Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Bibbitybop]

An old colleague of mine is finishing his PhD in Comparative Literature and Culture studies from a good 2nd tier university in the USA. He wants to teach abroad when it's complete.

The Chronicle of Higher Education has a few options, but not many. He asked me for advice and I can give him good information, but most of mine is geared toward people with Bachelor's or Master's degrees and I'd like to point him in the right direction.


What should a person with a PhD expect in Korea? (Besides consider Japan due to their modern culture and strong Yen) Specifics, like hours, pay, research (or lack of), etc. would be appreciated.

If the person decides to take the plunge in Korea, what steps come first? Do universities usually post positions online for foreign PhD holders? Or should the person just start firing off emails and/or resumes to top universities? Obviously, a recruiter is out of the question.



Also, if anyone else has experience or knowledge of teaching in any other country with a PhD, feel free firing away with the reply button.



Cheers, BB

[Xuanzang]

He`d probably want to send out a CV and look for positions close to his research interests, if he wishes to continue publishing, etc.

[Bibbitybop]

[PRagic]

1) Chronicle of Higher Education does post quite a few offers, but, like you said, not all. Still, good to keep an eye on that.

2) Go to individual university web sites and look for jobs. Unless your friend doesn't like big cities, I'd have him/her target the bigger schools in Seoul, especially given their chosen dicipline. Off the top of my head, check out:

Korea University
Yonsei University
SNU
Konkuk
HUFS
Ewha
Sogang University

OP's friend could check out regular department jobs and jobs with international undergraduate programs. There are graduate schools of international studies, but they tend to be 'pickier' in that they want people with grad teaching experience and more publications/professional involvement.

Several of the above schools are hiring under the new 'WCU' (World Class University' program funded by the Korean government. The program is competitive (a job I applied for and got had about 25 applicants from N. America and Europe), so publications help. Of equal importance, though, is a strong research agenda.

Most of the bigger school provide housing or an allowance under the WCU program, and salaries for a 'new Ph.D.' without post-degree teaching experience will probably range in the low to mid 50s (50 million KW: and, yes, the exchange rate does currently blow). Course loads range from 2-3 classes per semester depending on the university, college, and department.

Another option for your friend is to look into a post-doc (NOT in Korea...shoot for the biggest name school possible). These don't pay a lot, but they do provide the time to cut up and publish the dissertation. In many cases, you can get 3-5 papers out of a solid dissertation, but during the post-doc, one or two should do it. The rest can be worked into a research agenda.

Let us know how things pan out.

[Bibbitybop]

Big ups, PRagic.

[PRagic]

No worries. Also have your friend check out the universities in Hong Kong. They actively recruit on a regular basis. Check them out individually over the net as there aren't too many.

Another option is Japan, especially given the exchange rate these days.

Cheer,
P.R.