Korean Job Discussion Forums

em · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

All you out there who work at Universities: what were your credentials going into your FIRST University job abroad?

desultude · Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2003 3:06 pm Post subject:

Hi Em,
When I got my job, I needed to send everything- "original" copies from my university, certified by the Korean Consulate, sealed transcripts, and my certificate. The university where you are hired will let you know, but I was glad that I at least had 2 "originals" of each degree and sealed transcripts ready to go when they asked. If you don't have your degrees, get them from your university now. If you do, it doesn't hurt to get other originals- you may be short-listed by more than one university, and you may not get your original back.

Once you have all of your documents in order, getting them certified should not be a big problem. The Korean Consulate in Seattle turned my around very quickly. Try to get your university to give you clear instructions for your visa. Mine sent my necessary documentation for my visa days before I needed to leave. I ended up paying for fed ex both ways to the consulate and back, and was on pins and needles waiting for the return of my passport. Things here are not, to put it quite mildly, as efficient and prompt as you might wish.

Again, good luck

rudyflyer · Joined: 26 Feb 2003 Location: pacing the cage

I think the OP is asking what credentials did we have when we got our first univ job, not the process des.

Me: I had an MEd (in reality an MA with no thesis) and secondary teaching certificate and a couple of years teaching experience at the secondary and JC level

My wife: an MA in English

em · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

Yes, des, I was just asking about the credentials you HAD not the ones you had to send over. However, the info was very helpful Very Happy

Rudeflyer, did your wife JUST have an MA in English with no experience or teaching credentials? I have the same, a little experience tutoring but no classroom. Should I be holding out for a University position? (I, truthfully, have only applied to one, thinking that they would likely not hire me without experience).

rudyflyer · Joined: 26 Feb 2003 Location: pacing the cage

em:
Wife had a teaching assistantship where she worked in the writing lab like 15 hours week. She also had experience teaching students with mental retardation in a community outreach program in Austin

If you have an MA definitely hold out for a univ position even with your experience you should be able to land a position

The Lemon · Joined: 11 Jan 2003

em · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

Right, thanks. I CAN get one. Now, do I want one?

(I know there is a whole thread on this topic but I wouldn't mind hearing from specifically those who have worked both)

The Lemon · Joined: 11 Jan 2003

desultude · Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2003 8:08 pm Post subject:

Yeah, sorry Em, it was early morning and I obviously wasn't awake when I read your post!

I have an MA, not in English. There are teachers in my program who don't have M.A.'s.

posco's trumpet · Joined: 20 Apr 2003 Location: Beneath the Underdog

kimcheeking · Guest

rudyflyer · Joined: 26 Feb 2003 Location: pacing the cage

closest thing to a hogwon I did was a year at a univ hogwon and based on the stories I hear from folks even that blows any hogwon out of the water.

Min vacation you will get at a univ is 6 weeks vs 2 at a hogwon (and its likely you will get far, far more)

pay is the the same but for 1/2-2/3 the hours a hogwon requires

thats enough for me

Trinny · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

Humm, universities sound like a gig from heaven.

Do universities hire Korean English teachers as well? Wink

kimcheeking · Guest