Korean Job Discussion Forums

[B0RGNINE]

Hello all,

I have some questions about finding university work in Korea, but before I start, I just need to mention that I cant' get the search function to work on my computer for some reason. I've tried three different browsers (Firefox, Chrome, and Explorer) and all I get is a blank white screen. Anyone else have this problem? I'm assuming it's not a problem with Dave's search engine, but something going on with my computer. Anyway... just had to mention that before I have 10 people berate me for not knowing how to/being too lazy to perform a search.

I'm interested in working in Korea. I know there is work for English teachers there, but I'm more interested in teaching adults, and more specifically, doing university work.

About me (list style to save time/space... I tend to be long-winded):

AGE/SEX/MARITAL -

36/male/single without children or dependants

EDUCATION -

MA (Curriculum and Instruction - TESL)
BA (English Lit.)


QUALIFICATIONS -

Colorado State Teaching License (Secondary English Language Arts)
Colorado State Professional Teaching Endorsement (TESL - Linguistically Diverse Education)

EXPERIENCE -

April 2010 � Present: teaching English conversation classes at a private language school Chiba, Japan

April 2009 � August 2009: Taught accredited English classes at a college in Kawasaki, Japan

January 2006 � August 2008: Taught English for Academic Purposes at a university Intensive English Program in Denver, Colorado, USA

July 1999 � July 2002: Was in the JET program as an ALT in Sapporo, Japan

PUBLICATIONS -

not published

-----------------
I'm currently trying to find a university position in the Tokyo area (because I speak Japanese, have an established social circle, and have a fantastic girl here... all hard things to give up) but competition is really tight right now for uni positions, and I need to consider other options if things don't work out here.

My education and qualifications I know aren't bad, but there are a lot of people out there with similar quals but who have more experience than me. And I'm not published (I may start working on this soon, but even so, I doubt anything will be ready to include on my CV before the spring which is when my contract is up here in Japan). Unfortunately, the schooling for the teaching license, ESL endorsement and my MA wasn't cheap, and I have some extremely hefty student loan debt in the States. I wouldn't be so concerned about money otherwise and would consider teaching anywhere I think I might be happy living regardless of how much I'd be paid, but under my current circumstances if I'm unable get a handle on this debt over the next couple of years, I'll be under it for a very very long time. It's rather a make or break situation for me at this point.

Considering the above, what kind of options do I have available for me in Korea? Under a realistic scenario, what can I expect to be paid, how much might I be able to save, and what kind of paid time off is offered?

Thank you everyone.

NOTE: you may see a modified version of this same posting on a couple of the other boards, notably: Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, Korea and Malaysia. Thanks for understanding.

[Troglodyte]

The search function on this forum is usually not working. It's better to use Google. Type in the following. Change the last 3 words obviously.

site:http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/ your search words

[B0RGNINE]

Thanks man, I appreciate the help.

[ttompatz]

Short answer = unless you are here (or have some really great connections) you have about the same chance as a snowball in Hades when it comes to landing a university position in Korea while you are abroad.

Your best bet would be to look at any of:
International schools
IB schools
Public school positions in Hong Kong or Taiwan (since they require home country licensing but they pay a lot better than here).

You could also look at some of the language academies that specialize in adult education but be aware that most of them don't pay any better than any other hagwan (entry level wages) and you WILL get some ugly split shifts as part of the package (6am-8am and 6-9pm (before and after university/work)).

.

[sigmundsmith]

Like stated before, you are not in the country so near impossible. You could fly over here and look for a job when universities start advertising. When do they start advertising? Well, if you look on the job board some are already starting to advertise for spring positions now.

Competition is high, which I assume is the same in Japan for university gigs, especially in Seoul.

If you want adults you could teach at academies like CDI, YBM or Pagoda. That may be another option for you to get your feet wet while looking for a position at a university.