Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Voyeur]

I've been investigating the different career possibilities for overseas teaching. While there are some other niche trajectories, there do seem to be two major long-term career paths: teaching at international schools and ESL teaching at a university. I'd like to invite comments discussing the pros and cons of these two paths, though comments on other paths are also welcome.

In particular, I am interested in looking at these career paths from the point of view of someone interested in making a life of overseas teaching. So we need to consider the later years--the 50s and 60s--and what each path means for your long-term job security.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS

This path requires teacher certification in one of the major English-speaking countries. Ultimately, you probably need a Masters. There seems to be more stability longer term, as you can eventually settle down at a good school and become a fixture there. However, it also seems to be extremely competitive, and it takes quite a while to get to the good schools. Also, while the holidays are longer, the working hours are also longer when you are not on holiday--and the job seems more difficult as well, with extracurricular responsibilities, etc. Salaries are higher than the ESL track, on average, though.

ESL at a UNIVERSITY

From what I have seen and read, by the time you get into your fifties you probably need to get to a university (with the exception of some rather rare and more exotic options). Feel free to correct me if I am wrong, of course.

To feel secure in your ESL job, you probably need a relevant MA and a DELTA (with a CELTA or TEFL cert earlier). The big question is whether you will need to get a PhD, and do research, publish, attend conferences and network. Many have suggested that these are to your benefit now, and may be required in the job market of the future.

I'm quite curious what advantages this track has over the certified teacher path. The education requirements are just as great--and if you need the PhD, they are significantly greater. Furthermore, contracts are shorter and salaries lower. On the plus side, the job seems easier than international school teaching, and you get to teach university students (which may be a major factor for some). Finally, it seems less competitive as there are likely more decent university posts than decent international school jobs. And these jobs are probably being chased by less qualified applicants.

I invite any and all comments; people on these boards have been really helpful so far.

[Nick Adams]

Most of the international schools in Korea are in name only; there are five or so real international schools.

International school teaching is a viable lifelong career. I am 37, earned a Masters of Education degree while teaching at an international school in Korea, and am going to finish certification in a third content area this summer. I've moved on from Korea into a much better position professionally and financially (but miss Korea). I make enough that I could fully support my wife if needed, but she works too.

I usually work 50 to 60 hours per week, and often study or tutor on top of that. I wasn't born a Type A personality, but international teaching is shaping me into one year by year. Outside of teaching duties, expect coaching or advising student activities, lots of meetings and e-mails, constant professional development, yada yada yada. But, basically, it's worth it. A major advantage is being part of a close-knit community of educated, motivated, healthy people who are mostly professional (but also know how to enjoy life) and are open to living in the world.

There are thousands of international schools worldwide. It is a growing industry with strong fundamentals. I've been teaching at international schools for eight years and am in better shape in most ways than I would be if I had continued teaching in the States. International schools give you the flexibility of getting out of Korea. Many of the better international schools are in the major Asian cities (many, not all) so if you can see yourself living long-term in Asia (and perhaps the Middle East), international school teaching could be a good choice. There are international schools in South America, but the pay is usually low, with a few exceptions. There are international schools in many European countries which seem to pay well at first glance, but the savings potential is poor due to high tax rates, needing to pay for housing, and higher daily living expenses.

I don't know much about teaching at universities in Korea, but always perceived it as a step up from hagwon or public school teaching due to the additional free time and holidays that some positions come with. Teaching at a real, legit international school is more like seven steps up from teaching at a hagwon.

If you don't want to teach your whole life you could look into filling one of the niche roles most international schools have: counselor, activities coordinator, librarian, vice principal, etc.

Pay $20 to register at http://www.tieonline.com/ and read the archives of monthly newsletters. The recruiting season begins around November for the following August. You must have a teaching license (usually from Canada or America); TOEFL certifications are not considered. Register with Search Associates or International School Services to gain access to their databases in the fall once you have certification.

Search my username for some older posts.

[Voyeur]

Thanks so much for the info. Nick.

I was under the impression that total teacher workload at International Schools was a bit lower than it was back home. Is your workload (50-60 hours a week when class is in session) typical of the industry? Perhaps my impression was wrong.

[Nick Adams]

Total teaching hours international are less but there are more meetings, staff development, and student activities or sports.

[ewlandon]

Nick, how did you earn your masters while teaching in Korea? Did you do it online or at a school in Korea?

I am interested in earning a masters to take my ESL to the next level but I don't really want to quit working. Any insight is appreciated, I currently work at a hogwon in seoul and enjoy it but would like to eventually get a better gig.

[Nick Adams]

Framingham State College had a cohort of teachers meeting at my school for many years in a row. My group was mostly teachers from my school, but once in awhile someone from outside the school joined us. I think there was a second group meeting in central Seoul that were mostly public school teachers.

State University of New York aka SUNY Buffalo has M.A. options at many international schools all over Asia. It will probably be easier to find info about this school.

University of Washington, Seattle has some hybrid online plus summer programs fs a better school but more expensive.

There are other options but it takes some time to pull info. Might check U.C. Riverside and UCLA.