Korean Job Discussion Forums

[SteveMiddleton]

Hello.

My first post here so " Hi " to everyone.

I have read most of the FAQ,s and have now decided to ask the old hands for some advice.

My name is Steve, aged 51. Currently employed as a Math subject teacher at a bilingual school in Thailand where I have worked for 3 years now. I,m jaded with it. The kids are fine but the Thai managment is a joke and quite frankly, the pay sucks and I,m concerned about my financial future as well. Its time to look for pastures new. Korea is the place to be able to save some money right?

I graduated from Manchester in the UK in 1984. BA ( Hons ) Primary Education ( 4 years ). I am currently in the middle of the University of Liverpool,s online MBA and should complete this by May 2009.

Previous experience is 5 years primary teacher in the UK, 2 years in Boston MA, USA as a Conversational teacher ( adults ) followed by teaching Math and English in Thailand for 3 years.

I think that I have pretty much decided that the " Hogwans " are not for me so my advice request relates to my prospects at a good tier Uni. How good are they? I understand Seoul would pay the most but I like the possibilty of Busan too.

I see from a lot of the posts that most of you guys seem to be in your 30,s and 40,s? Does my age go against myself? I do keep up with the latest educational methods and curriculums ( UK ) so I always try to better myself as a teacher.

The Uni,s have more appeal due to the working hours which would allow me to complete my MBA without stressing myself too much.

Any advice guys ( or gals) . Salary expectations ( 3 million won reasonable or not? )

Many thanks for taking the time to read this. Steve

[ttompatz]

[SteveMiddleton]

Thanks for responding.

I perhaps should have qualified that I would not be looking to be hired FROM Thailand..............rather, I would be in Korea and knocking on doors all suited and booted.

Would an interview in Thailand ( presumably at the Korean Embassy ) be required in that event?

I guess a job at a " college, middle school " etc would be ok until I graduated with my MA from Liverpool?

As for the reference that you made that I MUST have an interview in my HOME country..............I am confused by this as the Korean Immigration website refers to applications from 3rd countries. ( Providing educational qualifications have been verified? )

http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/InfoDetailR_en.pt?categoryId=2&parentId=382&catSeq=385&showMenuId=374&visaId=E2

Or am I reading this wrong?

[PRagic]

1. Even after you finish you're MBA, you'll be at the back of an increasingly long line of MA holders already in Korea and already with university teaching experience.

2. However, there are some smaller universities outside of major cities that do hire mostly BA holders, so they're on the look out to hire MA holders if and when they can. You'll work more hours and probably get less vacation, but it's a foot in the door.

3. Have you thought about teaching SAT prep classes? With your background in Math education, it might be a good move, especially for a first job in Korea. Same goes for GMAT prep. You'd work more, but probably make killer coin. After a year or two, you could make the move to the university life of leisure.

[mrsquirrel]

Are you working at a real international school in Thailand or at an English Program?

I've been following the recent regulation changes in Thailand and if you are a qualified teacher you are going to be like gold dust out there. Change schools.

Either that or move to another country in SEA at a real international school. Why work for a pittance in Korea/Thailand when you can work for a real salary with real benefits at a real school.

Know somebody out in Jakarta that likes life out there.

[PGF]

My brother is a cert., teacher who was hired sight unseen by two unis in korea; so, it is possible. But, tom is right and you should come here and interview first.

However, why uni? foreign language high schools pay more than unis and you are gold right now thanks to the visa changes and subsequent shortage of teachers.

But, again, you should be here to apply for them. I've seen 3.5 for a FL HS in Incheon being offered to those with a teaching cert., in country.

Good luck.

[SteveMiddleton]

Many thanks for all the replies and advice.

Special thanks to Aussiekimchi for the very useful PM. Sorry I can,t reply yet ( newbie )

First, my specialist subject is not Math. It is Primary Education. I just find Math easy to pick up and explain so I guess thats why the schools decided that is what I should do.

I worked 1 year at a decent uni here in Thailand, The Regents in Bangkok. Following a move to the south of Thailand I am currently working at a second tier uni. Moving was a mistake. The benefit of hindsight etc.

I do need the change. 3 years in the Thai educational management system is enough thank you. Besides, Asia is more than just Thailand and I wish to see more of it.

I have been requested to send off my CV direct to two uni,s in Seoul. I,ll keep you posted on progress and then maybe you can advise if the offers are good or not?

Many thanks for the input so far.

[Toju]

[BS.Dos.]

Wouldn't have thought your age would be a problem. From most of the FTs I've seen I'd say that the average is probably late 20s, but there's plenty of us (late) thirty somethings around and a generous sprinkling of old farts like yourself.

Your not opting for a Hagwon is wise. Plenty will disagree, but unless you're a gambling man, I'd take the PS route just to be on the safe side.

3,000,000 per month may be just a bit too ambitious, but I hear Uni gigs are good though as someone has pointed out, you really need to be here on the ground apparently to get your foot in the door. A more realistic amount is probably somewhere around 2.2/2.3ish. Cost of living is cheap and depending on how extravagant your lifestyle is, you should be able to put away 60/70% of your net pay pretty easily.

[SteveMiddleton]

Once again, thank you for the responses.

Things are moving fast here since I posted my resume. I have a web cam/skype interview set up with an International School specifically looking for UK qualified Primary teachers. 3-4 million won negotiable plus free 3 bed villa blah blah blah.

Fingers crossed.

I,ll keep you posted.

[mrsquirrel]

[SteveMiddleton]

Thanks.