Korean Job Discussion Forums

adventureman · Joined: 18 Feb 2003

It seems apparant to me that the natural progression for an EFL teacher these days is childrens hagwon ---> adults hagwon (maybe) ---> university OR children's hagwon ---> public school full stop.

Many public school teachers on here seem content enough their jobs and don't have a strong desire to move into the University system.

Are there any public school teachers out there who have plans to move into the university system and/or obtain an MA in the near future?

With almost three years experince in public school myself I would not see the point in putting out the dosh for an MA if I only wanted to work in a public school.

Also, I don't know how applicable public elementary/middle/high school experience would be when searching for a uni job because many universities ask for a set number of years experience teaching that PARTICULAR age group in their job ads.

the_beaver · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

I helps, but you don't need an MA for most universities.

JZer · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Location: South Korea

It seems that most universities in Seoul want at least an M.A. but if you are willing to work in the boonies sometimes they will take anyone they can get. The only real benefit on a uni unless you are qualified to teach in the actually English department is more vacation. It seems that uni-wons pay 2.0 million a month. If you applied directly to the board of education and were in Korea you are probably looking at 2.4-2.6 million won a month.

Boodleheimer

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

I think it's going to get more and more difficult to move into decent university jobs without the MA. As someone posted, the jobs at the universities in the boonies will probably have to continue recruiting those with only their BAs. With these new three year term limits being imposed at many of the universities in the cities, though, I can see qualified and experienced MAs jumping from one school to the next, leaving little or no room for BAs to get their foot in the door.

Who knows, though. The pay and conditions at all but a few of the universities have diminished to the point that many are looking to move out of Korea; either that or just coast the best they can until a fat early retirement at 45.

JZer · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Location: South Korea

Boodleheimer · Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2006 3:23 am Post subject:

how do unis recruit, anyway? the rural ones don't seem to have websites in english... at least the ones i've been looking at.

Pak Yu Man · Joined: 02 Jun 2005 Location: The Ida galaxy

Word of mouth.

butlerian · Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Location: Korea

There are better Uni jobs outside of Korea. This country generally provides relatively low conditions for highly qualified teachers.

ajuma · Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Location: Anywere but Seoul!!

My uni's starting pay is pretty low, but the perks (such as 14 weeks paid vacation!) make it worth it...even though it IS in the boonies!

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Just to address some recent points:

1) ALL UNIVERSITIES HERE SHOULD BE GIVING AT LEAST 16 WEEKS OF PAID VACATION. THAT IS NOT A PERK!!

2) Most of the universities run their ads for departmental positions off of their home pages, many of which can be viewed in English.

3) I agree. The pay for tenure track positions in Korea is low compared to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan. And Korea wants to recruit more and better qualified foreign applicants? Cough..uh, ok...

4) I don't agree that it's hard to find jobs. With the MA (or Ph.D.), you at least have a shot at some of the better jobs with better locations.

JZer · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Location: South Korea

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Actaully, in the post I replied to, you just said, 'EVEN with an MA or Ph.D.' Sombody's a bit sensative today, eh? A bit territorial about 'their' post. Lighten up, Francis.

While the Ph.D. slots may not pay all that much, they do pay on par with some of the universities in N. America, especially for new Ph.D.s. Why wouldn't it be considered a good job? 15 contact hours an academic YEAR (3 classes one semester, 2 classes the next)...sounds like a good job to me. My motivation for taking university jobs is not only coin, although I must admit that I do seek to be compensated at a fair level commensurate with my background. Plus, the more you publish, the more attractive you are to potential employees. Just gott keep pluggin away.

Without at least the MA, you don't have a shot at the last of the decent university jobs around, no matter your connections. Those that do not bother to get at least their MA, but want to teach at university are probably not in it for the long haul, anyway, so it is kind of a rut of on argument.

the_beaver · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

"Nope," meaning you agree with me, I take it.