|
Korean Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!"
|
| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
ronald_reagan
Joined: 28 Jan 2009
|
 Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 8:59 pm Post subject: Why not go to teach in Korea? |
 |
|
| A secure gig, steady paycheck and a place to stay, rent free? Why not go to teach in Korea. This is my first post and there are so many questions going through my head. I have been in contact with several recruiting agencies and I find this such a pain. I wish I could just speak to the schools. I taught last school year in China and enjoyed it but have returned to the US since. I am a fully licensed teacher in the States with a graduate degree but the only work I can find is as a sub. This hardly pays the bills. I live in California and it appears there will be very little to no hiring done. I have been thinking of returning to Asia for a little security and income to ride this thing out. What's more, I am a teacher by trade and at heart. I miss having my own classes. At this point I am looking into Korea or Thailand. The former definitely seems a better deal overall, but I have always loved the LOS and feel I could be happy teaching in a rural area there, while Korea I know little about beside what I mentioned at the beginning of this post $$$ (not big). |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
MrRogers
Joined: 29 Jun 2008
|
| Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 9:17 pm Post subject: |
|
|
why NOT to go to K to teach:
*exchange rate makes it not worth it;
*as you will most likely have a moldy, horrible one room to live in;
*you will be dealing with corrupt bureaucrats in the public schools or corrupt hogwan directors;
*the culture, in general, can be difficult, though there are many great people and sweet children;
*you could be obliterated by an altercation between North and South
since you are a certified teacher, go to Japan! (though they could also feel the effects of an altercation |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Ukon
Joined: 29 Jan 2008
|
| Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 9:17 pm Post subject: Re: Why not go to teach in Korea? |
|
|
| ronald_reagan wrote: |
| A secure gig, steady paycheck and a place to stay, rent free? Why not go to teach in Korea. This is my first post and there are so many questions going through my head. I have been in contact with several recruiting agencies and I find this such a pain. I wish I could just speak to the schools. I taught last school year in China and enjoyed it but have returned to the US since. I am a fully licensed teacher in the States with a graduate degree but the only work I can find is as a sub. This hardly pays the bills. I live in California and it appears there will be very little to no hiring done. I have been thinking of returning to Asia for a little security and income to ride this thing out. What's more, I am a teacher by trade and at heart. I miss having my own classes. At this point I am looking into Korea or Thailand. The former definitely seems a better deal overall, but I have always loved the LOS and feel I could be happy teaching in a rural area there, while Korea I know little about beside what I mentioned at the beginning of this post $$$ (not big). |
With a graduate degree and certification, you could be teaching at a Unversity or a international school(anywhere on earth)...screw recruiters trying to place folks in hagwons...
Just apply to school's directly and send out apps to Universities. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Ukon
Joined: 29 Jan 2008
|
| Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 9:19 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| MrRogers wrote: |
why NOT to go to K to teach:
*exchange rate makes it not worth it;
*as you will most likely have a moldy, horrible one room to live in;
*you will be dealing with corrupt bureaucrats in the public schools or corrupt hogwan directors;
*the culture, in general, can be difficult, though there are many great people and sweet children;
*you could be obliterated by an altercation between North and South
since you are a certified teacher, go to Japan! (though they could also feel the effects of an altercation |
None of this is true for the majority of people I know working here. Exchange rate will get better. The North isn't going to ever attack...they've been promising it for 40+ years. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
MrRogers
Joined: 29 Jun 2008
|
| Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 9:35 pm Post subject: |
|
|
this IS true for the majority of the people I knew there
check today's headlines regarding N & S: they never thought it could happen the first time it happened, too
who knows |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
nicam
Joined: 14 Jun 2008
|
| Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 9:45 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Yes, apply to universities and international schools. Get the best and safest job you can get. Don't rush and don't gamble. Many jobs here may be suitable for early 20's people who are naive and willing to be slave driven, but for someone who's had a bit of comfort and experience in the working world...
And be careful in your choice of where to live. Rural can be tough, as you will be severely limited in food food, activities, company, and the thinking will not be progressive. Korea is very conformist and conservative.
Also, facilities will not be up to par in rural areas. I know they are lacking (this especially stings after a trip to Japan) in suburban areas let alone rural.
How and where do you live now? What are your ideals? What are the little things that make you happy? Novelty wears off quickly here and you want to make sure that when this happens you will be comfortable and equipped to handle reality.
