Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jevile219]

I'm curious about the application process, as well as the good and bad from those that are currently teaching at a uni.

I taught at a hagwon for one year and will finish my MA outside of Korea this summer, and I'm thinking of returning to Korea to teach at a uni. I hear it's best to apply in person, and I haven't seen many job postings to reply to. I'll be visiting Korea this winter break. Should I do some walk-in applying while there for next fall? I don't have my MA in hand obviously, but how can I apply for next fall when I don't graduate until this summer. Is there a way for me to do some preliminary applying this winter for next fall?

And, for those who are currently teaching at uni's, how do you like it? From what I understand, the hours are much better, but the pay isn't much improved from hagwons. Other pluses and negatives worth considering?

And in case it matters, I'm looking to teach in Seoul at the best university I can get hired at.

Thanks for any and all advice.

[Swampfox10mm]

Love it. Been here years.

As for the application process... scan the ads well in advance and apply. Easy peasy... BUT YOU MUST INCLUDE ALL DOCUMENTS THEY ASK FOR. If you don't, your resume will likely end up in the trash. Your photo absolutely MUST be professional, wearing a suit coat and tie (guys) and be passport-sized in color. NOT something cheap from a subway photo booth. A simple 15,000 won photo set from a Fuji or Kodak store on the street will do.

If you get a call, you will probably have an interview or two, including a demo lesson, if you make it that far (our school). They usually choose about 10 to 20 people to come in and interview in front of a panel. They they throw out half and interview them a 2nd time, and so on.

My job is kind of odd. My schedule is 3 classes on Monday, two on Tuesday, one on Wednesday, and one on Thursday. I have Friday's off. I have about 15 hours of class this semester, but usually teach 17 or so per week. Most classes are 2 hours, but I have one 3-hour class of Sophs and Juniors. I tend to hang around on campus for many more hours than I teach. I like to visit with teachers, coworkers, and students. I give my students my phone number and tell them to call anytime during the day and I'll meet them if I can. I probably triple my required office hours, even if I'm doing nothing but surfing (although I've recently become motivated to require students to visit me so I can force them to speak more).

My office is private, and larger than some NET housing I've seen. It has a sink, and came with some furniture and a computer. I've been here long enough to keep my own (newbies share offices), although my office is actually a smidge smaller than most here, because of random location in the building. This is extremely rare. My former coworker just left for a Ph.D. job at a top 3 school and he shares a desk in a large room filled with other people. No private office. I've been here a while, so I'm making about 3.0 plus a housing stipend of 300,000. Basically, I wouldn't bother to go to another school of ANY rank unless it paid at least 500,000 won more per month base (or I lost my job here). Just having the office is like getting a free 2nd apartment (there's a shower in the bathroom below me). I store so much stuff in here from our old place, it looks like an apartment, too. If I ever lose this job, I'm going to have to sell-off a boatload of stuff.

I like my boss, and everyone here. I just wish my university in Korea included a Star Trek-like transporter beam so that I could live some days back in the USA. After 10 years, I really miss my family, but I love this job.

[Feloria]

I agree with the above poster.
I used to work at a pretty well known adult hakwon, and compared to that--working at a uni is a piece of cake!
I work 20 hours a week and have 10-12 weeks of paid vacation a year.
I teach primarily Freshmen English, along with a sophomore writing class.
The only thing I am finding difficult to get used to is all the extra free time!
I was working anywhere from 6-8 hours a day at my previous job with split shifts; now the longest workday I have is 5 hours. The other days--2 and 3 hours!
It's definitely worth going for!
Good Luck!

[PatrickGHBusan]

Worked at a University for a few years (left in 2008) and loved it as well.

The application process will vary but what swamp said is on target.

Working at a University was a great experience and I had lots of opportunities to get involved beyond my classes. I was part of various committees for example.

As for your comment on pay, you seem to have missed a key element even if you mentionned it in your own post...

The pay can be close to some Hakwon positions but when you factor in the longer vacation and lower hours its not the same pay at all.

Good luck!