Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dgl]

Hey,

Does anyone have any thoughts, comments or advice on the following?

In May this year I applied to teach English in South Korea through EPIK starting this September. I was offered a contract but, due to financial reasons, I was unable to commit to this; consequently, I have now deferred my EPIK application with a view to reapplying for the February 2010 program.

I didn�t know much about teaching English abroad when I applied and so I made sure to do lots of research on it, including reading through the posts on esl cafe. During this time I�ve become more aware of the different options available, both within South Korea and different countries, particularly Japan. Despite having deferred my application with EPIK I am under no obligation to reapply; I�m therefore considering these different options.

As a result of my research I know that, at least in Asia, I�m interested in teaching in either South Korea or Japan. I�m drawn to and discouraged by elements of teaching in both Hagwons/Eikaiwas and public schools; the pros and cons for me are listed below.

Hagwons/Eikaiwas :
A) Pros
- Smaller class sizes and the opportunity to teach individuals on a one-to-one basis.
- The opportunity to teach both younger and older children as well as adults.

B) Cons
- I�m not really comfortable with the idea of �education as a business�.
- Related to this, I�m not interested in the potential sales role of some jobs.
- The potential for not so favourable working patterns: working until late at night and/or not having consecutive days off.

Public Schools
A) Pros
- I�d feel I�d be contributing something more worthwhile through being able to interact with a wider range of students, particularly those students whose parents cannot afford private lessons.
- The opportunity to become involved with the wider school community, such as sport events, after school activities and school trips.

B) Cons
- Potentially I might be working with large class sizes: I�d feel I�d be less able to make an impact than if I were to work with students in smaller class sizes or on a one-to-one basis. The potential for this seems to be lower in rural communities.
- Potentially I might only be teaching one age range.

Ideally I�d like to teach both younger and older, less wealthy students in small groups or on a one-to-basis in traditional public school hours. Back to feasible ideas though, I�ve come across the prospect of teaching in Universities. However, although I have a Masters degree, I don�t have any teaching experience, which seems to be a requirement for these roles?

Cheers

[cruisemonkey]

[andrewchon]

Your analysis seems to be on-the-ball.

Many of us come to Korea with similar dreams. However, whether you'd be able to make them come true depends on a lot of luck, hard work and commitment.

A small rural school will give you chances to work one-on-one with students. These schools often make up classes to fill up the 22 hours, you are likely to get a class teaching teachers/parents. You may also get a class of kindergarten. How's that for a age spread?

cruisemonkey:
I am just like your avatar in this steambath.

[cruisemonkey]

[andrewchon]

You wish. All the fans in Korea have timer switches to prevent 'fan-death'.

[dgl]

[dgl]