Korean Job Discussion Forums

[milasco]

Hi all,

I've seen a few advertisements on different sites from this university advertising their free TESOL Cert. for teaching freshman English classes, and after completing the Cert. they offer you a position in their summer or winter camp.

Here is the link to their main page:
http://international.gsnu.ac.kr/main.html?p_no=4&right=sub4/right1.html
And the ad that was posted here on Dave's:
http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/korea/index.cgi?read=13977

So I'm just curious if anyone has any experience or opinions on this? Anyone know the recognized North American institution this is offered in conjunction with? How are the camps?

I'll be graduating (BA in English/Spanish double major) in December. I am interested in TESOL, but don't have any experience or certification and this kind of program seems to appeal more to me than blindly going and working for a school under 1 year's contract!

Thanks in advance for any info.
Scott

[milasco]

No takers? Not even to tell me that certification isn't necessary to teach in Korea?

Oh well, I think I'll get in contact with them and ask some questions (like who the North American affiliate is). And maybe give it a shot. I'll post an update if anything comes of it.

[Milwaukiedave]

milasco,

What do you want to know?

The program is new and nothing like this has ever been done before. It would be hard to tell you just want to expect.

My understanding is that TESOL is a very valueable if you want to teach ESL. I'm not sure how recognized it would be in North America.

If you have any questions you can pm me and I'll try to answer them.

David

[lissilu]

ahah, I found where the next round of Gyeonsang TESOLers may be hiding on Dave's ESL

I did the program this semester, just graduated. Feel free to fire away questions, if you're interested. If you come - we'll probably meet on the front steps of the dormitories as I move out and you move in...

The North American partner school is UCSC, University of California Santa Cruz. I came with no teaching experience, and for me it was deinitely preferable to signing an uknown contract. Not perfect mind you, but preferable.

pm me for more details, if u like

[Derrek]

It really sounds like a nice deal, but you aren't making any money for a semester. Definately a good idea for someone planning to use the credit for a further education. The course could only help you improve your abilities.

I'm sure the experience would be excellent, however I personally don't have an interest in investing a full semester in something that will only help me get a job in Korea, or a few other places (i'm not planning to further my education with an MA in TESOL).

If I were younger, I'd have a lot more fun with something like that.

[canukteacher]

They had a table set up at the recent conference in Pusan. I went by several times, but there was never anyone there. I do know that they were recently advertising for a director for the program. If they don't have a director in place yet, I wonder what the program will be like?

Sorry I can't tell you any more than that. They also advertised for lecturers, and I think there may have been a telephone number on the ad. You might want to search the ads, find the number and give the contact person a call.

Good luck!

CT

[guangho]

canukteacher I spoke with them in Pusan. The deal is that you teach camp for free (except room and board)in exchange for the free TESOL course. The best part, at least from my perspective, is that the credits earned can be counted towards an M.A.- or so they say.

[D-Train]

Hey lissilu,

I just got accepted for the next course so I have lots of questions. If you could answer any of them it would be great.

What are your overall impressions of the course? Worth it? I know the first 3 weeks are supposed to be pretty full on. Could you recommend doing any sort of 'pre-emptive' study for the course now? I don't have much to do now so I may as well be doing something constructive.

What was the accommodation like? 3 per dorm? Internet access?

I know that the program offers, free accommodation, meals, etc., but how much money do you think I should bring for other things (excursions, going out, etc.?).

After you complete the course, what are the classes you teach like at the university? What was the size of the class? Was it for 3 hours a day?? Did you do any of the extra classes (3 to 6 hrs a week for 300,000 to 600,000 won????).

What was the camp like at the end of the course? Do you really get paid US$1000 a week??

Did many of the course graduates stay on at the university to teach??

Sorry, I know that there are lots of (stupid) questions in there. If you could answer any I'd be most appreciative.

Thanks a lot,

D-Train

[Milwaukiedave]

As someone mentioned, yes they are looking for a director and did not have a permanent director in place during the last TESOL course. When I left, they still had not hired someone.

Kevin, the guy that was running the program last term is a nice guy and has a great sense of humor. Unfortuately, with all the problems, he found himself drowning most of the time trying to solve things. Most of this was due to the fact that the Korean's running the program don't plan ahead.

I'd say if they don't have a permanent director by the time the program starts, they are going to be hurting yet again. This is just common sense.

Personally I've had many negative experiences associated with the program.

[Milwaukiedave]