Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Soldier]

Hello everyone,

I am pushing 45, even though I look much younger; and I am considering teaching abroad in Korea.

I taught in SK 7 years ago, from 01-05. I have my degree, and now working on a 100hr TESOL course facilitated by Oxford Learning.

What are my chances for teaching there? I would prefer secondary school, university, or adults.

I would appreciate an honest response.

Cheers

[Soldier]

Ok, I've been watching this topic for that last three hours, and there is no one willing to answer this question, many readers, no replies. I noticed posts written after mine receive these. I can't help but notice that there is no one out there capable of posting an intelligent and informative answer my post. I can only guess that there can't be any teachers older than 35. Please correct me if I am wrong.

[hubbahubba]

here's a tip--try the search function--or just scroll through the last 10 or so pages of this board. This topic has been beaten to death recently--good luck!

[ttompatz]

[Soldier]

ttompatz: understood. Regarding university students, is it a compulsary requirement to have a master's or PhD? I remember that a bachelors with a couple years experience sufficed.

I see my chances of teaching HS must be very limited.

Regarding adults...you advised me that getting work in an adult hogwan is the same as before, is that good, so-so, or bad? It's been awhile.

Overall, do I asume correct that there are enough jobs for everyone with a degree?

hubbababba: a little less condescension please....reflects poorly on personality....I've been on many a debate team and won most times...so unless you want to go one one on and make a fool of yourself....stay professional.....any idiot can flame...it takes a real man or woman to answer question directly....furthermore, I don't see a link....how do I know that this topic has been talked much before?.....A good teacher always provides references if they want to answer a question in this manner....remember, this is my first time on the board and I don't believe everything I read. Also, I don't see a sticky here on this part of the board. I like current info, not outdated info and I like to get it quickly with little hassle.


Is there anyone else out that that wishes to comment on this subject? I am looking for an honest picture.

[schwa]

I was 46 when I started here but that was a few years ago.

My first gig was at a hagwon. My daily schedule had me starting with elementary tykes but progressing up through middle schoolers & ending with adults. It was a nice mix. Me too, I prefer older students, but the little ones were a fun challenge. There are lots of academies run along those lines & many are open to older hires.

I'm in a public middle & high school now but I got in when almost any applicant could get placed. Theres been a definite selection bias towards younger teachers in recent years though. Public school hiring numbers are phasing down now & high school jobs are getting scarcer, but you could luck onto one that does direct hire (ie outside a govt program).

Some adult hagwons might view your age favorably, but tough split shifts seem to be the norm. Realistically your only hope of a university job would be a third or fourth-tier campus in the boonies teaching remedial english.

If I were in your boots today I'd probably still target a mixed-ages hagwon & try to establish a good rep & local contacts with an eye to upgrading from there.

[Soldier]

Good evening Schwa,

Thank you sincerely for your value added insights, without them, I would still be pondering on my expectations in teaching.

Once again, thanks for making this happen.

Soldier

[PatrickGHBusan]

As stated before, your best chance resides with adult hakwons as many will value your age and experience.

You have Korean experience and that will help in many ways, not the least of which being that an employer will view you as a safer bet as you already lived in Korea.

Make sure you have ALL the documents IN HAND before you start applying. Also, requirements have changed since you last were in Korea and now you are required to take a criminal background check (national sometimes) and produced a few other official documents. A good bet would be to consult the kimmi site or an Embassy/Consulate website in the visa section.


One tiny little point however, it would be wise not to climb up on the soapbox to call someone else condescending when in your second post of the thread you wrote: I can't help but notice that there is no one out there capable of posting an intelligent and informative answer my post.

Do you know which city you will be looking to work in? Do you prefer a more rural setting or a smaller town?

Best of luck to you and I do not see why you would not secure a job.

[Soldier]

Good evening PatrickGHBusan,

Many sincere thanks for your advice. I will check out the regulations, law and requirements and the process with the Embassy?Consulate.

You are right about the soapbox, it's too easy to do this, something that much be avoided at all times.

I have no preference as to what city or town, however I could get to Seoul or any other city, any weekend. Thank you for the well wishes.

Cheers,

Soldier

[ajuma]

Soldier: Do you know ANYONE who is working in Korea? As in most places, it's not WHAT you know but WHO you know. If you have any friends who are still here, contact them to see what they can come up with.

[Julius]

If you reveal a bit more about yourself then we'd be more able to advise you.

1) What's your nationality?
2) Are you single/ married?
3) Whats your ethnicity?
4) Do you have favourable teaching references?
5) Do you have grey hair, are you bald?
6) Do you have all the required documents up to date and available?

[Soldier]

1) Canadian
2) Relevance?
3) Relevance?
4) Yes
5) No, very little to none, no
6) Not difficult to scare up.

[Julius]

[BankOfRC]

[litebear]