Korean Job Discussion Forums

[anyjobsoutthere]

I'm a male, US native, in my fifties (though I look younger and have a high energy level). Taught in Japan some years ago, have a lot of EFL experience in other parts of the world. Is there work for me or will I face age discrimination?

Also could someone tell me what universities might hire me and what I could expect to earn (I have an MA in English). I have applied to Hanyang Cyber University, Dongguk University, Catholic University, Chungnam National University.

Any help / advice will be appreciated. [/code]

[Robot_Teacher]

Sorry I lack knowlege on what unis in Korea are hiring and I'm sure no one on this forum will tell what uni or company jobs are available, if possibly known.

I have a mid 50's Aussie friend who used to work at a uni with a masters in basket weaving, but opted to go EPIK in a rural elementary school after getting an ESL cert since the uni job wasn't very good in his opinion. I read that uni jobs don't even pay as much as a young 25 year old inexperience EPIK or hagwon teacher makes, but offers mega vacation time and fewer teaching hours during sessions. I understand with an MA in English or TESOL, you can go to the middle East and make the big bucks. Korea is great for newbies and entry level, but it's mostly a $1600 buck chuck a month gig for most regardless of qualifications and age though some make more who are married to Koreans by doing privates or running their own small English academy. If you're married to a Korean you get a visa that allows you do to anything to make money, legally speaking.

Serious, I'd look into Saudi, Kuwait, and UAE if I had an MA in English with ESL experience. There's good money out there according to what I read and hear about. Just not as much of a drinking and drugging party in Islam country as elsewhere, but I'm sure foreigners get their freak on some how in secrecy.

[need 2 know]

Hi. I'm 52 and have been told I look younger. I have been here almost 2 years and this is my fourth school. First school: Hagwon. Horrible. Some people on here tell you that hagwons are great. Not me. Quit. Transferred visa (had to pay 60,000, worth it) Second school: Public school near Suwon in Hwaesong. Great! I stayed my entire year and was asked to stay but I chose to try something new. Third school: Poly school in Ansan. Hell. 53 classes a week. Redundant paperwork for DAYS! Usually time from when I left home until I returned home 12 hours. No overtime. Had Korean Girlfriends doctor (get one your age like me, they're cooler, usually have $, and aren't stuck up at all. I dated a 27 year old for awhile and all she did (other than look at herself in the mirror constantly) was complain about she deserves this, she deserves that. Nightmare! Korean woman are generally petite so whether they're 20 or 50 some things are just fine, if you know what I mean. Anyway My girls doctor friend gave me letter stating I was too ill to work and off I went. I transferred my visa to a public elementary school (all the old timers I know say elementary is the place to be) and it's great. I love it. So, I worked at 2 hagwons and quit both and I'm at my second public school and love it so far. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it. Don't know about Uni's, sorry. Hey guys clue em' in if you can. Good luck and you must have thick skin to make it here. Peace, late.

[PRagic]

With your background and experience, I wouldn't take a position for under 3 million a month (including free housing or an allowance of 300-500,000 won) with no more than 15 contact hours AND fully paid vacations (roughly 16 weeks). So that would be 2.5 with .5 for housing allowance, 2.7 plus .3 for housing, or 3 million and free housing.

Age will not be a factor for a university position. One thing you may have to deal with, though, is term limits. A lot of universities are giving people the boot after 2-4 years depending on the university. If you can deal with that, then it's no biggie. Once you're here with a couple of years experience, it's just a matter of moving along to a new school every once in a while. Pain in the arse to be sure, but unavoidalbe for most university ESLers here.

If they won't big up, I'd take the other poster's advice and head for greener pastures.

[PRagic]

With your background and experience, I wouldn't take a position for under 3 million a month (including free housing or an allowance of 300-500,000 won) with no more than 15 contact hours AND fully paid vacations (roughly 16 weeks). So that would be 2.5 with .5 for housing allowance, 2.7 plus .3 for housing, or 3 million and free housing.

