Korean Job Discussion Forums

ESL_inquirer · Joined: 21 Jul 2010

Hello all, I'm new to the forums, and I've just recently started to look into teaching jobs in Korea. I came across this site the other day, and I was hoping to get an objective review of the program:

http://www.justtefl.com/spl_tesol_korea_thailand.shtml

It sounds like a very good deal to me, but I'm remaining skeptical until I hear from you all.

Thanks in advance!

raewon · Joined: 16 Jun 2009

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

Great Idea. Question

YOU PAY them $950 for the course (you can get one for about 1/2 that) then they tell you that they will reimburse your airfare up to $1350.

Any other recruiter will do it for free (sans the $250 tefl course.

What they aren't telling you is that you can apply directly to EPIK, GEPIK, JEPIK, or any of the other national or provincial programs and get exactly the same job and benefits and save yourself the $950 fee to the recruiter.

It is only good if you want to spend $950 and 3 weeks in Bangkok doing a TEFL course.

BTW... there is no actual practicum on that course so most places won't recognize it any more than an on-line tefl.

If you have good torrent connections you can download that specific course (25 videos + workbook and textbook).

And as a closing note - they can't guarantee a position any more than any other recruiter can.

.

edwardcatflap · Joined: 22 Mar 2009

If, as Thompatz says, there's no actual teaching practice on the course, it's as worthless as an online training program. Also check out the language on the website, It's not written by a native speaker. If it is, it's certainly not written by someone you would want as a trainer. Finally did you read this sentence? Is this just more sloppy English, or would you have to share a room during your time spent teaching in Korea?

Free accommodation on Double occupancy basis is given to students during the TEFL course in Thailand and also while teaching second language English in South Korea.

Like a lot of these kind of programs, it's big on the travel to exotic destinations and experience foreign culture benefits and not so informative on the educational or potential for employment value of the certificate.

Troglodyte · Joined: 06 Dec 2009

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

This is a scam. Avoid it.

If you're naive enough to give it a go - keep us posted. We need the laughs up here in Korea.

fugitive chicken · Joined: 20 Apr 2010 Location: Bucheon

I did it 2 years ago. It isn't a scam. But at the time it was a little cheaper. Yes it's true you can get a TEFL course for half that price, but not in Thailand. Cool

They will work through the recruiter KORVIA and you will be hired with GEPIK. After you receive your TEFL certificate, you will not be communicating with the American TESOL Institute

You will be reimbursed through your school. Not through the program. $1300 is a little steap, and my school was a little wary to reimburse me for it, but they did in the end.

Anything else you wanna know about it?

You get to teach 4 lessons in a Thai school observed and critiqued by the teachers and fellow students.

ESL_inquirer · Joined: 21 Jul 2010

Thanks for the replies.

To fugitive chicken and the rest:

How reputable of a recruiter is KORVIA?

Ukon · Joined: 29 Jan 2008

Good, They're one recruiter among many...

I wouldn't use one of these.....just get an online cert for 300 and under....

Not to mention if you do the hunt on your own using many recruiters, you'll have more job options...

So far only a small amount of jobs(selective ones) had me verify if it was an online course or a classroom based course.

fugitive chicken · Joined: 20 Apr 2010 Location: Bucheon

KORVIA got almost everyone I know who did it hired. There were 8 when I did it (first time they offered the program) and when a friend of mine did it 6 months ago there were 33 and I think only 2 didn't get hired because of a mark on their criminal record. All of us got into public schools.

The only problem I had with the recruiter was that she panicked me about getting my visa in Bangkok forcing me to rush out of class, find my own way to the Korean embassy and get everything in when I could have easily taken my time (We were in Pattaya, not Bangkok). I think things will run more smoothly for you because they have done this a few times already.

Again, it's your choice, do you want to spend more money for you TESOL or take a trip to Thailand. Travel is a little harder during class because it's 8 hours a day 5 days a week with homework. The best time to travel is if you stay a little while after the class finishes I didn't stay much longer and I definitely regretted it.