Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ballerina2012]

Hi all,

Looking at the requirements to teach at a uni, I am curious if there are enough applicants with the credentials required? I often look at web sites looking for instructors to teach at Korean uni's and there are a lot of ads. It seems like there are not enough teachers with the required education. I would love to teach at a uni, I have the Master's just not the experience. Seems like a real catch-22.

[World Traveler]

Well, if uni student enrollment is declining (due to the long declining low birthrate), then yes, there are more than enough "qualified" lifers in Korea with a BA and four years of uni experience and/or an online masters degree and two years of uni teaching experience. You're out of luck (and it's unfair as hell).

[globusmonkey]

It depends on what field your Master's is in and what previous experience you have teaching in Korea. From what I hear, it's pretty unusual nowadays to get a job from overseas, but if you have a couple years of Korean experience under your belt and a halfway related degree, you have a decent shot.
Since the market seems to be tightening up, you may have to shoot for rural or smaller universities to get a year or two (two is better) of tertiary experience. You'll probably end up making less than you would in public school or a hagwon, but if you're here for a few more years, it could be worth it down the road. A lot of what you can do later depends on professional development and networking. This industry is just like any other - everybody starts at the bottom (the ceiling is a little lower, though )

[faeriehazel]

I have just heard from a Korean professor in charge of hiring that the new government regulations require 2/4 years at a public institution. So it doesn't have to be at a university; it can be at an elementary/middle/high school, as long as it's not a private institution like a hakwon.

[Ballerina2012]

That's good news.. I am teaching at an international/foreign school now, will be two years after this year. At least there's hope. thanks..