Korean Job Discussion Forums

rothkowitz · Joined: 27 Apr 2006

Time or inclination allowing,probably,yes.

JZer · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Location: South Korea

From what I have seen, some Korean professors have a lot of time on their hands. Of course so do I!!!

Stephen Jones · Joined: 07 Jun 2006

Jeweltone · Joined: 29 Mar 2005 Location: Seoul, S. Korea

I have been reading through this thread, and I would like to respond to a couple of things.

I have an MA in English, many years of teaching experience, excellent references... and I am currently working at a hogwon. Why? The pay is better. I have been content here, as it is reasonably well-run (and the students are motivated), but my heart has always been with adult learners.

After some recent Seoul-searching, I began sending out application packets to universities. I acutally had to turn down an otherwise good offer due to the shaky "pay-by-the-hour" salary. Even though I look good "on paper," I have only one more interview scheduled as of now. Of course, I haven't given up yet, but it has not been easy. I have lost track of exactly how many applications I have sent out, though...

What is my point? Only this. Even with the requisite MA/PhD and a willingess to accept a lower (2 mil) salary, it is not that easy, as some people think, to "land" a uni position. The amount of paperwork required just for the application process is staggering. I also suspect that during this season's "hiring round" there will be very few BAs hired, even with relevant experience.

Another point: If you want money, work at a hogwon. If you sincerely want to work with adults, be prepared to accept a lower salary, even with an advanced degree. I would accept a lower salary for a good school. I cannot even fathom the reasons the unis do not offer competitive wages because I am not Korean.

Is it fair? No. But it is Korea.

JZer · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Location: South Korea

Jeweltone · Joined: 29 Mar 2005 Location: Seoul, S. Korea

No, I am not too old, fat, or Asian. . .ANd no, I am not offended, given some of the more...interesting people I have met in Korea.

Maybe I should readjust my cover letter:

SWF, 30-but-looks-younger, curvy, blonde, intense blue eyes ISO uni position with pay not lower that 2.0 mil. won. Must be in an urban location, provide housing, and be available for long strolls into the minds of undergrads. No hogwons need apply.

Something like that? Smile

JZer · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Location: South Korea

Well then, I am not sure why you have not received many offers. My co-worker who is in his 30s got many offers to be interviewed. The only thing that I can think of is that some universities prefer an M.A. in TESL over one in English.

Anyways good luck and keep trying.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

OH, HERE'S A BEAUTY! UNIVERSITY OF SUWON...

20 hour contact weeks PLUS kiddy camp in summer AND winter...1.9~2.0 million!

Save some coin and go out on your own. The university gigs are gone.

Real Reality · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: Seoul

Another National University
Working Conditions
- Duties: 18 hours per week
- Overtime at 20,000-22,000 won per hour
- Salary: 1.8 million per month (1.9 with M.A.)
- High potential for overtime pay with additional hours
- Occasional staff meetings, work-related responsibilities, and office hours.
Date: Monday, 10 July 2006
http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/korea/

ajstew · Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Location: Korea

Jeweltone,
It can be a frustrating experience searching for that first university job, and there could be a number of reasons for that. I'll assume you may not have any connections in universities because you may not know many English teachers working at them. I'll also assume that your M.A. and Ph.D, if you have both, are not in the English field. For those of you who don't know, that can be a disadvantage, unless your able to somehow sell your degree off as having helped you become a better learner/teacher/person in other ways. Also, I don't know where you sent off your applications too, it doesn't surprise me that you didn't get any calls for interviews from Seoul jobs if you're looking to get started in universities. The question is... how many jobs did you apply for outside of Seoul? How many smaller universities, in less than ideal locations did you apply at? And I'm not talking Daejon and Suwon here... I'm talking about the smaller places like Gongju or Wonju, or Jinju. This is/should be where your interviews in the beginning should come from. And if you are serious about getting started, you may have to work at these places for a year (or two) before you can get into good places in Seoul.... just for the experience. If I can help in anyway, send me a pm.

Jeweltone · Joined: 29 Mar 2005 Location: Seoul, S. Korea

I did just get the job at Suwon. The contract is not fabulous, but it is not the worst I have ever seen either; Ajou holds that distinction.

Real Reality · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: Seoul

So, what do you think about this position?

A four-year college is looking for a full-time English instructor...
Each instructor will be required to work 40 hours per week (Monday-Friday; 08:00-17:00).
Monthly salary of 2,000,000 Won (before tax and pension payments, which are reimbursed at the termination of stay in Korea).
Paid vacations: 15 days during summer break. 10 days during winter break.
advertisement date: July 17, 2006
Korean Job Board
http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/korea

ajstew · Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Location: Korea

What do I think of the position in mention Real Reality? It is not the job for me (now); but for someone who wants to get their feet in the door in a university and gain some experience, it could be the place for them. Even when I started teaching in a university, I didn't have to settle for one like that, but having a Masters and a bit of university teaching experience in Canada may have helped. For my second job at a university, I will tell anyone that they do not hire anyone there, unless they have some experience teaching at a university. So I'm thankful for the choice I made in the beginning.

For details:
First university job (2 year term) - 2,200 000 won (no pension) 15-18 hours a week. 5 to 5 1/2 months vacation. Large three room paid apartment. Poor location, for a young, socially active man.

Second university job (in 2nd of a 3 year stint) - 2, 400 000 won - 2, 550, 000 won (with pension) 14-18 hours a week. 4 - 4 1/2 months vacation. Smaller, but nice apartment. Good location for an older, socially active man.

I am not putting the information there to boast... just to say that I consider the second job the better one, and to offer some range of what may be possible.

Real Reality · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: Seoul

Salary: 1.9 - 2.0 million per month (depending on qualifications)
Overtime: 20,000 won per hour
Duties: 16 hours per week
Occasional staff meetings and work-related responsibilities.
posted on July 19, 2006
http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/korea