shouldn't necessarily cost you a dime save for opportunity costs (e.g. some lost income). Usually, Ph.D.s are funded and include a stipend, at least at N. American schools. One of my buddies is wrapping up his Ph.D. in TESL at UBC, and his was fully funded.
Not EVERY program can do this, which is why most apply to a number of programs and then follow the funding.
You can also apply directly into a Ph.D. program without having completed your MA (or started it for that matter). You may end up paying for your MA, but you'll be in line for funding faster. And you'll have a seamless transition between the MA and PhD, so you won't lose any credits. |
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tob55
Joined: 29 Apr 2007
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| Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2014 1:46 pm Post subject: |
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| SeoulNate wrote: |
| tob55 wrote: |
Finally, not to criticize SeoulNate concerning his comments, but it is likely that very few countries other than South Korea would be salivating over someone with a degree from a top 20 University. Don't be afraid to study abroad. Often it is a great experience and quite cost friendly. I finished my PhD for just under $10K USD, something that would have cost me well over $60-70K USD back in the States. More than three and one half solid years of coursework, research, 5 comprehensive exams, 6 published research articles, AND a 250 page dissertation. My credentials are in my opinion just as valid if not more valid than someone coming from a top tier University or Graduate School back home. The degree you seek is more about your ability to excel in your chosen field. Good luck and let us know what happens. Cheers |
While I would generally agree with you, I will add one caveat. It completely depends on what you want to do with the degree. Also, it is not about 'salivating' over someone with that kind of degree, it is just a simple fact that a degree from a good school is more likely to open doors than a degree from a crappy school; this is true everywhere in the world, not just here.
Now, I will grant you, it is not going to get you a job by itself since employers will consider many other aspects of the candidate as well, but it is impossible to deny that it would be a huge advantage. |
On your comments we now definitely agree. Thanks for clarifying further,  Cheers! |
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talentedcrayon
Joined: 27 Aug 2013
Location: Why do you even care?
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| Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2014 9:38 pm Post subject: |
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OP - I am thinking about doing a masters in Korea in about a year from now.
It's a good idea to do the TOPIK test to prove your level of Korean proficiency. Just telling them you are good at Korean or even speaking to them in Korean won't be enough. You have to "prove" it.
Level one is more than enough. |
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CrikeyKorea
Joined: 01 Jun 2007
Location: Heogi, Seoul
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| Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2014 4:14 am Post subject: |
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| i have answered this question here and many other places, a search using google and daves forum should show many answers up. If not I will happily answer any questions you have via PM- I have a postgrad degree from Yonsei btw.. |
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aq8knyus
Joined: 28 Jul 2010
Location: London
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| Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2014 6:53 am Post subject: |
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| talentedcrayon wrote: |
OP - I am thinking about doing a masters in Korea in about a year from now.
It's a good idea to do the TOPIK test to prove your level of Korean proficiency. Just telling them you are good at Korean or even speaking to them in Korean won't be enough. You have to "prove" it.
Level one is more than enough. |
Not necessarily, I just wrote a personal statement and did an interview in Korean and that was enough.
Admission is pretty easy, if you have the cash I don't really forsee any major issues.
It is the rage inducing credit system they have here is far more problematic. |
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Ditch
Joined: 16 Sep 2014
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| Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2014 5:16 am Post subject: |
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I did a Masters here about 6 years ago. The cost was only about 300,000 won per semester, as foreign students automatically were granted scholarships and could remain on one as long as they maintained a "B" grade average. I got nothing but straight "A+'s" which was absolutely ridiculous.
In any event, it will serve you well within Korea, I suppose, but I don't think it will carry much weight outside of here. Though, who knows. I just did it out of boredom and thought "Why not? It's basically free and certainly won't serve as a future disadvantage while living here. |
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