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nimrand
Joined: 02 Mar 2013
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 Posted: Sun Mar 03, 2013 9:24 am Post subject: Best Strategy To Secure A Job |
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So, I've decided to take a hiatus from my current career to live abroad for a couple of years and teach English in Korea (and/or Japan) starting in September. I'm 31 years old, have a degree in Computer Science from Kansas State University, good communication skills, and an excellent academic and professional record. I have experience working with youth 6th - 12th grade through regional youth ministry programs that I was involved in for six years, but no direct teaching experience other than some tutoring I did in high school.
I submitted an application to gone2korea two weeks ago and got back a rejection email saying they would have a difficult time meeting my requests given my credentials, highlighting my preference for Gyeonggi and the fact that I have a cat (though I clearly stated I could find other arrangements if it meant the difference of finding a placement and not). They recommended that I apply to GEPIK, which appearantly they don't recruit for anymore. I was a little taken off gaurd that I dind't even make it to an interview, given that I was under the impression that they were one of the larger recruiting agencies, but I digress.
So, now I'm wondering what my best strategy for securing a job will be. I've signed up for an online 100-hour TESOL course so that I can shore up my credentials a bit (which I was planning to do at a minimum before September anyway, but now seems more urgent). I could have it finished in a month if I really push it.
I know that applying early matters a lot, so I'm wondering if I should apply now to as many recruiters I can find, or wait a month until I have my TESOL certificate in hand?
Also, is it likely to be able to five a job in Gyeonggi Do, private or public? I've read that GEPIK has had a lot of cutbacks. Basically my location preferences would be a medium city (or someplace urban but with easy access to open spaces like hiking trails, for instance) near Seoul. Daegu and Daejeon sound like good options, too. I'm just trying to figure out, given all these talks of cutbacks and the fact that I'm at the minimum, credentials-wise, how much I need to be prepared to comprimise in terms of my location preferences. |
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ttompatz
Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Location: Kwangju, South Korea
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| Posted: Sun Mar 03, 2013 9:42 am Post subject: |
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You've got nothing to offer that the next fresh face doesn't have (the basic minimum - a degree and a pulse).
You have nothing to bargain with (no TEFL, no practicum and no classroom experience) and no leverage because of it.
Applying early means nothing. TEFL jobs are advertised from as long as 90 days out to as soon as ASAP (can you be on the plane tomorrow).
A 100 hour TEFL course without some classroom component won't get you a PS job anymore. Within your 100 hour TEFL course, 20 hours of classroom time / practicum is now the suggested minimum to even be considered. Make that 60 hours if you want to work in Busan.
With the current glut of US applicants you should take what you can get
(please do observe due diligence to ensure that the employer is at least reasonable and not just take the 1st contract offered)
to get some experience and then you can move up for your 2nd contract once you figure out which way is up.
Taking a crap job with the intention of moving onward/upward when you find something better is NOT a viable option. Sign for a year and you may well be stuck for a year (either work under your contract or leave Korea).
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nimrand
Joined: 02 Mar 2013
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| Posted: Sun Mar 03, 2013 11:00 am Post subject: |
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Thanks for the advice. There's a lot of conflicting and out of date information on the web, so it's nice to get some direct feedback.
The online course I'm taking doesn't offer a practicum, but I have seen some options for a 20 hour practicum courses available nearby that I might be able to supplement it with (I'm not sure it officially counts if its not part of the same program). I'll will probably do it even if it doesn't help me get the job. The earliest I could do it would be April, though. Would it still be possible to get a PS job, or would that be too late? |
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ttompatz
Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Location: Kwangju, South Korea
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| Posted: Sun Mar 03, 2013 2:37 pm Post subject: |
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Should be OK for a fall start job in a PS.
IF not then it will give you what you need for a decent job in China, Taiwan, or Thailand with a similar lifestyle and savings potential.
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edwardcatflap
Joined: 22 Mar 2009
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| Posted: Sun Mar 03, 2013 11:13 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
A 100 hour TEFL course without some classroom component won't get you a PS job anymore. Within your 100 hour TEFL course, 20 hours of classroom time / practicum is now the suggested minimum to even be considered. Make that 60 hours if you want to work in Busan.
