Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jtsigler]

I should preface this by saying that I already have completed an undergraduate degree back in the States. I am here in Korea teaching and was hoping to take a few extra classes here since a few graduate schools recommended that I take some economics classes.

My big problem is finding a Korean university that will allow me to do this sort of thing. Ive already talked to some helpful people at universities in Seoul and they aren't overly receptive. I am hoping to take classes in March, which is moderately soon.

Has anyone successfully gone back and taken a few extra classes here in Korea? What college did you go to? Did you have any problems with it?

[Lukychrm42]

I don't know about any universities in particular, but you might have luck going through the international schools- as in, universities' study abroad programs. That might make the credits mean more, too. For example, you might check out Underwood International College (UIC), Yonsei University (first name on a list- google study abroad Korea for more info). If they can't take you, they might point you in the right direction.

[laogaiguk]

Why not just do some online courses at a university (for example Athabasca). I don't know if they have what you are looking for, but I would do an online undergraduate at a Western school long before here. Just for later when you need to send those marks to the school you are applying to, it will cut down on a lot of hassles (transcripts, etc).

[jtsigler]

I tried to check out Underwood and they said that they only accept transfers and not people who have already graduated. I'll try to check out some of the others tonight.

And thanks Lao for the online idea. I'd prefer the classes to be actual, in-class ones but if that doesn't work I may try out the online classes.

Anyone else have any experience with undergraduate classes in Korea or any other ideas?

[PRagic]

Don't waste your time in more undergrad work. Get accepted to and begin a grad degree at a Graduate School of International Studies (International Studies, MBA, International Relations, Asian Studies...whatever). Yonsei, SNU, Korea...all have programs. There are more, too, if you want to research them.

Take as many or as few courses as you want. Even if you don't graduate, the credits transfer. Undergrad classes might keep you remedially occupied, but have no other pay off down the road.

[Berghoff]

I'm in the exact same boat. Depending on next semester's schedule I may be able to get into econ classes, but does anybody know what the visa procedure is? I'm here on an E2.

[Cedar]

You could take economics classes in English from KU, SNU, Yonsei's Underwood IC, and Ewha and probably more. You should contact the English language undergraduate programs directly. Alternatively you could go to one of the GSIS programs at the schools I just mentioned and take an MA/MBA level economics class, I know Yonsei GSIS allows this on a pay per class basis for non-degree students.

[jdog2050]

[PeteJB]

For the unaware, what does an online course actually involve? Does it cost just as much, how is work assigned, deadlines, etc?

[Bryan]

My university, Chung Ang, has a lot of economics and international business classes taught at the graduate level in English. They are really open to having foreigners in the classes and will probably accept you easily. They admitted some of my friends who are still finishing their undergrads, into the grad school classes.

Judging by the amount of homework and intensity of study by my roommates taking the graduate school courses here, I'd estimate that they are equal to about third year classes in the West. So if I was interested in academic rigour and transferability, I would apply to Athabasca University in Canada or Open University in Britain. Both have highly respected business programs, and Athasbasca's MBA is actually one of the best in Canada.

[PRagic]

Wow, you guys didn't take any econ during your undergrad? Not even micro/macro? If you have micro/macro (and preferably micro theory/macro theory and econometrics) under your belts, then just go into a grad class. Lower level grad classes (most grad schools have different names for them) are about the same level of difficulty as junior/senior level undergrad classes.

If you have no econ, then I misinterpreted the situation. My bad. Either way, good luck to you.