Korean Job Discussion Forums

[flash viego]

As a 42 year old when I'll be ready to start in late Aug, early Sept., I know things are going to be tough. I don't have the money for the TESOL cert. right now, so I was planning on trying for a Hagwon job. I know I can make a good video, I look younger, and I am a good speaker etc.

Here's my concern. I am figuring that most recent college grads, or at least those way younger than me, will not be taking the new required certification course for public schools. Instead, they will be forced to seek Hagwon jobs, thus flooding that market.

I'm wondering if I absolutely am going to need to get the certification to get any job at all.

I was planning on getting CELTA after my first year.

I have a BA in sociology, tons of experience with kids, but had bad grades in college many years ago.

I will probably have to sleep in my car to afford the Cert course(seriously). If that's the difference between me getting a job, and not, I will do that.

Please help with any advice.

CHEERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>

[JustinC]

Flash, there are some jobs (not in Korea) that will allow you to do a TEFL qualification while working as a teacher. I'm not going to name any as I'm not affiliated.

Myself, I worked in China for a year to build experience and savings, then did a four week in house course (you can do a cheaper course online but the accredited one is accepted in many more countries). I found having the full-time course (with 130 hours training) opens many doors that would be otherwise closed to me. I can apply for better jobs and work in better environments than if I'd just a degree.

Or do the cheaper online course which is accepted by Public Schools (although that's subject to change), then the full course later.

[edwardcatflap]

If you plan on making TEFL a career I would get a hagwan job in the evening then do the CELTA part time in Korea. You can do it in the mornings and on Saturdays and fund it by going to work in the evenings.

[flash viego]

But, will it be possible to get a decent Hagwan job with a big rush of people who would have previously been eligible for Public school jobs?

[Whistleblower]

Back in 2005, I went to Korea with just a degree and no certificate and experience. I ended up with a mom and pops hagwon but the job was pretty basic and not really respected. I decided after a year to do a CELTA at the BC in Seoul for four weeks. Best decision of my life.

Do a year with a hagwon, save your cash and put your bonus into the cost of the course. Then you can look for a job while you are in Korea. Perhaps take unpaid leave with your hagwon (if you have good rapport with them) and then return after your course. Work for another 12 months, collect your bonus and then move on to a bigger and better job.

There are numerous institutes who only hire those teachers with a certificate and they are pretty competitive. You will have a good chance if you hold the CELTA.

[flash viego]

Thats the plan. I'm thinking after a year, head to Thailand for the CELTA course, then back to Korea. I'm just worried that even Hagwan jobs will be tough to get in September. Are there that many that I shouldn't be worried?