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dancing50
Joined: 25 Apr 2006
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Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 10:50 pm Post subject: Master's Degree in Social Work and TEFL |
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Hi, Just decided on Korea instead of Japan. I'm 50. I've heard there's not as much ageism. I've done some teaching at the college level, substitute teaching at elementary to high school, guest speaking to journalism and psychology classes at my son's high school, tutored foreign exchange students in English, done public speaking, classes on adoption for children, classes on divorce for children and for adults---maybe all that together could count as somethign as far as teaching experience?
I know social work isn't a related field exactly, but my 20 years in the field is very helpful as far as relating to people, working with children, ect.
Could I get a university teaching job? What could I expect with these credentials? Anything different than if I had only a bachelors degree and a TEFL (4 week from spain)?
Thanks! |
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Zark

Joined: 12 May 2003 Location: Phuket, Thailand: Look into my eyes . . .
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Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 11:29 pm Post subject: |
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You MIGHT be able to land a uni job - look in the out of the way cities. Most people want to teach in the big cities - but really Korea is quite small and nowhere is more than a couple hour bus ride from a major city.
Get your Cert - and volunteer a lot - to show some interest and experience.
NOW is the serious time to look for a job in September. |
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PRagic

Joined: 24 Feb 2006
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Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2006 3:48 am Post subject: |
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The MA in social work and background in psych. will definitely come in handy when dealing with the other expats you'll find yourself working with!
Good advice from zarc. The universities in Seoul DO have an unwritten age clause, and they do shy away from hiring people in their 50s unless they have a Ph.D. I know this for a fact as I have a couple of friends in their 50s with many years of expience and all the right credentials who have a tough time getting jobs in Seoul.
Good luck to you. |
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Francis-Pax

Joined: 20 Nov 2005
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Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2006 8:12 am Post subject: Re: Master's Degree in Social Work and TEFL |
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dancing50 wrote: |
Hi, Just decided on Korea instead of Japan. I'm 50. I've heard there's not as much ageism. I've done some teaching at the college level, substitute teaching at elementary to high school, guest speaking to journalism and psychology classes at my son's high school, tutored foreign exchange students in English, done public speaking, classes on adoption for children, classes on divorce for children and for adults---maybe all that together could count as somethign as far as teaching experience?
I know social work isn't a related field exactly, but my 20 years in the field is very helpful as far as relating to people, working with children, ect.
Could I get a university teaching job? What could I expect with these credentials? Anything different than if I had only a bachelors degree and a TEFL (4 week from spain)?
Thanks! |
I wish you the best and I don't mean to discourage you, but the fact that you think that there is no age discrimination just demonstrates that you really don't know much about Korea. |
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inkoreaforgood
Joined: 15 Dec 2003 Location: Inchon
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Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2006 2:28 pm Post subject: Re: Master's Degree in Social Work and TEFL |
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[quote="Francis-Pax"]
dancing50 wrote: |
Hi, Just decided on Korea instead of Japan. I'm 50. I've heard there's not as much ageism. /quote]
I wish you the best and I don't mean to discourage you, but the fact that you think that there is no age discrimination just demonstrates that you really don't know much about Korea. |
This is not an uncommon mistake on this board, this inability to read/comphrehend. Unfortunately, it's a common mistake on a board that is visited by teachers.
Nothing personal FP, especially since you're not alone.
My wife goes to school here, and her uni profs include a husband and wife who are in their 50s-60s. He is older, with a masters and some years of pyschology work as well. His class is on of my wife's favorites. Well-known school, outside of Seoul, but still connected to the subway.
Good luck to you, dancing50. |
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Francis-Pax

Joined: 20 Nov 2005
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Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2006 3:58 pm Post subject: Re: Master's Degree in Social Work and TEFL |
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[quote="inkoreaforgood"]
Francis-Pax wrote: |
dancing50 wrote: |
Hi, Just decided on Korea instead of Japan. I'm 50. I've heard there's not as much ageism. /quote]
I wish you the best and I don't mean to discourage you, but the fact that you think that there is no age discrimination just demonstrates that you really don't know much about Korea. |
This is not an uncommon mistake on this board, this inability to read/comphrehend. Unfortunately, it's a common mistake on a board that is visited by teachers.
Nothing personal FP, especially since you're not alone.
My wife goes to school here, and her uni profs include a husband and wife who are in their 50s-60s. He is older, with a masters and some years of pyschology work as well. His class is on of my wife's favorites. Well-known school, outside of Seoul, but still connected to the subway.
Good luck to you, dancing50. |
What is there to take personally? |
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indigo777
Joined: 04 Feb 2006
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Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2006 7:01 pm Post subject: Age in Korea |
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Actually, I've been reading the boards for some time and have noticed that age does matter to some schools but not all. I don't think its a question of comprehension on the part of teachers but conflicting information.
Some posters encourage more mature teachers to apply.
By the way I'm 52 and plan on applying in Korea. I have two degrees, BA,BSW, and soon a TEFL. I don't want to work where my qualifications are based on youthful age and looks.
Anyway I want to teach adults and have previous volunteer experience.
If this plan is not realistic please let me know. |
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ilovebdt

Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Location: Nr Seoul
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Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2006 7:03 pm Post subject: |
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PRagic wrote: |
The MA in social work and background in psych. will definitely come in handy when dealing with the other expats you'll find yourself working with!
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I can think of a few people who could use your help. |
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Francis-Pax

Joined: 20 Nov 2005
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Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2006 7:43 pm Post subject: Re: Age in Korea |
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indigo777 wrote: |
Actually, I've been reading the boards for some time and have noticed that age does matter to some schools but not all. I don't think its a question of comprehension on the part of teachers but conflicting information.
Some posters encourage more mature teachers to apply.
By the way I'm 52 and plan on applying in Korea. I have two degrees, BA,BSW, and soon a TEFL. I don't want to work where my qualifications are based on youthful age and looks.
Anyway I want to teach adults and have previous volunteer experience.
If this plan is not realistic please let me know. |
It is possible for you to get a job teaching adults at a university and you should try to do so; however, you need to realize that you are competing with locals expats who have been here longer and have much more teaching experience, in addition to being able to interview in person.
I think it would be difficult to get a job at a Korean university if you have had no teaching experience abroad. You simply can't compete with the local market of teachers who are increasingly earning MA TESOL degrees.
If you don't get a university job this time around, you might want to consider teaching a hogwon for a year and then trying your luck after you learn the ropes.
In terms of age and looks.... Oh, you have much to learn... |
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