Korean Job Discussion Forums

[leewchris]

I'm from the states and no I'm not white. But I chose to come to Korea for a B.A. It's a rare case, so I don't know how teaching jobs will look in this situation. I don't even know how the competition is for hagwons.

Anyhow, I was wondering what you think I should do.
Should I try applying to see what happens? (as a foreigner)
Should I go to U.S. or British grad school to recover my mistake?
Should I go all the way back to freshmen and get a U.S. B.A. or would that be a waste of time simply for an ESL job that is not even guaranteed for Asians?
or
Should I try going a different route like doing my own business with my friend, getting a job in McDonald or whatnot to see what other route I have.

Although I can't consider myself fluent in English, I also can't say that I'm fluent in Korean either in that I can't understand Korean news reports (conversation level is fine)

[ttompatz]

[TheMeerkatLover]

In the past I've screened hundred of applications for faculty positions.

Anyone who did their grad studies in Korea were binned. No exceptions.

The quality of Korean education is abysmal. Though many here have done precisely that to be able to check the 'Master's' box on an application, I would prefer they had done an accredited degree from the West.

Though I'm sure many will proclaim their program was 'very difficult and meaningful to their development', the reality is the quality of applicant for those who have studied here is far lower in both theory and perception than those who did their degree back home.

Others have been hired with a Korean grad school degree and good for them. You however have a Korean B.A. (which is more or less worthless seeing how much my undergrads worked to get them which is pretty much just show up for class regardless of who is teaching the course). That may prove impossible for someone like me and possible for others. You may face hurdles and obstacles, so I would suggest you be prepared for a longer search.

[Harpeau]

I agree with the TheMeerkatLover. I might add that you look within in order to find out what you want to do because you are the expert on your own life.

[PRagic]

Depends on whether or not teaching in Korea is your long-term goal. I've known loads of people with Korean MBSs/MAs, including my own students, who have gone on to work for NGOs, government, and corporations. A lot depends on your major.

But, sure, if you're going for a university teaching job and competing against people with ESL related undergrad and grad degrees, then you might not be competitive enough.

I know a few people, however, who DO have pretty decent K university ESL teaching jobs who did their MA here in Korea. Granted, they got in and got several years of experience when they just had their BA. Times were different 'way back then'.