Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Creamster]

Hi:

Well, this is sort of a two part question. I got laid off a job as a reporter in Nashville, TN about a month ago and now seems to be the time to do what I have been considering for about a year now--teach in Korea. Jobs seem plentiful there, and I think I would like the culture (other than the fact that I am sort of Buddhist I am not altogether sure why I think this but ...)

I have a bachelors in English. I cannot afford the $1,400 for the TEFL certificate here but can afford an online TEFL certificate with the video component (should I cringe?). I have a dog I cannot, or will not, leave behind (separation anxiety so bad it would literally kill him) and I am 51, albeit a pretty hip and young-looking 51, but 51 nonetheless.

Can anyone tell me how much schools will care if I bring a dog and if the online certificate packs any weight? Also does the fact that I was/am a reporter help me at all? I covered hard news, business news and film reviews, some travel and lifestyle.

Any advice would be helpful -- Thanks!

[peppermint]

The online certificate wont' make much of a differenceeither for or against. The schools care about two things- the basic qualifications, and the picture-sad, but that's about it. ( look as young as possible in the pic)

As for the dog- ask before bringing him, but if he's smallish and quiet it should nt' be a problem. Just remember that most cities in Korea don't have much green space for walking him.

[oneiros]

[Creamster]

Thanks all for the info. Can anyone address how strange it might seem to want to study Buddhism while there? I know there's an International Zen Center in Seoul but I think I would like to try a smaller city in the South.

I just don't understand the culture much and don't know the protocol of asking around about meditating or studying at a monastery with monks. Do any or many speak English? It's done here but I don't know if it's acceptable in Korea. They may be more integrated here and possibly less revered. At least that's what my Zen buddy has told me.

[lunachick]

[Seoul Skye]

Sounds like Daejeon is a city to consider. There's a temple, called Jagwang-sa, Tel: (042)822-9220, that has regular programs for foreign nationals interested in Budhhism. Also, neighborhoods (called dongs) on the edge of the city or near the river that runs through the center have enough green space for a dog.

[Ya-ta Boy]

Think very carefully about bringing a dog here. You will have to leave the dog at home while you are working. There won't be a fenced in yard for the dog to run/play in. Chances are VERY good it will be in a smallish apartment in the middle of a city with very few parks.

Again, think very carefully about the dog's welfare.

As for a journalism background--it won't mean squat to a Korean employer. They hire anyone with any college degree. Background and experience are not considered. At all. For anything.

Be prepared to be turned down for some jobs because of your age. Young, blond females go to the head of the line.

Your religious interests may very well cause a stir among your conservative Christian students who will want to know why you aren't Christian...and will ask you.

Good luck.

[Creamster]

Thanks everyone for posting. I am reconsidering because of the pooch but dammit I want out of this country but I don't want to make my poor mutt miserable. I know he'd be in a single but thought I could walk him every morning and evening.

I will however look into Daejon there

[pet lover]

[Creamster]

Ed (his name) is mostly Corgie but a more familiar would be a Basset Hound but with long hair. I have looked into Daejeon and there does appear to be parks but I wonder if he could actually run somewhere. Do you know of any other areas in the country that are dog-friendly?

Thanks

[JacktheCat]

I'm not a practising Buddhist these days, but I was raised as a Buddhist and can say that Korea is not really the most Buddhist friendly country in the world. Remember the majority religion in Korea is Christianity.

This is the country where Christians sit outside Buddhist temples with loudspeaker trucks and scream that the worshippers are all going to burn in hell.

Koreans tend to look down on Buddists and some people have gotten confrontational when they find out I'm a Buddhist. Always trying to save my soul and get me to convert to Christianity.

The few openly practising Buddhist I've met here tend to keep a low profile and not reveal their religion.

[Creamster]

Well I could stay in the South if I wanted religious persecution -- of Buddhism of all things. I'd say Good Lord but the irony I wasn't really planning to tell anyone I was Buddhist when I got there but I don't want to hide. Thanks for the information. Maybe I'll just move back to Los Angeles -- maybe not

[oneiros]

Okay, everybody, stop trying to scare away the new guy.

For the record, Koreans have also gotten confrontational and tried to convert me when they found out I was Roman Catholic. Something about the pope being the anti-christ. There's just some seriously over-enthusiastic Christian churches around here.

The Korean government is fairly big into promoting Buddhist temple stay programs. You can find more information here.

[Ryst Helmut]

[azjen]

Perhaps you can have your pet stay with a family member before you head out here. Just what I did. I'll be bringing my dogs out within the next month. Of course, I did end up with a cake job and I'm only out 5-7 hours a day. The apartment isn't exactly huge, but there are plenty of parks for us to walk in. Not to mention the town is very accepting of pets.

The job market in the US is horrible, it feels great to be able to work and not constantly having to worry about getting fired. Good luck to you!

Jen