Korean Job Discussion Forums

[seyz]

Hey everyone.

I just had a quick question. I am currently applying to PhD programs in the US and Canada. As a backup plan I was hoping to go to South Korea, teach English, work on my language skills, and reapply next year (my area is Korean Studies). However, I was wondering if it�d be possible or worth it to do a PhD in Korea from say SNU or something like that? I have known some professors who have done PhDs in Hong Kong or Japan or something like that and was wondering if it�d be worth it to do such in South Korea? My overall goal is to end up in academia.

Thanks for the feedback!

[Hugo85]

It's definitely possible. Considering your field of study I'd say it's worth it considering Korean studies is about... well... Korea. Having a PhD in the culture of a country you've hardly been to doesn't seem that swell. That said, publications are the essence of the matter. A long list of international journal publications is a justification for everything.

That said, I would seriously consider how many openings are available for Korean Studies PhD back home and I'd look more into what kind of qualifications are required. I'd be most worried about getting a job at all.

[seyz]

Thanks for the input. Would it be advisable though? As far as where I would work/live I am relatively flexible, so long as I am doing something I like doing. My topic is more of an Anthropological Korean Studies type project so I definitely think it would be good to work on the project in Korea.

However, I have heard elsewhere that it is much better to get a PhD from any American or Western uni compared to a Korean one because of the overall education quality. Though as you said publications and building a strong resume would probably overcome all else.

[dongjak]

I am currently in a PhD program in a Korean university, I am not a Korean studies major but I am in the Graduate School for International Area Studies. If you have any questions, please feel free to pm me.

[Swampfox10mm]

Just an FYI... Our univ. trash-cans all Korean Ph.D resumes when hiring Korean teachers. Not sure if this would apply to foreigners.

[diver]

[Malislamusrex]

Depends what university. I work at a university and my co-workers said. Don't bother getting a PhD from Korea unless you get one from one of these places.

[seyz]

Thanks for the input. I was hoping to get a PhD from a top university (if I did). I know some professors have faired well in the job market from Japanese universities, but I haven't heard of any from Korean universities doing so. Does anyone know of any?

Also if anyone has any better advice please feel free to input.

[rainman3277]

If you are wanting a top uni. keep in mind, internationally no school in Korea cracks the top 50 in uni. rankings so outside of Korea the reputation of the school will have little significance. My friend did his M.A. at university of Hong Kong which is a top ten school and just a 2 hour flight to K-town

[rainman3277]

[figshdg]

[Swampfox10mm]

[rainman3277]

[seyz]

Well where are PhD's likely to get jobs? In Korea at universities? In Korea doing other things? In other countries at universities? Can anyone provide any input on this?

[Hugo85]