Also, coming from California the winter here can be crippling. It's bleak and frigid. It is painful if you are not used ot it. And places and schools are not heated properly if at all. My public school is not heated and all of the windows are left open when it is below freezing.
There is a lot of xenophobia here too, which can be both annoying and amusing, but I notice the longer I am here the more annoying it becomes.
I know the saving potential is better here, and I don't regret coming here for more personal relationship reasons, but Japan really is so much better.
If you're not doing it for the money or the free rent alone, consider your options carefully. I think many people are here because it offers the most saving potential, but you can have security elsewhere and a much better quality of life. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Ukon
Joined: 29 Jan 2008
|
| Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 10:16 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| MrRogers wrote: |
this IS true for the majority of the people I knew there
check today's headlines regarding N & S: they never thought it could happen the first time it happened, too
who knows |
You need to meet more people....most of the people here are having the time of their life.... |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
maingman
Joined: 26 Jan 2008
Location: left Korea
|
| Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 11:50 pm Post subject: . |
|
|
Ukon wrote :
Just apply to school's directly and send out apps to Universities.
  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
runthegauntlet
Joined: 02 Dec 2007
Location: the southlands.
|
| Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 2:26 am Post subject: |
|
|
If you're certified in the States, have you considered Hong Kong? Can make quite a bit in the NET scheme over there; last I saw between 2,500-5,000 USD a month with most of the other perks.
That's where I'd like to go once I get certified in the States. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Bibbitybop
Joined: 22 Feb 2006
Location: Seoul
|
| Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 3:07 am Post subject: Re: . |
|
|
| maingman wrote: |
Ukon wrote :
...send out apps to Universities.
|
I'm going to second this: |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
ronald_reagan
Joined: 28 Jan 2009
|
| Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 8:11 am Post subject: |
|
|
| nicam wrote: |
Yes, apply to universities and international schools. Get the best and safest job you can get. Don't rush and don't gamble. Many jobs here may be suitable for early 20's people who are naive and willing to be slave driven, but for someone who's had a bit of comfort and experience in the working world...
And be careful in your choice of where to live. Rural can be tough, as you will be severely limited in food food, activities, company, and the thinking will not be progressive. Korea is very conformist and conservative.
Also, facilities will not be up to par in rural areas. I know they are lacking (this especially stings after a trip to Japan) in suburban areas let alone rural.
How and where do you live now? What are your ideals? What are the little things that make you happy? Novelty wears off quickly here and you want to make sure that when this happens you will be comfortable and equipped to handle reality.
Also, coming from California the winter here can be crippling. It's bleak and frigid. It is painful if you are not used ot it. And places and schools are not heated properly if at all. My public school is not heated and all of the windows are left open when it is below freezing.
There is a lot of xenophobia here too, which can be both annoying and amusing, but I notice the longer I am here the more annoying it becomes.
I know the saving potential is better here, and I don't regret coming here for more personal relationship reasons, but Japan really is so much better.
If you're not doing it for the money or the free rent alone, consider your options carefully. I think many people are here because it offers the most saving potential, but you can have security elsewhere and a much better quality of life. |
I am a simple guy. I like to keep things minimal. I don't even own a TV. I have lived in a rural area in Eastern Europe, and it was cold and I was the only native English speaker there. While at times it was frustrating, I got through it and as I am older, wiser and a little more patient, I might do it again. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
ronald_reagan
Joined: 28 Jan 2009
|
| Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 8:20 am Post subject: Re: . |
|
|
| maingman wrote: |
Ukon wrote :
Just apply to school's directly and send out apps to Universities.
|
Also true. I was at an international school in China last year. However, it was run poorly and most of the students were rich brats from all over the world. I have seen that in Korea (and have been told) Universities are the way to go in terms of teaching hours and a lot of paid vacation.
It seems that applying to schools in person requires one to be in the country in question, or at least this helps tremendously. I have looked at some international schools in Thailand, they seem to pay between 50,000THB (1400USD)-100,000THB(2900USD) a month.
Japan is another option, even China again. Would you all agree that being in Asia would increase my chances of landing a super teaching gig. I don't know if this is possible in the field of education, good money and job satisfaction. As I get older and my years in this field increase the tandem seems ever more elusive. But I guess that is one of the many thrills of it all, teaching.
