Korean Job Discussion Forums

Kim Jong Jordan · Joined: 13 Mar 2004 Location: The Internet

I was starting to apply for some jobs with some recruiting agencies today when I came to a bit of a snag. I have never taught before! I just graduated from University and I plan on going to teachers college. I figured that going to korea would give a chance to A) travel, B) make some money to pay for teachers college, and C) gain some teaching experience that would look good on a school application. However, recruiters ask for resumes (obviously), and I don't know what to put on mine. Should I milk those few (4 or 5) occasions that I helped tutor in Highschool, and my participation in the Waterloo Childrens Water Festival? Sounds pretty lame to me. How does a newbie begin this odyssey of teaching in Korea? I know that I would be an excellent teacher despite this lack of real experience, I just don't know how to get around it.

peppermint · Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 3:35 pm Post subject:

Most of us had little or no teaching experience before coming here. Play up your education- especially if your degree is in English, linguistics or something education related, and experience with kids. Mention your intention of going to teacher's college in a cover letter.

In all honesty- if your picture looks good that will probably be more important.

Eazy_E · Joined: 30 Oct 2003 Location: British Columbia, Canada

That children's festival that you participated in would be a good thing to highlight on your resume. I worked as a camp counsellor in Canada for two months. That was the most relevant experience on my resume. Playing games, entertaining kids: that experience is more important than any academic qualifications you may have.

My hagwon thought it was important that I had received some scholarships while in university. It isn't.

But you sound well-intentioned and you'll have no trouble landing a job if your picture looks good, as peppermint pointed out.

Toby · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Location: Wedded Bliss

If you have a degree, it doesn't matter if it is in milking cows using your mother's lips as suction units or whether it is in teaching english to Koreans. Either way, you'll get a job and it is generally difficult to land that 'peach' job in your first year anyway.

What you can and can't do counts for nothing when you first get here. Bring your certificate and you'll get a job.

manlyboy · Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2004 5:26 am Post subject:

Kim Jong Jordan · Joined: 13 Mar 2004 Location: The Internet

This all makes me feel much better, thanx.