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Korean Job Discussion Forums
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Chaparrastique
Joined: 01 Jan 2014
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 Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2014 7:14 pm Post subject: |
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| burtonboardrline wrote: |
| So for someone with just a bachelors degree and no teaching experience, what kind of positions would be an option? Just teaching the youngest kids? or a specific age range? |
I would advise you try China. Its on the up, get your foot in the door.
Korea is absolutely saturated and esl is on the decline. Depending on your gender and looks, you will probably have a long wait to get a job, with a large amount of beaurocracy and paperwork. And once you start the job, its entirely possible you will suddenly find yourself working for an abusive employer. Given the fact that Korea has very low savings potential now, its simply not worth it anymore. |
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takethree
Joined: 20 Mar 2013
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| Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2014 9:17 am Post subject: |
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I am honestly not very good with kids, and don't think I would be comfortable teaching groups of kids because I would have a hard time keeping them focused or keeping them behaved. I was wondering if it would be possible to get a job with high schoolers, or if maybe that would also be tough to keep their attention and keep them behaved.
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This concerns me if you're interested in Korea. Like most have said, you will almost certainly be teaching children given your experience level. If it's going to be an issue for you, don't do it, or at least, not in Korea. If you're unhappy you're going to have a bad time, and why ruin a foreign experience?
Of course, the easiest jobs to get usually involve teaching kindergarten, which is tough. So try to look for more elementary/middle jobs. Keep in mind this may mean a different schedule than typical 9/10a to 6/7p jobs.
If you're still interested...
Most of the posters here have covered the various financial pros/cons of China vs. Korea. But I'd advise you to also think about the cultural and social aspects of the choice as well.
Let me first say that everyone has a different experience when it comes to living abroad. Some have a difficult time adjusting to a place that is not their home, and they tend to hate on the culture. Others adjust fine and learn to enjoy it, or at least tolerate it. But the key thing to recognize, whether China or Korea: this is not your home. Do not expect people to act in the same manner as you're used to. Embrace this notion early and you will live a much happier life than trying to constantly fight it and complain that sometimes people bump into you and don't say sorry.
I can't speak for China, so maybe some of the other vets on here can. But for Korea, some things to think about (note: my experiences are from Seoul):
-Drinking is very common, even in business situations. It is one of Korea's primary social activities. You will probably be asked/offered/demanded to drink more here than at home. If this is a problem for you, you're going to have a tough going socially.
-That said, Koreans almost always drink with food, so there aren't a ton of Western-style binge-drinking meat-market bars (though some exist in the cities if you like that sort of thing).
-This is somewhat subjective, but to me Korean was a much easier language to learn than Chinese. Korean, unlike Chinese, is based on an alphabet and isn't tonal.
(Wherever you end up going, please please please work on learning the local language. You won't feel as isolated and it will make your work/home/social life much more enjoyable)
-Public transportation is incredible. Subways and buses go everywhere. You won't need a car.
-Despite what some people say, Koreans are very friendly toward foreigners. As long as you take the attitude of friendly foreigner who's interested in Korean culture/language/people. The key is to try to experience and give, not expect and take.
-That said, a very small portion of people will just not like you. Usually this means they'll ignore you. Don't sweat it.
-MEET LOCALS. Language meetups are very common. It's good to have expat friends too in order to have some comfort level to fall back on, but don't get trapped in the expat bubble.
-At a hagwon especially, as a foreigner you are the FACE of the school. Be prepared to be put into photographs and situations that force you to act like you're having a great time and the kids love you. Hopefully, if you find the right job, you are and they do! But remember you're the product they're selling.
-Korea is very safe in general. I felt safer wandering Seoul at 4am than I do my hometown in USA. Take common sense precautions, of course.
I encourage you to take the leap, whether it's Korea, China, or otherwise. There are so many benefits to living in a foreign city for a sustained period of time. I've never met someone who regretted doing it, only that they never tried it. Personally, my job experience was very difficult. But I learned a lot and my social/out-of-work time here was absolutely incredible.
Just take your time, do your research, don't take the first job that comes along, and keep an open mind. When you get here, work hard, learn the culture, have realistic expectations, and don't sweat the small stuff. You'll be fine.
PM me if you have any questions. |
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