Korean Job Discussion Forums

[CtotheB]

I've made a few posts on here about getting work in Korea but things have taken a turn for the (possibly) awesome and I want some opinions on how I can pursue this, or if I'm getting all excited for nothing.

I am about to graduate from my University, and I decided a while ago that I wanted to teach English in Korea, so naturally I thought taking a Korean course would be a good idea. It's helped me a lot, and it turns out my professor is an exchange teacher from the University of Seoul, and a highly-respected linguistics Ph. D. She's only here for two terms and then is going back to Seoul. she's a good teacher, almost fluent in English, and all-around nice in general. I've been teaching English since last Summer at a volunteer program and am going to get a TESOL certificate and more 1-on-1 tutoring experience once the new year begins, so I'm not entirely new to teaching, just Korea and teaching in Korea specifically.

I met up with her and other students from my class at a Korean cafe last night and told her about my intentions to work and live in Korea next summer, and upon hearing it she happily freaked out and told me that she could try to get me a job at her university or another university near hers. I'm naturally a skeptic so I had no idea if it was even a remote possibility, because I know it's not an easy thing to do. For all I know it could just be her saying whatever and being excited, as I know Koreans have a reputation of saying one thing and then something different happens. It could be a red herring of sorts. But is it?

She gave me her personal e-mail and told me to contact her once I graduate and she goes back to Seoul, which is the same time I'll start looking for work. I know it's rare that this kind of things happens, and that the market is tight, and tightest in Seoul, and even more tight for university jobs right now, so I'm not delusional, though I do plan to explore this option when the times comes.

Essentially, my question is this: Is it even possible for a B.A. with ~1 year's experience, certificates and their documents ready to achieve something of this caliber? Would having a professor's recommendation really help me to secure me a job over other candidates, or even give me a chance? Or would I just be passed over due to lack of experience in Korea or in general? Has anyone heard of stories about people getting university work this way, i.e. the Korean professor 'bump'?

[ttompatz]

it's all about the networking and who you know.

Yes, it DOES make a huge difference and can potentially land you a plum job; even without proper qualifications.

.

[CtotheB]

That's music to my ears, especially coming from you, Tom. I just remembered that I should have inserted the term "pulling the strings" somewhere in my post. Maybe I should reconsider taking the next Korean class so I can get more face time with her...

[edwardcatflap]

Well done if you get the job but I�d think twice about what kind of place you�d be working at if you were offered it. Wouldn�t you think it was a fairly amateurish set up to employ a guy straight out of Uni with not much experience or real qualifications? If they normally employ people with the right credentials, how do you think your future colleagues (with their MAs and years of experience) will feel having to work alongside someone who is not really equipped for the job but knows someone who makes the decisions? How will the students feel if they find out you�re not properly qualified. Why wouldn�t your lecturer have considered all these issues before she made her rash offer? I would like to think TomPpatz was wrong about this one but if you are offered the job I�d say it adds even more fuel to the argument that Korean universities really don�t take TEFL seriously.

[dudi]

By all means, go for it. But keep in mind that Korean people often don't follow through with such promises... I've been in a similar situation but I'm still working at a hagwon

[eb]

I don't know. They have to really trust you. Do they? EB

[languistic]

[brento1138]

Just try. Apply.

I know a guy who came straight out of Ireland into his first ESL gig at my university. That university was one of the top 5 in Seoul too... so, it's possible.

[Otherside]

[CtotheB]

Wow, I really appreciate all of your guys' responses, both encouraging and cautious. As I said before, I was sort of skeptical, just like anyone with half a brain would be, and I'm not sure if she will follow through with it all, but I'll definitely try to work it out. Why not?

I also wasn't necessarily expecting to get a job at SNU specifically, or anywhere in particular, since I was sort of starstruck when she said all this to me, so I don't quite remember what her intentions were in regards to location and position and whatnot. From what I've gathered about her, everyone seems to think she really does have -that- much weight to throw around. She's essentially Korea's foremost linguistics expert, so I've been told, so the recommendation would look good anywhere.

I'm so new to all of this, let alone the possibility of the university route, as most of my research is on hagwons and EPIK schools. However, I do know that I would like to consider the possibility of getting an M.A. in TESOL, Linguistics, or English. Would it be ridiculous to get an English Master's in Korea, considering that I already speak English? Has anyone done this or known anyone who has done it? Would my intention to also work on a Master's degree help my chances as well?

[languistic]

[hogwonguy1979]

if you land anything at a univ in seoul besides a unigwon job teaching non-credit courses fresh out of college no matter what i'd say you either bribed or slept your way to that position. i dont care if you're the reincarnation of jaime esclante a freshly minted ba would never get a gig like your talking about.

do your time in a ps or hogwon or get an ma tesol then we'll talk

[RMNC]

Hilarity.

[CtotheB]

Haha, well my teacher is pretty decent looking for a 40-something... *snaps out of it* but regardless, I'm gonna teach whomever I do end up teaching English AND Calculus just to show everyone that I am, in fact, Edward James Olmos.

At least it's good to know that I have more options to consider now. I'll let you guys know how this all pans out when I find out more info on how she can pull strings for me, in lieu of me pulling something of hers...

[PatrickGHBusan]

While its doubtful just her word carries enought weight to get you hired at SNU in one of the better position, networking can put you on the fast track.

She have meant find you a position at SNU's Unigwon (language centre). SNU has hiring standards for its positions and hires need to be approved by more than one professor. With a BA and basically one year of tutoring experience, technically, your application would head straight to the reject pile at SNU.

A lot of strings would need to be pulled for something else to happen. The University also has an image to maintain and who it hires is part of that.

Still, a job at SNU's language centre is not a bad start.

If you do land a good university position at SNU, good for you but I hope you are ready to do a good job and deal with colleagues who will wonder what the hell a BA holder with next to no experience is doing in a department full of MA holders or very experienced BA holders....