Korean Job Discussion Forums

[rao28]

Hi all,

I need advice. I have been considering teaching English abroad as a means of immersing myself in another culture, and also embarking on a new career path in TEFL. Any real, personal advice from current teachers would be appreciated.

Some background:
I am 23 years old, and a US citizen. I graduated with a BA in English last year. I have no teaching experience, just my BA and some current experience in hospitality. I have been to China and Thailand before on short school trips, and loved my experiences; but I am most interested in teaching in South Korea. Of course I would love to live in Seoul, but I am open to exploring other parts of South Korea.

1. TEFL Certificate - helpful/necessary?
I've looked at getting TESOL certified, but most university programs here focus on TESL versus TEFL. I've been in contact with Oxford Seminars, and their "crash course" three-week program seems like it might provide the most bang for my buck (about $1000 USD for TEFL certification and six months of placement service); but from some posts I've read, it seems like the program might be a big joke. I think it would be helpful to get some education training before going abroad, but I don't want to waste my money on a program that isn't well respected or helpful.

2. CELTA - helpful/necessary?
This certificate has the reputable aspects I am looking for, but it comes at quite an investment ($2500 USD). Plus none of the programs are offered here in Florida, so I would have the added expense of moving somewhere the program is offered while I'm enrolled. I have also read that the CELTA is most helpful after getting a few years of teaching experience abroad.

3. Recruiter - helpful/necessary?
I have read a good amount of posts that say recruiters are both unprofessional an unnecessary. But, honestly, applying on my own for a job halfway around the world in a field I am just entering kind of freaks me out. I would really appreciate a guide to help me through the process, but I don't want to end up getting screwed by a recruiter (please pardon the expression). Two recruiters I am considering using are Travel & Teach (http://www.travelandteachrecruiting.com/) and Footprints (http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/).

4. How much money do I need?
Realistically, how much money do I need saved up before I go? I have a steady full-time job now. I don't like what I do, but I am making decent money and can save about $800 a month if I really budget. I am unsure how long I should wait before I set out to go abroad. Ideally, I want to start teaching before the beginning of 2011.

Thanks for any and all advice you have to give.

[boatofcar]

1. TEFL Certificate - helpful/necessary?
Not necessary when you're first starting out. Mostly unhelpful anyway.

2. CELTA - helpful/necessary?
Not necessary when you're first starting out. Helpful.

3. Recruiter - helpful/necessary?
If it makes you feel better, use one. Just don't be under the delusion that the recruiter actually cares about you and your well-being. You're still pretty much on your own when you get to Korea.

4. How much money do I need?
I'd say a grand. Others will say differently.

[missty]

A CELTA isn't necessary in Korea, in fact most schools don't know what it is. If you want to teach in other countries after Korea then I would advise taking it. If you want to teach ESL for a long time then yes, take it. If you're coming to Korea for a couple of years and will then go back to the US, then don't.

I can't give you advise on the TEFL cert. as I haven't taken it. I took the CELTA because I wanted to teach for a few years and I was going to teach in Europe. Schools in Europe won't employ a teacher without a CELTA, (or some schools will, but as a general rule they are to be avoided.)

Recruiters? I'd say necessary. Dave's job board has some schools advertising solo, but you want the best chance of getting a job. So I usually spam loads of recruiters, (at least 5 or 6) to get the largest options of jobs.

Money is subjective. I have been traveling for years and came to Korea with about 400 pounds. I don't need a lot of money or home comforts to get by during my first month. If you think you'll miss your home comforts and want to buy decent food and eat in US restaurants then bring more. You can live in Korea cheaply but if you're leaving home for the first time then you might not want to. You shouldn't need more than a grand though, (in US dollars).

[WillTurnerinVanCity]

1. TEFL Certificate - helpful/necessary?

TEFL certification is both helpful and, I would argue, necessary these days, especially if you don't have any experience. More and more people are going abroad, so anything to boost your resume/qualifications is a good idea. Higher demand means that schools will set the bar higher for the "minimum requirements"

The certification side of the industry is unregulated, which is why you get TESL/TEFL/TESOL, etc., and there is no difference between them. As there is no regulation, there is a lot of variation in the cost of a course and what it delivers. To really get your money's worth, you want a course that has classroom practicum and observed teaching. Teaching is a skill. You won't really get the hang of it without real classroom experience, and a good course should offer this. Typically, good courses can be found at local Universities or Colleges, though there are some private organizations that offer a course as well. A good course should be 100 hours or more. Don't waste your time and money on anything less.

2. CELTA - helpful/necessary?
I've done the CELTA course and I think it is a great program, but it is expensive. CELTA is a particular type of ESL certification, it is associated with a well known institution (Cambridge), and it is regulated. CELTA is particularly strong in the Middle East, and if you ever want to teach in that area, a TESL cert probably won't cut it.

You have to consider why you are doing the ESL certification. If you have the time and money, and are thinking long term - go CELTA. If you're thinking of a year and then see what happens...go TESL and perhaps look into CELTA, or something more robust, in the future.

3. Recruiter - helpful/necessary?

I am a recruiter, and I think that we are helpful, but not an absolute necessity. I think the use of a recruiter is a good idea, but you don't have to limit yourself. The thing about recruiters is that we all work with the same schools, in the same areas, for the most part. So find a recruiter that you click with and feel comfortable working with, and go from there. You can still apply directly to schools as well, but speaking as a recruiter, just give us a heads up and let us know. Most recruiters have experience as teachers so we understand that you have to do what is in your best interests. Just be professional and let us know if you are going to take things in another direction. We don't mind a polite/kind "Hey, I really appreciate all your hard work, but I found a job that is a great fit for me, etc." and if you're nice about it, should things fall through, we'll probably help you out in the future. If you're a jerk and we have to call and email every day for a week only to have your mother pick up and tell us you're in Korea already...that's not cool and chances are we won't be there to help you in the future.

4. How much money do I need?
You're going to need about 200$ for the visa process alone. A lot of people don't realize that starting out. You'll want to have a minimum of 500$ in hand for when you arrive and have to make it to your first paycheck. More is better. I'd say 1000$ would be perfect.

Many schools reimburse airfare, so you might want to look into a) saving that money up or b) having access to that kind of money through a line of credit, parental units or visa.