Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Jeweltone]

Hello everyone.

The ESL "industry" in America, particularly California, is falling to pieces (thanks Gov. Brown!), so I am seriously considering returning to "the scene of the crime" where I discovered my love of ESL teaching. I am still searching locally, but I am also considering going international again - trying to figure out the "new" (to me) E2 requirements.

I am well-qualified (MA English, TESOL professional certificate from UC) for uni jobs in Korea, and I am now teaching at a small, Asian-run graduate school right now (and watching my hours reduced from 30 to 12 due to the school's restructuring). In fact, I did teach at unis for over a year in Korea. Check my post history if you want to hear my tale.

The problem? I left an awesome uni gig in Korea two weeks before finals in 2007 due to an extremely dangerous medical crisis, that, had I stayed in Korea, would have killed me due to continuous misdiagnosis by Korean doctors. I am better now - it took a Stanford and Harvard-educated doc to figure out what was going on - but the crisis left some permanent damage. It is perfectly well-managed by the off-use of a common prescription medication, and I have been given clearance by my docs to go back overseas (as long as it is not to a third-world country.)

Here are my questions:
1. Is there any special benefit to working at unis in Korea now, as compared to 2007? Korea/Korean students seem to be my destiny, as I have only been able to get work in America...for Korean and Chinese "bosses."

2. Has anyone successfully rebounded from a situation that "looked bad" in Korea? Does anyone at Immi keep records from that long ago?

3. Can anybody give me the name of a good GI doctor who doesn't over-medicate (which sent me into the health disaster)? I have heard through the Korean grapevine here in America that there is an excellent English-speaking GI in Korea, but I don't have a name.

Thanks for any help you can give.

[Scorpion]

[hogwonguy1979]

why come back to Korea? you're qualified for far better paying jobs in the middle east.

Univ market here has been going downhill fast, lots of competition, teaching hours have increased, demands of admin (such as teaching conv and essay writing in the same one semester class) have gotten more, pay has stagnated. only thing that keeps people here is the vacations and those are getting cut

[Weigookin74]

What he just said, plus even more looks and age discrimination. Different breed of foriegners here. Younger ones really outnumber the older ones much more than before. Use to be more mixed. The place has a very different feel. In some ways good and in some ways bad. If memory is giving you positive nostalgia, you'll be both amazed and disappointed when arriving. Simply put, I've noticed changes over the past several years. Many long timers can probably point out things too.

[Jeweltone]

I had both good and bad experiences in Korea. As I said, I am still working for Koreans (indirectly), but for low wages, no benefits, and crappy hours in the good ol' USA. CA community colleges are getting a smackdown by the government, and it is next to impossible to get tenure anywhere. The US goverment claims they need ESL teachers, but I don't see it anywhere. I am also applying for ELF, though.

If I am going to be treated like this, I may as well get paid for it.

I am still keeping options open in the USA - I have been presenting at TESOL conferences, for example - but I need to consider other options also. I am also applying for everything I remotely qualify for. The Chinese headhunters have also been calling...

The middle east is not even on my radar, as females get abused even worse by the system there, especially the single over 30 teachers.

I am 37 years old now, btw - not old, not young, but still energetic - my students inspire me everyday by their enthusiasm. The age doesn't bother mee too much; if any 20 something whippersnapper can keep up with me, he or she is welcome to try!

[Waygeek]

[augustine]

[Waygeek]

[Scorpion]

Sorry, but I've never visited a first world country where I can smell the sewers. In Korea the stench is inescapable during the summer. Not something one has to endure in first world countries, but a pretty common thing in the third world.

Korea, you've got a ways to go yet!

[Waygeek]

[jjajangmyun]

[sirius black]

1. Uni gigs are still on average the better gigs.
2. 6 years is long enough all is forgiven. I think, not 100 percent sure but there is a 2 year wait before you can come back after a runner.
3. No idea. You may want to see if your American medical people have any referrals or even find Korean American doctors who may have info about GIs in Korea.

My guess is you'll be fine workwise. In terms of social conditions, there has been a few changes. Its up to you and how you are as a person to determine if the Koera of 2013 is your taste. My guess is you'll be okay. Lilke some things, not others. Medical issues aside, you're worryiing too much.

[Scorpion]

[No_hite_pls]

[Smithington]