Korean Job Discussion Forums

ABCDAVE · Joined: 14 Jan 2006

I am for certain going to teach English in Korea. However, reading all these forums has made it rather difficult to assign an average age to many of the people posting (I'm guessing between 25-35, and I'm sure some that are older). I am a 22 year old college student who will be graduating in May 2006 with a Business Degree from a small town in MD, U.S. I have co-founded a small English tutoring business (ABC) here in my home town, that thus far tutors only Koreans due to the large number of Korean people seeking employment in this area. I have a total of roughly 4 years tutoring experience, but with the exception of ABC during this last year, has been off and on.

I have been blessed with the opportunities to travel to both Cambodia in 1997, and China just this past summer. I have also picked up quite a bit of the Korean language over the past few years due to my exposure to such a large number of Koreans, and at one point, a long time Korean girlfriend (though I'm sure many of you vets could run circles around my language abilities). By the time I apply for positions I will be 23 and TEFL certified. ETA would be hopefully between August and September.

However, sometimes I feel perhaps I will be viewed as too young by the employers, and perhaps be confronted with a lack of respect from students. I'm sure with the right attitude and assertiveness I could remedy both of these dilemmas. Nonetheless I will not undermine their presence.

Perhaps there are some members that are my age and have been put in this same position. Or, perhaps there are some more experienced members that have seen such a case time and time again, and have some helpful pointers or opinions. Whatever it may be, I would be very grateful for whatever words you would be willing to throw my way.

Many Thanks - Dave Very Happy

justagirl · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Location: Cheonan/Portland

You'll be fine. I went to Korea right after I graduated from university in 2001, at the ripe,old age of 22.

Hater Depot · Joined: 29 Mar 2005

You sound pretty much perfect for the job. I always got by letting my students think I was 30.

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

Given your experience, I'd agree with Hater Depot - you're a perfect candidate. Come over and enjoy yourself. I'm sure you'll like it here.

StAxX SOuL · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Location: London

Hey, I'm 22 fresh out of college and I've had numerous offers sent my way with no tutoring experience or qualification, simply a law degree behind me...

As far as respect from those you're teaching I always think it boils down to respect... think back to high school, you had those teachers who you loved because you could get away with anything, those you hated, and those who you loved but knew you couldn't cross them because they would come down on you hard...

In addition to that think how your general presentation skills are... from all previous experience of heading seminars to just appearing before an audience for whatever you should know how you're cut out for that kind of thing!!

ABCDAVE · Joined: 14 Jan 2006

I must say, I'm grateful for the "better" news than what I was preparing myself for. I just hope there is some way that I can incorporate what experience I do have with better preparing myself against some of the contract murdering bosses that I have been reading so much about. But I guess there is not much defense against that in many cases with the exception of an established network and/or carefully reviewing black lists.

Still open to any and all comments.

Thanks for your words thus far guys.

Dave

Hater Depot · Joined: 29 Mar 2005

Forget about the blacklists, you have no way of knowing if the stories are true or how old they are or if there is new management. Research the school, ask them questions, and talk to one of the other foreign teacher there. Communicating through e-mail is good because then there's no boss listening in in the background.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

With kiddie hogwans it's usually the younger, the better. I've heard several stories of hogwans even hiring illegals in their late teens without degrees. 22/23 is the perfect age.

Public schools, especially high schools, may be more difficult - same with adult academies. Unis are probably out of the question.

Being older, especially an older male, probably makes it easier to win the respect of your students, but you're ultimately what you make of yourself.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

AbbeFaria · Joined: 17 May 2005 Location: Gangnam

About the age, just remember that as Koreans measure things you're a year or two older then you are in the US. Just say you're 25. Or 24, I haven't got the system worked out yet, but either way, it's not a lie in Korea.

-S-

Fat Sam · Joined: 05 Dec 2005 Location: Gyeonggi-do

You sound well qualified for a job in Korea and you age could be seen as a bonus. I went from the oldest camp counsellor at an American summer camp (aged 24 and feeling like a really old man) to being the youngest expat I knew when I arrived in Korea soon after my 25th birhtday. It does wonders for the ego to see people with the same lack of direction who are ten years your senior.

I taught adults for my first year. It's surprisingly satisfying to teach a class of 25 company executives, between five and ten years older than you, knowing that you would not be allowed a word in edgeways in normal circumstances because of your age.

I've known a few teachers in public schools your age. University jobs might be more difficult. I've been told that I'm too young at 27 but others may have had different experiences.

Wishmaster · Joined: 06 Feb 2003

Hey, prepare for the ass rape...Korean style.

jacl · Joined: 31 Oct 2005

You could get a job here that pays lots of moula. Don't sign some stupid cheap ass contract. You have perfect experience. Don't worry about age. If anything, the age should give you more cash or better job. Which ever way. Don't settle for bad.

I'd come here first. Looks like you probably have the funds to come and explore your options.

ABCDAVE · Joined: 14 Jan 2006

jacl (and others) -

What exactly is a lot of money in Korea though? I see that a lot of the Hagwons are paying an average of 1.9 - 2.4(ish). Would the 2.4million monthly salary be the "a lot" you mentioned, or are you considering PT also? Though money is not my main concern, I am a bit curious. Wink

Dave

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

On a salary of 2.4 deductions should be

Tax 58,800 + another 6= 64,800
Pension 4.5% = 108,000(if you are American or Canadian you get it back)
Health 2.1% = 50,400

So deductions are about 230,000 a month....add in another 100,000 for utilities, apartment fees etc you take home over 2 mil a month.

You apartment is provided. The cost of living is fairly cheap. Public transportation is a dream(once you master it) You could live quite well on 1 mil won a month and still bank the other 1. At the end of the year you could easily have 15,000,000 won(including your bonus) and still have alot of fun.