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Hi Ttompatz
Do you have a link to an official website that says this? I can't find one |
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ttompatz
Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Location: Kwangju, South Korea
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| Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 2:38 am Post subject: |
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http://www.epik.go.kr/
what's new
bulletin 234 - dated 2012-08-01.
| EPIK wrote: |
In recent terms, the application process has gradually become more competitive. At this point, it is almost impossible for level 3 applicants to secure a position with the EPIK program. As such, the most common way for level 3 applicants to increase their qualifications would be to enroll in a TEFL or TESOL course.
Currently, we accept a minimum 100 hour TEFL or TESOL certificate as a qualification criteria for level 2 or higher pay grade, regardless of how the course was taken. However, starting from the Fall 2013 term, when we recommend candidates to the POE/MOEs we will give a priority to the applicants possessing a minimum 100 hour TEFL or TESOL with at least a 20 hour offline, in-class component, as opposed to those who only completed a strictly online course. We strongly advise you to take the TEFL or TESOL programs including at least a 20 hour offline, in-class component. However, Busan will only acknowledge TESOL/TEFL certificates that contain at least a 60 hour offline, in-class component. This decision was made to meet requests from the POE/MOEs and schools who wish to have the most qualified Guest English Teachers possible. |
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edwardcatflap
Joined: 22 Mar 2009
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| Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 5:46 am Post subject: |
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F5Waeg
Joined: 25 Oct 2010
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| Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 7:42 am Post subject: |
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| Don't be this guy |
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nimrand
Joined: 02 Mar 2013
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| Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 11:29 am Post subject: |
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Wow. That's just sad. But, if he was all my competition had to offer, it would make sure make things a lot simpler. 
I have one question about EPIK. My only concern with applying to EPIK is that you don't really know where you'll be going. I'm not very clear about how the process works. If I managed to get the applicable credentials and accepted into the program, would I still have an opportunity to back out if I find out they're assigning me to the most remote, isolated corner of South Korea? I've read that they don't tell you where you're being assigned until you show up in Korea for orientation. But, that was from a very old post, so I don't know if they still do things that way or not. |
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ttompatz
Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Location: Kwangju, South Korea
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| Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 3:05 pm Post subject: |
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| nimrand wrote: |
Wow. That's just sad. But, if he was all my competition had to offer, it would make sure make things a lot simpler.
I have one question about EPIK. My only concern with applying to EPIK is that you don't really know where you'll be going. I'm not very clear about how the process works. If I managed to get the applicable credentials and accepted into the program, would I still have an opportunity to back out if I find out they're assigning me to the most remote, isolated corner of South Korea? I've read that they don't tell you where you're being assigned until you show up in Korea for orientation. But, that was from a very old post, so I don't know if they still do things that way or not. |
In a country that is 300 miles long, 300 miles wide, has 44 million people squeezed into it, has gigabyte broadband everywhere and has one of the best public transportation systems on the planet, how remote do you think you can get.
If you want to be sure to be within an hour of central Seoul then get a job with GEPIK (Gyeonggi province is the one that surrounds Seoul).
IF you get a job with EPIK you will still be within an hour of a major city somewhere in the country.
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earthquakez
Joined: 10 Nov 2010
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| Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 3:26 pm Post subject: Re: Best Strategy To Secure A Job |
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| nimrand wrote: |
So, I've decided to take a hiatus from my current career to live abroad for a couple of years and teach English in Korea (and/or Japan) starting in September. I'm 31 years old, have a degree in Computer Science from Kansas State University, good communication skills, and an excellent academic and professional record. I have experience working with youth 6th - 12th grade through regional youth ministry programs that I was involved in for six years, but no direct teaching experience other than some tutoring I did in high school.
