Korean Job Discussion Forums

shakuhachi · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Location: Sydney

OK... shakuhachi is thinking to quit his management job this year and go to Korea... and sell out becoming an ESL teacher (j/k).

I have a BA in History. Should I be taking TEFL? Will it increase my job eligibility? And will it increase my pay?

Also, what are the chances of getting a job outside the ESL industry? I can speak Korean pretty well.

Thank you for your thoughtful replies in advance.

Avram Iancu · Joined: 05 Jul 2003 Location: Changwon

Shaku.,

How are you doing Big Man?!!

Good luck.

The Scottish

mithridates · Posted: Sat Jan 01, 2005 1:49 pm Post subject:

Have you decided how long you're going to stay? If it's only for a year or two then TEFL would be useful; you could get set up with a somewhat better job with it than without it, come over and hope that the school is as good as they profess to be. If you're planning to be a lifer then I would recommend you come in without a job, find a place to stay for a month and go from place to place in person, be picky and find a really good place. Speaking Korean you know that the reaction can vary from the jealous "Who's this guy that thinks he's so smart" to "You speak our language, you're God's gift to language teaching!"

You could also start out as a language teacher and try to become a celebrity...get yourself featured on tv and radio quite a bit and perhaps plan to become well known in a year or two or three...

It's good to see that you might be coming to Korea though; I broke up with the K-girl in Sydney and so I'm not going to Australia...

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

By taking TEFL I think you mean a certificate, not a Master's. It will help you teach. A Master's would be helpful in getting you a university job, but is not necessary.

I've never come across a school/hogwan of any type that pays more for higher qualifications and/or experience. One salary fits all.

Good luck.

Randall Flagg · Posted: Sat Jan 01, 2005 9:49 pm Post subject:

Paji eh Wong · Joined: 03 Jun 2003

I did it after my first year. It's worth it just in terms of job satisfaction. It's kind of a sad statement about the industry, but just being compotent can open a lot of doors.

rapier · Joined: 16 Feb 2003

Why should we help you, after your sexist "me, me, me" posts?

shakuhachi · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Location: Sydney