Korean Job Discussion Forums

[BBBrown]

I will be in Seoul in a matter of months to study Korean for a few months. During that time I want to look for work as an English teacher. Assuming I do not find anything that jumps out at me I was considering taking a CELTA certification course in the afternoons. I already have a TESOL certification from my university in the U.S., but it's a small school and maybe the certificate won't have a lot of weight if I start teaching in various countries (including Korea?).

Any thoughts on if this is a good idea or not and if anyone knows of good CELTA Cert programs in Seoul?

Thanks all!

[KoreanAmbition]

There are 2 places to take a CELTA course in Seoul. One is through the British Council, and the other is through some guy's course. Both are good... I know different people that have done the "some guy's" course.

I think both are good.

You can get part-time and full-time intensive courses. Compared to other areas, the cost for CELTA is low in South Korea. (The "some guy's" course is 2.15 million I think... pretty sweet deal.)

[bassexpander]

Thailand used to be far lower. I wouldn't call the cost here "good".

[dorian_gray]

The course offered at the British Council is really good. The tutors were excellent and really well prepared. It costs around 2.5 including books and materials. I don't think they offer it part-time though ~ the one month intensive course is the only option.

[taidgh]

i did the 'some guy' course

the guys name is james forrest, and he runs a good program. the facilities are good and he provides a lot of support. he used to run a celta program at the british council and is still an assessor for the program over there. i've heard the bc celta is a lot higher stress. if you need more details, just ask away.

[Jessie41]

[Draz]

The "some guy's" course runs part time during the regular semester... in the mornings. If you want it in the afternoon, you are SOL.

[dorian_gray]

[richardlang]

The course is run by James Forrest, who is a year away from his PhD at a British university. He flies back there often, when the CELTA course is not in session. The CELTA program he teaches is at the International Graduate School for English, the Teacher Training Institute.

http://edulife.igse.ac.kr/curriculum/curriculum_3.asp

[BBBrown]

Thanks everyone for the tips.

I will look into both options and figure out which fits my situation best.

I figure it would be good to have to compliment my experience with teaching younger students and I want to head in the direction of teaching older university students.

THANKS AGAIN!

[Jessie41]

[calicoe]

Yes, I'd like to second Jessie41. I am American and have heard the exact same thing about working in Europe. I would LOVE to work in Europe, but heard it is next to impossible for the EU.

I have heard there are exceptions for Poland. Please correct me if I am wrong, as I would love to know.

edit added: And thank you for the excellent advice on the CELTA certification in Seoul. I am currently gettting a TESOL, but if I have any chance of working in Europe, I would happily invest in a CELTA .... in Thailand, wher I think it is the cheapest.

[Draz]

What I have heard about teaching in Europe is that it is very possible for a north American, but you will probably be starving if you work in Germany. Poland and the Czech Republic will pay enough for you to live.

[maingman]

dorian-gray wrote :


CELTA is definitely the way to go if you ever want to work in Europe.

[morrisonhotel]