Korean Job Discussion Forums

bbrickner · Joined: 14 Oct 2013

I am aiming to go to South Korea to teach English for a year sometime in late 2014. I have my B.A. in History and a Masters of Arts in Teaching and I hold two Certificates of Eligibility with Advanced Standing to teach Elementary (K-5) and Secondary Social Studies (K-12) in New Jersey. I am currently working as a long-term substitute and expect to gain a year's experience doing so. I also taught English in China for seven weeks this past summer (through the CSETC program). With that said, I am unsure if this is adequate in terms of being eligible for a public school (I hear they are better than private) position in Korea. I have been looking at listings on a number of websites and they list TEFL or CELTA certification as a pre-requisite and some state "or a degree in Education". Would I be at more of a disadvantage if I do not get one of the aforementioned certifications in a job search in South Korea, or are my degrees and experience sufficient?

Ocalmy · Joined: 18 Oct 2011

If you'd done just a little more research you would have discovered that you're far more qualified than most and should have no trouble finding a job at a public school in Korea. With creds like that, why settle for public school? Unless you're looking for a break... Also, if your long term goal is getting a full time position in a school in New Jersey, I'm not sure how much teaching ESL in Korea will help with that. Have you considered aiming higher? International schools, perhaps?

andrewchon · Posted: Tue Oct 15, 2013 5:38 pm Post subject:

He says he's got less than a year of experience. In his mindset, that rules out international schools. No use aiming higher if he ain't gonna be comfortable. He prefers to be over-qualified at his job. Nothing wrong with that. Ashton Kutcher said so in his viral video. Then again, he said that after he was done bumping uglies with G.I. Jane, he could be suffering from PTSD. Cool

augustine · Joined: 08 Sep 2012 Location: México

Take it easy on the guy, he's from New Jersey.

bbrickner · Joined: 14 Oct 2013

OneWayTraffic · Joined: 14 Mar 2005

I'd still have a crack at the various International schools. You stand a decent chance, and it's better on the pocket, and the resume. Same cultural experience, what's not to like?

Ballerina2012 · Joined: 17 Jan 2012

I teach at an international school, and did not have two years of experience when hired. I did not have a MAT either. I have an MAT now, but not when hired. Look on http://www.tieonline.com/. You have to join, but it's worth it. Good luck.

World Traveler · Joined: 29 May 2009

Is it a true international school? I ask because most "international schools" in Korea really are not. What is your compensation package like?