Korean Job Discussion Forums

[johnco]

Hi,

I am thinking of returning to Korea to work in a public school, primary or secondary. I was there in 2000-2002. Since then I returned to Oz and Uni and completed post grad studies in education. I know Korea is blacklisted on Government travel sites for foreign expat workers; however, given that I am qualified what are my bets on finding a good public school to work in?

I have heard to date public schools are the best places to work in. I know staying on welfare is a better option, but you can not make money and save on welfare. Constructive replies please instead of the usual railing.

Thanks

[D.D.]

You are a qualified teacher now? If so why not apply at international schools? Where did you do your grad dip? How much did it cost? Was the course interesting? Sorry for all the questions.

I work in a public school here and I don't have a teachers degree. It's an ok job and with extra classes I earn about 2850 a month after tax.

[Jandar]

Plenty of people do well here.

I think with your credentials you could land an International school gig.
Usually better pay and benefits.

Look for college gigs too.

If you do go public check out the epic website they offer 2100000w per month todays dollar $1976(US) or $2275(OZ).

Hagwons or specialized Hagwons(SAT) will offer you a much better opportunity.

[johnco]

DD,

I am not going to answer all your questions but I will reply to 2. I did a Grad Dip in TESOL at La Trobe Uni in Bundoora, Melbourne. It was no stroll through a garden, nor is it similar to 'buy your online esl certificate'. It was an 18 month class and lecturer contact, on campus study and learn program. That is as much as I will say about the course. If you want to study then apply for the new study loans and defer your payments through HECS.

It would be great to land a job in an International School as I meet crtieria to teach the IB A1 program. ESL in Melbourne has virtually collapsed. All the work is in Sydney, but how are you meant to pay for rents in a city with the highest in the land.

I will have to do a google search for SAT in Korea. Thanks Boston guy.

[zpeanut]

I'm currently teaching in Sydney as a relief teacher while I complete post grad studies.

Believe me... you CAN survive very well here. I don't even think I need to go fulltime. My school asks me to go in more days than I can handle and the pay is quite satisfying, though I'm sure I can get more.

Why not consider closer options? have you come up to Sydney for a look?

[mnhnhyouh]

I have a BEd from UQ, and am teaching in a public school in Korea.

I like it, or I would have left. It is my second year here, I did one year in a good hagwon.

All the usual good v bad stuff public school to good hagwon applies. More teaching satisfaction in a good hagwon as there are much smaller classes, and you see them much more often.

Public schools give more holidays, more downtime during the day, but much bigger classes that you see once a week so you wont teach them much.

h

[johnco]

Out of curiosity, have any of you Aussies currently in Korea used a decent recruiter. I have heard Korvia and Work n play are relatively honest. But the rhotic accent keeps on knocking on Korean school doors.

[angelgirl]

I'm a fellow Aussie, and teach at a university. It's OK. I have a BED, and a MA TESOL. I was a student on campus, and wrote a thesis. I am currently working twords a PhD by research, so teaching here is (now)working out for me. I teach a bit, study a bit and relax a bit. I've figured out how to lay low, not stress out and save a bit.

[Aussiekimchi]

If only there was another fellow Aussie in Korea recruiting solely for Public schools.

[wylies99]

[Aussiekimchi]

I agree. I hear Korvia have just opened an office in the USA.