As a side note, and in accordance with the last couple of paragraphs, I have been in contact with mediakids in Thailand. They offer a 4 month contract with accommodations. I feel this might be a good time filler, one that provides a small amount of income while I place myself in Asia, again, and search for a decent paying teaching gig in Korea, Thailand or elsewhere. Thanks for all the help guys and gals! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
ronald_reagan
Joined: 28 Jan 2009
|
| Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 8:23 am Post subject: |
|
|
"It seems that applying to schools in person requires one to be in the country in question, or at least this helps tremendously. I have looked at some international schools in Thailand, they seem to pay between 50,000THB (1400USD)-100,000THB(2900USD) a month. "
Duh, of course applying to a school in person means you have to be there. I meant contacting the school directly seems a lot easier and feasible if you are in Asia (Korea, Thailand, Japan, China etc...) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
D.D.
Joined: 29 May 2008
|
| Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 10:41 am Post subject: |
|
|
If you can get another international school job in China go for it. China is way more fun and the pay is better there in international schools. Uni jobs here have *beep* wages and Korean does not pay certified teachers that much.
Thailand or Vietnam would be fun. Singapore and HK are good pay but long hours and difficult jobs. My friend does over 70 hours a week in Singapore as they have to coach after school. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Real Reality
Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Location: Seoul
|
| Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 6:53 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Late pay/Partial pay/No pay/Forced apartment change
http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?p=749534
Late pay... worth the wait?
http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=37989
Ministry Tackles Overdue Wages
By Cho Ji-hyun, The Korea Herald (January 13, 2009)
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2009/01/14/200901140033.asp
image url:
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/img_dir/2009/01/13/200901130012.jpg
Koreans Less Satisfied with Work
Hours may be long, but productivity ranks near the bottom
By Kim Ki-chan and Han Eun-hwa, JoongAng Ilbo (May 20, 2008)
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2890009
image url
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/_data/photo/2008/05/19223802.jpg
Misery Runs High Among Koreans
By Seo Ji-eun, JoongAng Daily (June 24, 2008)
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2891100
Economic Misery
JoongAng Daily (July 1, 2008)
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2891739
Soaring 'Misery Index'
Korea Times (July 20, 2008)
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2008/12/202_27892.html
A Year for Economic Heartache
JoongAng Daily (December 31, 2008)
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2899259
Koreans at Top of List for Taking Own Lives
By Kim Chang-gyu, JoongAng Daily (September 10, 2008)
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2894735
Korea Has World's Highest Suicide Rate
Chosun Ilbo (April 23, 2007)
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200704/200704230029.html
Elderly Suicide Rate Highest in OECD
JoongAng Daily (May 13, 2008)
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2889730
Suicide Tops Cause of Death in Military
By Brian Lee, JoongAng Daily (May 20, 2008)
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2889984
80% of Koreans Unhappy With Law Enforcement
By Kim Tae-jong, Korea Times (August 25, 2008)
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/08/117_29950.html
96.5% of Young Employees Wish To Work Abroad
Chosun Ilbo (September 6, 2004)
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200409/200409060026.html
Doctors See Increase in Number of Mental Health Cases
By Kim Chang-gyu, JoongAng Ilbo (February 26, 2008)
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2886632
High Court Upholds Acquittal of 'Soju Rapist'
Chosun Ilbo (March 28, 2005)
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200503/200503280039.html
Survey Finds Youth Lacking Morality
JoongAng Daily (October 23, 2008)
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2896438
UN Concern at 'Ethnocentric' Korea
Chosun Ilbo (August 20, 2007)
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200708/200708200011.html
Discrimination Persists as Foreign Population Grows
By Kim Soe-jung, JoongAng Daily (September 3, 2007)
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2880037
Foreigners Treated Unfairly Here
by Kevin Were, JoongAng Daily (September 10, 2007)
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2880291
Amnesty Slams Treatment of Foreign Workers
by Ser Myo-ja, JoongAng Daily (August 18, 2006)
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2800450
Foreigners' Rights Denied Even After Death
Chosun Ilbo (February 13, 2007)
The Column was contributed by Chun Hyun-seok, from the Chosun Ilbo�s National/Society Desk.
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200702/200702130032.html
Banks Cite Non-existent Law on Expat Cards
By Kim Soe-jung and Park Yeon-soo, JoongAng Daily (January 28, 2008)
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2885625 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
