Korean Job Discussion Forums

[nourozi]

Hi, im just wondering if its worth doing any Tesol, Tefl course?

Im thinking of doing an online course to increase my chances of getting work at a university.

Whats the best course to take? Any suggestions?

[agoodmouse]

Experience is helpful for getting a university job, if that's what you want. However, that you can go from teaching hagwon (academy) children to teaching university students doesn't say much for the education establishment here in Korea.

Take it with a grain of salt when reading others who respond and flaunt the appreciable fact -- negative or positive -- that they now teach university and who simultaneously spread the vicious poison that you shouldn't do anything to increase teaching knowledge.

TESOLs aren't required for any jobs here in Korea. One can certainly help you in your pedagogy, for sure.

[teacherinseoul]

I'd recommend a CELTA course to anyone. Prior to taking the course, I had thought that it would be theoretical and useless. I was pleasantly surprised.

[teacherinseoul]

I'd recommend a CELTA course to anyone. Prior to taking the course, I had thought that it would be theoretical and useless. I was pleasantly surprised.

[keseki]

where did you take your CELTA?

[GreenlightmeansGO]

I don't think a tefl/tesol would do jack for getting a uni job. As far as I've seen, they only seem to care about age and experience. Mostly age.

[Draz]

I have an online TEFL and I don't believe it has ever helped me get a job. I mean, employers seem to like it, but I doubt that not having it would have meant not hiring me.

In terms of improving my teaching, it was mildly useful as a grammar review.

[agoodmouse]

I agree. I took two online TEFLs and they both were unhelpful. I took my CELTA in Seoul. I've written about how, where in Seoul, and why I took the CELTA here, here, here, and here.

[bassexpander]

Most univs. out there want an MA. But if you don't have one, don't worry -- start your online MA now, or just apply everywhere in triplicate throughout the year in hopes of getting in if someone cancels their contract at the last minute.

I got my univ. job with no MA or TEFL course (although I've taken a TEFL since for the fun of it, and am doing an online MA). With anyone minus an MA, it's a "right place/right time" sort of thing as far as whether or not you get a univ. job. A TEFL course can be a feather in your cap, but the sad truth is that very few schools know the difference between a 2.5 million won CELTA course and a $150 online course that says 100 hours on the certificate.

Ask how many of these CELTA holders who do not have an MA actually have a univ. job. In all honesty, it's sad that the CELTA isn't given a bit more weight with schools, though. I know several CELTA-holders on here are good, caring teachers.

[dmbfan]

It depends on two things.

1. Where you teach.
2. Why type of course you took.


In Korea a good, solid TEFL course (Trinity TEFL) or CELTA really does not hold too much ground because Koreans either....

1. Don't know what the phuck they are.
2. Don't care, much less want to listen to you about how to give an
effective lesson.

Now, in other parts of the EFL/ESL world, having solid credentials does help and they are recognized.

On line TEFL certificates are good, for Korea. It is something to put on your resume or get that 100,000 won pay raise. You can dish out the money and then earn back. With an online TEFL, I would recommend...

The London Teachers Training College.


Korea is where TEFL credentials die. You don't have any active help. It is hard to learn new ideas from anyone, simply because......whisper...most koreans can't teach, thus...they have nothing to contribute. Most of the foreign "teachers" here are young, out of college kids who really don't care about sharing ideas, making new resources or want to listen to advice.

Now, there are diamonds in the rough, mind you. But, you have to be in the right place, working with the right people.


dmbfan

[dmbfan]

It depends on two things.

1. Where you teach.
2. Why type of course you took.


In Korea a good, solid TEFL course (Trinity TEFL) or CELTA really does not hold too much ground because Koreans either....

1. Don't know what the phuck they are.
2. Don't care, much less want to listen to you about how to give an
effective lesson.

Now, in other parts of the EFL/ESL world, having solid credentials does help and they are recognized.

On line TEFL certificates are good, for Korea. It is something to put on your resume or get that 100,000 won pay raise. You can dish out the money and then earn back. With an online TEFL, I would recommend...

The London Teachers Training College.


Korea is where TEFL credentials die. You don't have any active help. It is hard to learn new ideas from anyone, simply because......whisper...most koreans can't teach, thus...they have nothing to contribute. Most of the foreign "teachers" here are young, out of college kids who really don't care about sharing ideas, making new resources or want to listen to advice.

Now, there are diamonds in the rough, mind you. But, you have to be in the right place, working with the right people.


dmbfan

[bassexpander]

... and it's really not a question of whether or not a course will be worthwhile. In Korea, it can help you personally, but other than getting another 100,000 per month at a SMOE job, for example, you won't see a lot of return on it as far as jobs. The typical Korean employer is still going to judge you based on looks/feeling. That's why a very professional photo is very important.

Also, the reason why MA's are desired for univ. positions is partially due to Koreans wanting someone with a degree higher than a BA teaching them at a univ. Whether or not you think an MA is needed, it "just looks better" to the average Korean.

I don't get to teach any of the MA classes here (thank goodness -- I'm glad) because I don't even have an MA yet. If you were taking a course for your MA, would you want someone without an MA teaching your course?

[rumdiary]

I was wondering if the schools where to take your TEFL or CELTA courses help with job placement. Especially job placement in places other than Korea or China.

[agoodmouse]

[rusty1983]

You dont need one in many places. However, I came back to the UK after Korea and it is more or less unfeasible to get a job without one and I actually got my job on the back of other non-certified staff being giving the boot cos they didnt have one.

If you wanna go elsewhere after your stay in Korea it makes a lot of sense to get one, more and more people are going into TEFL and these qualifications can get you an interview.

I was glad I was certified in Korea as the tricks and other things I learnt did serve me well. Knowing how to recycle materials and design my own was particularly useful. Compared to my colleague who was dropped straight in with no training it seemed a very good idea, as he eventually got banned from playing games as he would play them constantly (and often games with little to do with English) as he had no idea how to fill the time.

I believe most certificate training centres offer a job-finding service and you definitely build contacts. It was 2 years ago when I did mine, so friends I have from the course have fanned out pretty much all over the world (one even has his own school now). On top of that the guy running the careers service says if you wanna get the lowdown on pretty much any country, he keeps contact with most students so can put the word out for you.


At times I wondered if it was a waste of time but overall it has more than paid for itself and has allowed me to push on professionally. I did a kind of refresher course recently too and that sharpened me up no end. I now have many ideas to introduce that Im sure are gonna score me some brownie points.

Also, you may be an expert on grammar etc. but if not then good luck teaching a university class, I have no experience of it but Id imagine it could be tricky.

Finally, I see that some TEFL courses have introduced extension-courses that focus on young learners which I imagine would be very useful too.