I submitted an application to gone2korea two weeks ago and got back a rejection email saying they would have a difficult time meeting my requests given my credentials, highlighting my preference for Gyeonggi and the fact that I have a cat (though I clearly stated I could find other arrangements if it meant the difference of finding a placement and not). They recommended that I apply to GEPIK, which appearantly they don't recruit for anymore. I was a little taken off gaurd that I dind't even make it to an interview, given that I was under the impression that they were one of the larger recruiting agencies, but I digress.
So, now I'm wondering what my best strategy for securing a job will be. I've signed up for an online 100-hour TESOL course so that I can shore up my credentials a bit (which I was planning to do at a minimum before September anyway, but now seems more urgent). I could have it finished in a month if I really push it.
I know that applying early matters a lot, so I'm wondering if I should apply now to as many recruiters I can find, or wait a month until I have my TESOL certificate in hand?
Also, is it likely to be able to five a job in Gyeonggi Do, private or public? I've read that GEPIK has had a lot of cutbacks. Basically my location preferences would be a medium city (or someplace urban but with easy access to open spaces like hiking trails, for instance) near Seoul. Daegu and Daejeon sound like good options, too. I'm just trying to figure out, given all these talks of cutbacks and the fact that I'm at the minimum, credentials-wise, how much I need to be prepared to comprimise in terms of my location preferences. |
Public schools and hagwons are now starting to give preference to people with English majors. The fact that you have a degree in Computing Science doesn't mean much anymore. Personally I'd regard that kind of degree as pants for teaching English anywhere in the world.
Don't get offended, that's just Brit slang and I've worked in my home country the UK, France, Taiwan, Australia, Japan and Korea. All in jobs that were focused around English.
It seems to me that you'd be a better candidate for a job than some of the people who come here with BAs but on paper it doesn't look good having your background.
The online course is a good idea - it will boost your chances because nowadays employers are looking for an English oriented degree although oddly enough most are still making stupid decisions like recruiting graduates who've never been near a job that requires English language skills, good interpersonal skills etc.
As far as location goes, be flexible. But there are places in Korea I'd never work and these include down in Jeolla Province - Yeosu, Mokpo, Suncheon - and those in areas like Paju which is near the DMZ (not far from Nth Korea), and northern Gyeonggi Province or in Pohang, an eastern province.
I had friends who lived in Jeolla and in Northern Gyonggi and not one of them is still in Korea. They found it sucked to lack the things people in other parts of Korea take for granted, like services for native speaking English teachers (we do pay taxes, after all), locals who don't gape at you daily the same way after seeing you daily for a year or more, English bookstores and just the normal things of life that make it comfortable. Do you really want to live down in Jeolla and be 3 to 3 and a half hrs by express train from Seoul?
Japan - forget about it. Not being rude here, believe me many people who worked in Japan before and have great cvs would love to go back there. But even they can't get hired anymore. The Japan market has been flooded for about a decade, really.
The problems for you are - too many native English speakers in Japan who are allowed to live there on 3 yr visas (unlike Korea that sends Koreans everywhere but doesn't want us here on more than year to year contracts if we're not married to a Korean) w/out marrying a local, a much tighter job market that swings wildly from inexperienced people hired from abroad to work for exploitative chain schools to much more retrictive hiring practices at private English schools including demanding MAs. No English conversation school in Japan should demand an MA, believe me.
Based on my knowledge I'd say you'd have no chance in Japan with a Computing Science degree, no matter how good your written and spoken English is. I'm looking at China and I'll probably go and ride the wave there before the market gets flooded.
I'd recommend you go for China, there are enough websites on the net with jobs in China if you google. Here's one that has a lot of jobs and it's the last time I'll mention it as I don't want people to think I've got anything to do with it. I don't - it's just a good website for jobs in China. www.rong-chang.com |
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nimrand
Joined: 02 Mar 2013
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| Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 7:06 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for the thurough feedback, earthquakez. I knew I'd be be at a disadvantage finding a job given my degree. But, I know of others like me who have done it and proven to be good teachers. Still, it seems the market has gotten a lot tighter than I'd realized.
As for the list of places to stay clear form, that's very valuable! I'm willing to consider anywhere in Korea, really, so long as I can research a bit and find out what I'm getting myself into. I'll definately keep what you said in mind. |
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