Age will not be a factor for a university position. One thing you may have to deal with, though, is term limits. A lot of universities are giving people the boot after 2-4 years depending on the university. If you can deal with that, then it's no biggie. Once you're here with a couple of years experience, it's just a matter of moving along to a new school every once in a while. Pain in the arse to be sure, but unavoidalbe for most university ESLers here. Some of the bigger programs do pay more, but they usually recruit from within country. A higher paying option might be in the stars after you finish up your first university gig.

If they won't big up, I'd take the other poster's advice and head for greener pastures.

[Rteacher]

Yes, there is some age discrimination.

Universities are probably your best bet. Though regular uni salaries tend to be lower than public school gigs, there is usually more overtime work available.

I think that because of demand, many uni jobs openings are not posted, so it might be best to apply to as many as you can by email after somehow getting contact information for the persons in charge of hiring.

[wanderingsalsero]

I noticed the OP said he was 50 something.

My understanding is that he's still got lots of time to qualify in Korea. I passed the interview with SMOE last December but was later told my my agency that the itnerviwer's boss shot my app down because of my age......i.e. that supposedly SMOE had an age limit of 62.

Whether that's true or not, I managed to get a job in Suwon that I liked pretty well. Got it on my own....i.e. through a Korean teacher friend who saw it on the Gyeonggi bulletin board and followed up on my behalf. Turns out that this particular school had been having problems getting somebody.

I haven't really had any serious complaints here other than the size of my apartment.

Anyway.........I've also heard that Gyeongi hires up to age 65 and the same thing for universities. I'm hoping I'll have some businesses going on the internet by December when my contract expires. If not, then I'll probably be looking for one more term.

I'd love to work in Seoul but I'd be real leery of a hagwon gig. I've got a Masters (international business) but I'm aware that (1) uni jobs aren't as easy to get as they used to be and (2) they don't pay as much.

[wanderingsalsero]

I noticed the OP said he was 50 something.

My understanding is that he's still got lots of time to qualify in Korea. I passed the interview with SMOE last December but was later told my my agency that the itnerviwer's boss shot my app down because of my age......i.e. that supposedly SMOE had an age limit of 62.

Whether that's true or not, I managed to get a job in Suwon that I liked pretty well. Got it on my own....i.e. through a Korean teacher friend who saw it on the Gyeonggi bulletin board and followed up on my behalf. Turns out that this particular school had been having problems getting somebody.

I haven't really had any serious complaints here other than the size of my apartment.

Anyway.........I've also heard that Gyeongi hires up to age 65 and the same thing for universities. I'm hoping I'll have some businesses going on the internet by December when my contract expires. If not, then I'll probably be looking for one more term.

I'd love to work in Seoul but I'd be real leery of a hagwon gig. I've got a Masters (international business) but I'm aware that (1) uni jobs aren't as easy to get as they used to be and (2) they don't pay as much.

[Julius]

[PRagic]

The OP specifically asks about university employment, and I don't blame him. With his experience, who wants to work with a 'Korean co-teacher' (read: baby sitter).

I am a steadfast believer that the public school system and associated agencies (SMOE, GEPIC) here are a currently total waste of time for qualified teachers in terms of pay, advancement, and comparative employment conditions vis-a-vis your Korean counterparts; great for someone with a BS in chemistry looking to pay off some bills, play teacher, and see Asia for a year or two, but not for professionals.

University employment isn't a big bed of roses for most ESLers, but there are some decent jobs out there. The OP just needs to get into the country with a job and then network around. I have friends on the 'university circuit' here with just BAs; 99% of them are upgrading to the MA or already have. In general, although there will be some followup here to the contrary, the higher the degree and the more experience, the better the job and employment conditions.

Good luck OP. Seems like you're looking for a job teaching adults. If so, university employment is the only way to go.

[fishy]

You might find a little bit of age discrimination at some universities. I have a friend who is 50-something, has an M.A. in TESOL and has worked at some of the best unis for over 15 years here. He's looking to change jobs, but his job search hasn't been too fruitful. He blames age discrimination. (Luckily, he has an interview at my uni which pays quite decently and has more than a few 50 somethings on staff...so maybe it will work out for him.) Anyhow, if you can search the faculty list at the unis, you can see which places don't mind hiring older and more experienced staff. Good luck!

[Zulethe]

I've experienced Korea both ways: straight out of Uni and 17 years later. My second experience is infinitely better.