Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ottoderry]

Hi folks, first post here. I was in Korea for about a year 2003 - 04 time frame, was about 33, 34 at the time. Seemed I didn't have to think too much about age as far as job searching goes.

Will be 40 soon and wonder how it will be taken if I went back. Would I be relegated to the countryside or small towns? I figure I'll have to start off back in regular esl hogwans, any other options? I have been in esl in other countries mostly for the last six years, but they have pretty much all been standard langage institutes, at one uni for about a year in '06. Will have a BS in business, basic TEFL (40 hrs), a tesol (100 hrs), and the experience of the last several years.

I've forgotten, are hogwans mostly evenings and public schools always morning / afternoons?

Will the age of 40 (+) be viewed with skepticism, by co-teachers or parents? Would I be better off applying at hogwans, or public schools, etc? Any areas of the bigger cities worth a shot? Thanks.

[Senior]

Check out public schools. They aren't much better than hagwons these days, but you won't have any issues with pay and severance etc. They are generally 8.30 till 4.30. Though there are some "after school" programs where you teach in a PS but aren't actually employed by one. I know some people with really sweet after school gigs, but they have had a bad rep in the past.

Your age shouldn't be a problem. The prime jobs are competitive for everyone.

[MarionG]

You won't have any problems at 40+. Some public school systems cut-off
at 50 or 55, but I've not heard of any who had a lower cut off point than
50.

[Troglodyte]

The hogwans might have a bit of a reluctancy to hire you. If they can choose between a 20-something and you, they'll take the 20-something. But there are a lot of jobs here and the recruiters can't fill them all. If you have applied to a bunch of recruiters, then they'll find you something because they don't want to risk you taking an offer from another recruiter, and they have enough schools wanting teachers that they'll pass your application to them to try to get the school to hire you before another recruiter gets them a teacher.

Hogwans don't want "old" people but they aren't likely to turn you down either.

[poppy56]

I'm not sure about the Hagwons but if you go for a public school job you shouldn't have a problem. I know the cut off for EPIK is 55. I am currently at the EPIK orientation and there are plenty of people who looked to be in their 40's and early 50's. I, myself am actually 37 and I had no problem being hired and I wasn't placed in rural outpost but will teaching in one of the cities.

[southernman]

With your qualifications you'll be fine. EPIK wanted me to go with SMOE the Seoul Public school programme but I said I wanted to be on an Island.

You might get questioned in regards what you are doing, going to be doing in a ew years, all very low key. If you've got a good rationale for why you want to be here and what you're going to be doing in a few years its all good. The questions are just curiosity If you've got good reasons it's all good. If you haven't got a good reason or are vague in your answer it might not be so good

Co-teachers also may ask but again just tell them your reasons and if they're kosher its all good. One of my student's at winter camp gave me some Kelvin Klein as a present and her mother came to school to talk to the Vice Principle about how i'd help her daughter to be more confident. Her mom is an Elementary school teacher, I've only ever got good feedback from Parents, Teachers and student's, so don't worry

Public schools for me are better after two years at a Hogwan, better hours. less classes, more holiday's and if you've got good experience and qualifications more money