Korean Job Discussion Forums

[thorin]

[J.B. Clamence]

That may be true for getting a job in Korea, but when the professor back in the states says that people do the Fulbright for the prestige, he's talking about people who go to Korea for a year and then go back to the states to start a career. After all, that's what people who do the Fulbright program are usually interested in doing. Most of these people aren't planning to teach English for a long period of time like most of us. They just want to do their year and move on to other things. And for them, when applying for corporate jobs back in the states after their year is up, I would say that being able to say that you spent a year in Korea with a Fulbright cultural exchange program is much more impressive than saying that you went to work at some crappy hakwon for a year. Some things are more important that a few extra bucks.

However, if you're planning to be a teacher for a long time, then you're right -- screw the Fulbright. But, as I said, most people who are attracted by the Fulbright program are the kind of people who want to start careers back home as soon as their year is up, so for them, the Fulbright is the way to go.

But as I said, I would never do it simply because of the homestay BS. That would be like hell.

[Adam J]

Hey people, thanks for all the information. The mandatory homestay is a deal breaker for me. I value my space and my privacy above most other things, including money.

One of the department chairs at my high school in the U.S. suggested I apply for this program. It does have a bit of a snooty reputation around here, and I think that is due entirely to the Fulbright name. The working conditions sound less than ideal, however.

[gochubandit]

sounds good. i sorta regret not getting into the program myself, but i tend to see in a different light now. the program's only benefit is name recognition, plus i'm sure once ur on it, it'll feel a little "programmed" if u know what i mean. why follow an itinerary when u can make ur own adventures? best of luck to ya.

[omarr380]

Hello. I emailed the Fulbright program a few times, but missed the deadline to apply this year. On the program you get an A-3 visa, which is considered a "semi-diplomatic" visa. That may not mean much, but it does mean that the U.S. Embassy, not some hogwan owner, is your sponsor.

I asked about the Korean co-teachers and this was the response:

[chronicpride]

[bitna]

I was also going to apply for the Fulbright scholarship for academic year 05-06, but the deadline passed. Does anyone know anything about EPIK (english program in Korea)? The intern at Fulbright suggested I apply for that program since I missed the deadline for Fulbright.