Korean Job Discussion Forums

[globusmonkey]

Hi - I haven't seen this addressed, so I thought I'd ask. I just took a practice TOEFL at my academy and did very well, and have had a few Korean friends tell me that getting a perfect score on the real test is a boost on a resume. They're all hagwon or private tutors, though, and I'm looking to apply to universities this fall (Quals: MA in Teaching English, Lit BA, one year teaching English stateside, one year hagwon in ROK, and helluva nice guy. Y'know, in case anyone can recommend a few schools...).

My question is will forking out the won for the actual test help me get a better uni job, in addition to my credentials, or would it not matter? Thanks for any and all advice!

[Rutherford]

It might help if you're going to be teaching TOEFL classes at a university. I think in most cases it will matter much less than your MA and work experience. Sounds like you're qualified without it.

[PRagic]

Never heard that strategy before. The most successful people I know teaching in university programs have their MAs plus CELTA, DELTA, and some other buzz and whistle certs (pronunciation courses, or the like).

With just the MA you're qualified. From there, though, the competition heats up for the better jobs.

[ttompatz]

[globusmonkey]

Thanks, everybody! I had a feeling it was unnecessary. I do plan on CELTA in a year or two and eventually DELTA, but for now I'm working on getting my foot in the door.