Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Whistleblower]

Hello all. Well some of you know that I have been working in Korea about 3 years and 3 months and I have returned back to the UK but I thought this would useful for those that think they could get a job in the UK after some time in Korea.

Let me give you some further information about this. I hold a CELTA that I got 2 years and 2 months ago and I recently returned to the UK with my family in tow. I had an interview with a school recently (accredited by the British Council) and basically the Director of Studies mentioned that my experience in Korea was worthless as I had no experience teaching international students.

I was shocked by this statement and mentioned that I had experience teaching a variety of students although it was in one country but it included business as well as general English.

I then asked about salary and she mentioned that as I had no post certificate CELTA experience in a British Council accredited school I would be on the lowest salary (like those that have just completed a CELTA in the UK).

Needless to say, I walked out of the interview a little perplexed and curious why a school would not appreciate any teaching experience abroad. Perhaps they were a bad school, perhaps the interviewer had a bad day or perhaps they were looking to cut costs.

Well I shall be providing more news about my job hunting in the UK on my blog but I get the impression that employers in the UK or elsewhere don't really appreciate your teaching experience in Korea. Interesting.

[michaelambling]

[Whistleblower]

I just wanted to highlight that your experience in Korea may not be as valued as you once expected and some employers in the UK would be willing to kick you in the nutts.

Hmm.

[Slaps]

Sounds like another good reason never to go back to that godforsaken isle.

[Guri Guy]

[stuey11]

really??...

[Guri Guy]

Yes, really.

I suppose South Korea is sort of like an island. The only realistic way to get here is by plane or by boat, seeing as North Korea is a modern day hermit kingdom. So for all intents and purposes, it's an island.

godforsaken certainly describes it well anyway.

[endo]

I don't plan to make a career out of education, but I can see the potential pitfalls that teaching ELS in Korean may have for those that do.


Personally, moving to Korea (been there four years and will stay for one more) was easily one of the best decisions I ever made.

The memories and experiences I've had, along with the friends I've met are priceless.


Korea get to me at times, but I will always hold a special place ofr it in my heart.

And when I die I plan to have a portion of my ashes (15% burued somewhere her by one of my grandkids.

seriously!

[Seon-bee]

It depends on the DoS with whom you interview. Some do make decisions based on Korea's international reputation as a haven for babysitting cowboys. Obviously, that's prejudicial to make such assumptions. Teaching Koreans in Korea gives you international experience.

I think it's up to applicants to show not only what they've got to offer but also what they've done besides "teaching" classes. Do you have more than one good reference? A well-written resume? Can you talk competently about methodology/approaches? Can you demonstrate proof of professional development? Membership in associations such as IATEFL? Did you make any materials while in Korea? Did you write any papers? Do any "research" or engage in action research/reflection?

We're you able to sell yourself, your experience, and your skills?

Plenty of teachers around the world punch the clock in every type of context. However, you also can find great teachers--even in Korea. They work at universities, public schools, and (believe it or not) even language institutes.

[Desuax]

yep, sticking to Korea...

[aquaponics08]

I chose to become an ESL teacher in 1995 after the military and working as a lab tech. There are definately things I'd have changed, like not staying in it so long and starting to save money earlier much than I did.

But on the other hand, I'm home for a couple weeks and the friends I've left behind are so parochial and focused on who won the games on the weekend or garbage regurgitated on TV. The biggest thing I would have done would have been to make an earlier exit strategy for myself. As it is, I've completed an MS Ed in Curriculum Design and am concentrating in Adobe software and designing online curriculum.

I've been buying gold and silver for several years as well, but can't see coming back to the USA and paying $10k to move back to a bad economy. I'll stay where I am for now and hone my software skills and learn SCORM and other standards I need to do to change jobs eventually. In the meantime, EPIK seems like an alright place to stay for now. Like any job, there are things I like about it, and things that drive me bat shit..................

[Whistleblower]

[arizona]

I worked in Korea for about 6 years in Hagwons, a high school, and a college. When I came back to the States, they were very happy with my extensive foreign country experience as an ESL teacher and all my working experience was recognized. I 've been working in a high school as an ESL teacher. In my case, Korea experience was the best.