Korean Job Discussion Forums

ayahyaha · Joined: 04 Apr 2011 Location: Seoul, South Korea

OP, you might want to check out this program -- you can teach in Korea for 6 months to a year after completing two years at university: http://www.talk.go.kr/ It might be a good intro for you.

Secondly, know that "teaching ESL" and "teaching at hakwans in Korea" are two very different things. There are lots of places out there to teach English and it's worth trying a bunch, in my opinion (I've taught in several countries myself).

Further, in terms of professional development, what has worked best for me is to always keep an eye out for new opportunities. Try teaching kids, then try business English, try teaching big classes, try teaching one-to-one. Try making your own lesson material. Try writing tests. You can find and develop your strengths this way.

Finally, while most of my friends from my home country are either living in their parents' basement or heading to grad school because they can't get a job (or working a job they hate because they're afraid to quit), I have my pick of jobs and live quite comfortably. The need for good English teachers is there, and will continue to be there for those who keep their head in the game. If you like it and you're good at it, teaching English can serve you well in the long run.