Korean Job Discussion Forums

maryxsweets · Joined: 15 Jul 2009

I'm a recent college graduate and want to go to Korea to teach English.

I'm considering applying for the 6-month contract with the TALK program. Is it harder to get into this program since it's only a 6-month contract? What kind of steps do I have to take, other than just submitting the completed application online?

What do you think my chances are? I just graduated with a bachelor's degree in Cell & Molecular Biology. I am also Asian-American (Vietnamese) and 22 years old.

Please help me in my quest! I really want to go to Korea, as I'm fascinated with the culture.

Thank you! Cool

OculisOrbis · Joined: 17 Jul 2006

it's easier to get into TALK than other programs because you dont need to have completed a degree.

if youre willing to stay a year instead of 6 months, the other programs (EPIK, SMOE) offer substantially more money for only slightly more teaching time and there is only one week unpaid orientation instead of the six weeks unpaid with TALK.

in my opinion, the benefits of a regular public school program outweigh the pros of TALK.

good info comparing the two here:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?p=2107000&highlight=#2107000

but i cant say i agree with the original poster's decision to go with talk....

RobLeeTeach · Joined: 20 May 2009

maryxsweets · Joined: 15 Jul 2009

Wow thanks for the quick responses!

I'm actually going to apply for the session that starts in Jan and wanted a head start. I decided to take a year off after undergrad and then apply to graduate schools for the 2010-2011 school year. So that's why I only want to stay for 6 months. Then again... if I don't get accepted into graduate school then I definitely want to stay in Korea.

Thanks for both of your help! If there are any other suggestions you may have about the process, it would be great!

tomoyopop · Joined: 10 Jul 2009 Location: USA

Hi there, I'm going to Korea for the TaLK program this fall!

I'm not graduated yet, which is why I'm doing TaLK, but since you have, I would highly recommend going for a much more lucrative deal such as the ones OculisOrbis mentioned, such as EPIK and SMOE, if money is your main priority.

However, if you're looking for more opportunities to travel and experience the culture while lightly teaching on the side, and you're fine with less pay, TaLK is a good opportunity to think about.

Since there's such a lack of information about TaLK on this forum, I think I'm going to make some sort of thread explaining it and the pros and cons I experience while undergoing the program after I fly out there in two weeks. Seems like it would be useful to some people here.