Korean Job Discussion Forums

AllIGotWasThisLousyTShirt · Joined: 29 Jun 2009

Hello,

I would like to head to Korea in the near future, but I am not sure if the degree I have will be sufficient to find employment. I have a 3-Year University Degree from Canada. Do I need a 4-Year degree, or is the degree I have sufficient? I have seen job postings that specify 'a degree in any discipline' with no mention of general or honours and others that specify 'a four year degree'.

Any help is appreciated.

E_athlete · Joined: 09 Jun 2009 Location: Korea sparkling

I think a lot of recruiters will not want to deal with you unless you have some experience. It used to be that all Bachelor degrees were 3 yrs now the standard is 4 in North America.

Mr. Pink · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: China

AllIGotWasThisLousyTShirt · Joined: 29 Jun 2009

Thanks very much for your replies. I have some experience (in Canada) at a private school teaching ESL to adults, but I don't have CELTA or TESOL. I'm in my late 20's and also have experience as an ESL school administrator (again, in Canada). I am currently employed at this time in a large corporation (unrelated to ESL) and the main reason I want to go to Korea is for a change of scenery. I think I'll apply and see what kind of offers I get.

Thanks again.

Kristen

E_athlete · Joined: 09 Jun 2009 Location: Korea sparkling

AllIGotWasThisLousyTShirt · Joined: 29 Jun 2009

Yes, I have been lurking around these boards for a few years now and I have noticed that there are some (well, quite a few) posters who have had negative experiences in Korea. I have also noticed that many have done their research and have still ended up in bad situations. I have a close friend who spent 5 years in Korea in the late 90's and had no issues, so I guess it's a mixed bag. I think I'm going to keep an open mind and have realistic expectations.

Thanks again for your help.

Kristen

E_athlete · Joined: 09 Jun 2009 Location: Korea sparkling

I think because of your ESL admin experience you will probably get a pass with your 3yr degree. I think it holds much more weight than a 4 yr degree to the Korean employers.

Just to let you know Kristin, enrollment into these English schools in Korea has quadrupled in the last 6 month because of the recession. My advice to you would be to try landing whatever job can you whether it be in a smaller city or rural area (if your recruiter asks where you want to be placed). I'm leaving to Korea next week with a contract with EPIK at a public school in a small city and my salary is something like 2.1m and I only have a Bachelors. If I worked in a rural area my salary would be 2.2m. If you live in Korea you would be able to save a lot more easily than in Canada where the living expenses are quite ridiculous.

Anyways I wish you well.

blonde researcher · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 3:09 pm Post subject:

As far as immigration is concerned any 3 year degree has the same status for getting an E2 visa issued as a 4 year degree. The cutting off point is the word 'Bachelor" being on the diploma.

Other countries have 3 year degrees like New Zealand and Australia. All are acceptable to immigration and not penalized in preference to a 4 year degree
EPIK or GEPIK or SMOE accept 3 yr degrees.

Some hagwon school directors will use the 3yr/ 4 yr excuse to avoid hiring other nationalities if they only want to hire Americans who have 4 year degrees.

ekul · Joined: 04 Mar 2009 Location: [Mod Edit]

Nearly all bachelors in the UK are three years and I've never met anyone that's had a problem getting a job because of it.

E_athlete · Joined: 09 Jun 2009 Location: Korea sparkling

In many parts of the world, such as in Australia and New Zealand the standard bachelors degree is three years, with the forth year honours granted based on research. It is only available to people with specific GPAs or those who are at the top or near the top of their class.

Many Canadian universities have stopped granting three year bachelors degrees, and the four year bachelors with honours has now become the standard. This means that at some point it was decided by universities that simply having a three year bachelors degree was simply no longer enough to guarantee meaningful employment, so what was once an option for only the top students has now become the de facto standard for many Canadian students.

Draz · Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Location: Land of Morning Clam

It makes no difference at all.

I've always held off on telling employers about it until I have to show the degree though. Maybe if I had "three year degree" on my resume I would have trouble. I just call it a BA, and put my graduation date instead of the period I attended university (which was only three years of course).

oldtactics · Joined: 18 Oct 2008

3 year degree from Canada is perfectly acceptable.

Mr. Pink · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: China

kirsi · Joined: 29 May 2009 Location: dongtan

I have a four-year degree done in two and nobody has bothered me about it..

polonius · Joined: 05 Jun 2004

On the flip side, I wonder what schools/academies/whatnot would think of someone doing a 3 year degree in 7 years, like my brother.

My brother: A lot of people go to University for 7 years.
Me: Ya, we call them Doctors.