Korean Job Discussion Forums

options1 · Joined: 03 Nov 2010 Location: Gloucester, MA

Hi,

I posted some questions on Korean students preparing to take the TOEFL to better understand my potential students. There were 50 people who read my post, but zero responses. So I thought maybe I worded it wrong or failed to connect.

I really need some help with deciding about launching my online tutoring company to reach South Korean students. I have been teaching ESL/ELL, business and conversational English and TOEFL preparation in the USA for many years. I created a webpage, www.testprepandtutoring.com as a landing site for students to look at and get information.

And I have had a few students living in Korea who I have tutored online. My former Korean students assure me my type of service is desired, esp. since it's a small, personal company with lots of experience and success with students. But, I wanted to know from students in Korea if an online tutoring service for improving their English and preparing them for the TOEFL was desired. What would make it appealing to you? What would you like to see? How would I reach this population? Even general feedback-why you want to go to school in the USA, what is your toughest challenge facing the test. How do you learn best? I really would appreciate any comments or suggestions you have. I actually have a small advisory board made up of two of my former students from Korea, who are now successful graduate students and businessmen in the USA. I would love to add more to the board if anyone is interested. Thank you.

Diana Smith
Test Prep and Tutoring
MA, USA

IlIlNine · Joined: 15 Jun 2005 Location: Gunpo, Gyonggi, SoKo

Died By Bear · Posted: Sat Nov 06, 2010 5:52 am Post subject:

I think you should pay the money it takes to get the right answers - maybe a marketing company that does research on this kind of thing and gives you expert advice on how to reach Korean parents and students. It might cost a few thousand clams, but it's going to give you a much better outlook and in the end, might even net you a lot more than you initially invested.

Hyeon Een · Joined: 24 Jun 2005

options1 · Joined: 03 Nov 2010 Location: Gloucester, MA

As for the first comment about why I might not be getting responses because I might be perceived as competition, I never even thought about that! I am so used to collaborating and sharing that it didn't dawn on me anyone would see me as a type of competitor. I don't know any student discussion boards as you suggested. I thought this was a job board for Korea, so I thought people here might have some ideas.

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

Diana

options1 · Joined: 03 Nov 2010 Location: Gloucester, MA

That's probably a good idea. I am just a small company right now, and was really looking for some ideas since I am a great teacher, but I don't know a lot about how to reach students in other countries. I couldn't afford that type of service right now, but maybe down the road when I know more I will try that. Thank you for your response.

Diana

options1 · Joined: 03 Nov 2010 Location: Gloucester, MA

Wow...you seem to know a lot about this area. Thank you so much for sharing. You are right about the marketing; that's the kind of stuff I need to learn. Your information was so helpful though-it gave me a lot to think about. If you can think of any sites or agencies I can contact for more of this type of information, I would really appreciate it. I am a small one person company who just loves to teach ESL kids, and I don't know a lot about how to bring it to another country. I have had success here in the US with other subjects, but I know after 10 plus years of teaching and supervising, that working with international students is my passion. I just want to be able to eat too! Thank you again, and any other information you want to share with me would be appreciated. Here's my personal email if you want to write me privately; [email protected]

Thanks.
Diana