Korean Job Discussion Forums

Koreaboundandgagged · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Location: USA

Hello everyone,

Here it goes. I just graduated with my M.A. in English/Linguistics minor and have some experience at the university where I graduated as well as various tutoring, etc. My wife just graduated with a B.A. in English education. We have two young daughters, 2.5 and 4.5, both of which are excellent speakers. (They don't have a choice with a couple of English nerds for parents!) We've been keeping a close eye on all job postings in Korea, and have recently been told I would be contacted with a formal offer. However, this offer is from what I've learned (from here) to be a Uni-Gwon, complete with split shifts, good vacation time, etc. etc. I guess what I'm wondering is...where SHOULD I be applying? My wife wants to work part-time until we become settled and find care/schooling for our children. Is there someplace I should be looking that will employ me (or both of us) due to my advanced degree/qualifications? Or, does everyone generally start in the same place, whether that's a hagwon, public school, etc.? I would prefer to teach adults, but am mainly concerned with fair treatment, a good schedule, and something that might provide for future opportunities. Oh, I forgot to mention that I also have a B.S. in business marketing...whether that makes a difference or not I do not know. If ANYONE has any ideas/suggestions, please let me know. Ideally, we would like a "smaller" city with more Korean culture (probably anything but Seoul). What is a good city to live and teach in with a family?

On a different note...do foreigners ever start their own hagwons? It seems like a solid way to make great money if it is possible.

Thanks!

inkoreaforgood · Joined: 15 Dec 2003 Location: Inchon

You're qualified to work nearly anywhere. An MA in English will, surprisingly, be very welcome here teaching English. However, since you and you family will be coming here together, I'd recommend extreme caution. You don't want to get placed at a school which will proceed to take advantage of you. Be very careful in your research, as it can mean the difference between a difficult posting and the lower circles of hell.

Expect the best offers, I think in your case a uni-won is somewhat low. Good luck.
IKFG.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

You're qualified to teach anywhere in Korea but some places may prefer someone who has experience here. Foreigners cannot open up their own hogwan.

Hotpants · Joined: 27 Jan 2006

I would imagine it would be financially hard to teach on an average (2mill) salary and support 2 kids in Korea. Even some of the 'top' uni jobs don't pay that well, and some unis don't provide housing or housing allowance - you're going to need a decent house for kids. I just saw an editing position posted today for 3 mill plus 500 housing allowance - although even to snap that up, I know the company requires a face to face interview. The same with the top paying uni positions.

Personally, with your qualifications and having dependents, I think there are much better places for you to teach in than Korea. Hong Kong and Singapore both offer good packages for teachers with families as examples.

bellum99 · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: don't need to know

You only have a M.A. in English/Linguistics minor. You should be ashamed of yourself. How can you possibily compete with a B.A in BAsket weaving like many teachers here in Korea? You will need at least a Doctorate just to work at Kids Club. Rolling Eyes

Of course you can work at the universities and have an easy time to get hired. Of course there will be a lot of tutoring chances which will allow you to make even more money. You will be fine in Korea with regards to making money. Children's education and quality of life may be another matter.

jinju · Joined: 22 Jan 2006

In his case I wouldnt even consider Korea. The children will not know Korean. And his visa will pretty much put him at the mercy of his boss..and by extension his family too. He should go to Hong Kong or Singapore. Singapore would bea great place to raise English speaking kids. Korea would not.

spliff · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand

Why would you want to live anywhere other than Seoul? On the side, is the job market that bad in the States that you have to come here to work? I would think the pay would be double back home w/ far less hassles! Very Happy

jinju · Joined: 22 Jan 2006

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

What country are you from?

If you're American, why not try applying for Department of Defense jobs teaching in schools on bases around Asia or in other countries.

Also try to swing a university gig here. Lots of vacation.

cubanlord · Joined: 08 Jul 2005 Location: In Japan!

anyway · Joined: 22 Oct 2005

OP, take what you can get. First of all, there's not shortage of apps for uni jobs. If the uni can save the airfare, they will. Qualifications be damned. Besides, many will hire experience over qualifications anyday.

In the end, no matter what job you take, it is too easy to sit around and second guess your decision, comparing your job with others. I think everyone learns a lot the first year and tried to upgrade for the second.

I have a wife and young son. I would recommend trying to find a babysitter instead of finding a commercial service for daycare or schooling. Korean college students work for peanuts ($2-3/hr) and might even welcome the chance to practice their English with your eldest.

The business degree will help you immensely at elite hagwons, but not at unis... Have a look at the Samsung Research Center program for executives...

anyway · Joined: 22 Oct 2005

OP, take what you can get. First of all, there's not shortage of apps for uni jobs. If the uni can save the airfare, they will. Qualifications be damned. Besides, many will hire experience over qualifications anyday.

In the end, no matter what job you take, it is too easy to sit around and second guess your decision, comparing your job with others. I think everyone learns a lot the first year and tried to upgrade for the second.

I have a wife and young son. I would recommend trying to find a babysitter instead of finding a commercial service for daycare or schooling. Korean college students work for peanuts ($2-3/hr) and might even welcome the chance to practice their English with your eldest.

The business degree will help you immensely at elite hagwons, but not at unis... Have a look at the Samsung Research Center program for executives...

I would guess that most uni housing is for one person, not enough for 4...

anyway · Joined: 22 Oct 2005

OP, take what you can get. First of all, there's no shortage of apps for uni jobs. If the uni can save the airfare, they will. Qualifications be damned. Besides, many will hire experience over qualifications anyday. Be sure to ask about the size of the housing because you will need every pyong you can get, storage, balconies, etc.

In the end, no matter what job you take, it is too easy to sit around and second guess your decision, comparing your job with others. I think everyone learns a lot the first year and tried to upgrade for the second.

I have a wife and young son. I would recommend trying to find a babysitter instead of finding a commercial service for daycare or schooling. Korean college students work for peanuts ($2-3/hr) and might even welcome the chance to practice their English with your eldest.

The business degree will help you immensely at elite hagwons, but not at unis... Have a look at the Samsung Research Center program for executives...