Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Cave Dweller]

I wouldn't want to disappoint you, little boy. I could always learn to type with my nose.

[lowpo]

[lowpo]

[LPKSA]

[Voyeur]

I'd be interested to hear any specific examples of people working in the ME without a BA in English (at the least), MA in TESOL/App Ling, or a teaching cert (international schools etc.).

A lot of the min requirements in the ME seem to be hardwired in by the gov'ts. Are there a few of the countries that have laxer rules? Are these workers without qualifications somehow grandfathered, having worked at their location for a long time? Do their schools have special connections allowing them to ignore the rules? Are they employed under 'shady' legal conditions using Visas that aren't supposed to be for teachers?

[Fuzzy_Dunlop]

[fustiancorduroy]

No doubt, you can make a lot of money in the ME. The fact that the average job in these countries starts off at around USD 50k a year is impressive. And it is true that most of the jobs in Korea are entry level and low paying. It is a total lie, however, to suggest that a talented and diligent teacher in Korea cannot make similar money as teachers working in the ME. If you get a job a decent hagwon in Gangnam, you can make USD 60k a year. If you work your up to a better position or do extra work, you can make 80k or more.

Last year, I made around 90k. This year I'll make slightly less because I took 2 months off to travel. Next year, I hope to make over 100k since I just started a new job introduced to me by a friend. The job is at an academy in Dogok that caters to students attending international schools in Korea. The pay is hourly and depends of the number students in your class, and it ranges from 50,000 won an hour up to 100,000 won an hour. My friend has worked there for about 2 years. During slow months, he makes about 6 million won a month (USD 6k). During the summer and winter vacations, he works like a dog, putting in about 70 teaching hours a week. But during those months, he makes around 20 million won (USD 20k). Granted, these types of jobs are hard to come by, but if you're a serious, career-minded teacher in Korea, you should land one such job sooner or later.

So, what it really comes down to is personal choice. For teachers who are interested in the ME culture and love doing a variety of tropical (and winter?!) outdoor activities, the ME is the place to be. But for people like me, who much prefer Asian culture, Korea is not a bad place at all.

[Fuzzy_Dunlop]

[watergirl]

Hi Guys..
Well, thanks, some of you do indeed seem knowledgeable ...which I just defined as someone who has actually taught there.
And, yes, I agree, that it seems to be a lot easier to live there than the reputation has it to be. I know about 3 female teachers who feel very comfortable there.
But, I still feel my main question hasn't been answered. That is, how easy is it to save money there than in Korea. Of course, I realize savings depend on so many factors, but I think, all or most people c an agree that saving money in Korea is getting harder. And while there are some people that can save more than 1000/mth, I'd venture to say that most people are not these days.

QQQ::: savings ability in the mid. East?? Best ..worst places for this.

[Voyeur]

Short of evidence that a person without an MA TESOL or App Linguistics (and a residential one at that) can get decent work easily in the ME, I feel like this is comparing apples to oranges for most people.

[Fuzzy_Dunlop]

[Voyeur]

I can see your point. There may be some cases where it is a legit comparison.
But for most, getting a 60k+ job in the ME is far from easy. I'd love to try it but I can't see any way to get there in say less than 8 years. My situation is not atypical for ESLers.

*Early 40s
*Lots of ESL experience
*TEFL Cert (but not CELTA)
*BA in non-English field
*Very little savings
*Unmarried with no kids

I can do well enough in Asia as I think I am good at my job. But the Middle East is next to impossible--I have tried. What they need from me to be an ideal ME candidate:

*Undergraduate coursework to change my BA major to English (ultimate degree must be residential)
*CELTA
*MA TESOL or Applied Linguistics (again, residential and not online)
*2 years experience AFTER getting all qualifications

Between the tuition fees and the opportunity costs of not working (because all these certifications require you to attend a residential program of some kind), we are talking about thousands and thousands of dollars, which requires time to earn. Then you have to actually get the degrees. And finally you need post-degree experience.

I haven't looked into it that carefully, but in my case it is hard to see how I could get to the ME before I am fifty! The ME is nice, but it stays nice precisely because it is hard to get to. You need to plan for it when you are young, or to at least have saved a lot of cash.

C'est la vie.

[LPKSA]

If you have an MA in TESOL or other degree related to English, with a CELTA, you should have no problem finding work which would have you working for 4-5 hours a day, with substantial vacation time, paid... PAID VACATION, meaning, no work, and you get paid. You go anywhere in the world and you are getting paid.

If you don't have the degree in English, or a CELTA, or even a PhD (highly regarded out here), chances are very likely that you will get shafted. There are some really just downright scumbags in the recruiting field here.

I haven't taught in any other country out here. Just Saudi, and besides the sandstorms and traffic, it's not so bad. I'm not a woman though. With that said, there are a lot of women out here who put up with it/like it. Lots of rich Middle Eastern men out here who are into western women as well, fyi. Jordan, Oman, Kuwait, and Dubai, are all more relaxed. Women will find it much less strict than Saudi. With that Said, it's all about your perspective. Saudi is not a bad place to work at all.

[Voyeur]

Any areas in the ME where they don't require 2+ years experience AFTER you get the MA?

[Fuzzy_Dunlop]