Korean Job Discussion Forums

[lifesatrip]

Ive got one semester left before graduation and then I'll be applying for a job in Korea.
I have a full schedule for Spring, so Im wondering, if I have to choose between taking a semester of Korean classes OR doing an online TEFL course, which one should I go with? I know the TEFL would bump up my salary a bit, but I dont know any Korean and Im worried about that despite the fact that people say they get by without it.

Anyway what do you think?

Thanks!

[mulligc3]

I'd do the TEFL, it will give you ideas and confidence for teaching, well more so than if you hadn't done it anyhow. Plus salary increase!!
EPIK just ask for 100 hours too. That's enough anyway, unless you want a professional certificate.
As for the Korean, learn it on line.
"Let's speak Korean" on you tube is good. Learn the alphabet first though.You can always do classes once here and it'll be a good way to meet people too.

[youtuber]

I think it would be more prudent of you to take courses that would apply to a career and your goals in your home country rather than focusing on what will probably be a short-lived stint in Korea.

For most of us, Korea is an interesting experience that we have for a couple of years and then we move on. I suggest you start looking at the bigger picture.

[lifesatrip]

@mulligc3- good points, thank you!!

@youtuber- i have a schedule full of courses and work in my chosen career field, so I thought it would be smart to fill in a small gap with something that might help me get along in my year or two in Korea. So yeah, Ive been looking at the bigger picture for a long time, but thanks for the suggestion!

[adventurrre]

Let me put it in this perspective....

1 year in Korea = nice savings.
2 years in Korea = VERY nice savings.

1 year in Korea without speaking Korean = life is fine.
2 years in Korea speaking Korean = life is much better than fine.

The salary boost from the TEFL is not a significant amount of money compared to how much more you can save if you stay a second year. And staying a second year is not only more likely, but more fun if you speak Korean.

I vote Korean.

[redaxe]

[Draz]

I'm coming to the end of my second year in Korea, and was also faced with the same choice. I chose the certificate (CELTA) over the language lessons.

But, I did one of those online certificates before coming to Korea and aside from filling up a little space on my resume, I don't think it did me much good.

Really, I don't know. What kind of Korean lessons? Is it a private class or at your university? I was leery of doing language courses in university because they can be really tough and drag your average down. They also take a lot of time, so if you've already got a full load and a job, it might be more than you can take on.

[The Goalie]

As stated above, studying Korean here would make more sense. A language out of context is difficult to make sense of. I personally don't see much point of an on-line TEFL course. Why not wait a year and if you like teaching go do a CELTA course somewhere interesting with the money you've made.

If I may offer up a third option, how about an Asian studies (or Korean studies) class? It would be nice to come here with a relatively deep understanding of the region and probably a whole lot of stuff you want to look into.

[lifesatrip]

안녕하세요

thanks you guys. I like the idea of taking classes while there because 1/ it might be a good thing socially, 2/ I will be probably have more free time to go and 3/ I agree that you learn much more while actually in the country. I learned far more French in my year in France than I did in 4 years of study at home. In fact, I pick up language pretty fast through immersion, so if I study on my own before Korea, I'll do fine I reckon.

Ive never taught before, so I think the TEFL is a good idea for me. Plus, a bit more money can't hurt.

sweet..