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Korean Job Discussion Forums
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Just2cute89
Joined: 04 Apr 2016
Location: Austin, Tx
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 Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2016 10:28 am Post subject: Weighing Out The Options |
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Hello everyone,
I'm doing more research about different programs and such and I'm wondering if I should start at a hagwon in a larger city, or apply for a public school position through the GOE program. I would prefer the stability of a public school and the warmer weather is nice, but I'm afraid I would be put somewhere extremely rural and / or isolated. This brings me to considering hagwons in larger cities. I like living in larger cities with more to do and see, but I don't need to be somewhere that's as busy and bustling as Seoul. Is the stability at a public school worth taking the chance and being out in the middle of nowhere (I mean somewhere really rural), or should I entertain the thought of a hagwon in a larger city because I know there's more to do. Also, I would like to get to know people and make friends. Which would be the better choice? Any help will be greatly appreciated!
Information about me (in regards to the schools)
- Female
- Black American
- 27 (will be 28 when I graduate)
- BA in psychology with a minor in communication
- in class CELTA certification |
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PRagic
Joined: 24 Feb 2006
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| Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2016 5:50 pm Post subject: |
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Think you need a TESOL cert to qualify for public school positions.
Personally, I'd rather a hagwon gig in a bigger city. If you don't mind teaching kids, you should have your pic. Shoot for about 120 hours a month with a 2.3 salary minimum plus housing (provided or a stipend of at least 300 a month).
Not too much of a difference in weather no matter where you're located. Remember that the entire peninsula is only about the size of Indiana. A bit nicer winters farther south, but, again, still winter...even on Cheju. |
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pmwhittier
Joined: 03 Nov 2011
Location: Korea
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| Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2016 9:14 pm Post subject: Re: Weighing Out The Options |
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| Just2cute89 wrote: |
Hello everyone,
I'm doing more research about different programs and such and I'm wondering if I should start at a hagwon in a larger city, or apply for a public school position through the GOE program. |
Based off of what you've provided, I would apply for hagwon. And I don't know about where you're from, but there are a LOT of large cities in Korea. I'm in the 6th or 7th largest, and it's still 1.2 million people all living on top of each other. No lack of drinking and shopping and eating to do (as that's pretty much all there is to do in Korea, unless you also include church).
The ugly side of Korea is going to show itself because of your skin color, I'm afraid. You may be the best teacher on earth, but many, many, many potential employers are going to take one look at your photo and say, "NO!" Do not let their ignorance discourage you! Keep at it until you find an employer that has crawled out of the middle ages and realizes that any person of any color is capable of doing a great job.
| Quote: |
Information about me (in regards to the schools)
- Female
- Black American
- 27 (will be 28 when I graduate)
- BA in psychology with a minor in communication
- in class CELTA certification |
Public schools (in Korea) are really looking for the TEFL or a valid teaching license from your home state. Most are requiring the 20 hours of in class study as well. The number of positions has dwindled as Presidente Park has cut the budgets (and the economy and etc....). Therefore the competition has increased, and employers can choose from better qualified candidates and offer them less money.
So go hagwon. The American female part will help you get a job. The Black American will slow the process in finding a good job. The 28 years old, psychology major/comm minor, and CELTA won't help or hurt. Good luck!
Edit - Just found this bit from Korvia's website regarding the GOE's requirements & CELTA/TEFL/TESOL:
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| Applicants must have completed or currently be enrolled in a 100-hour or more TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification program with an in-class component of 20 hours or more. Applicants that hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Education do not have to complete a TEFL/TESOL/CELTA course. |
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PRagic
Joined: 24 Feb 2006
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| Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2016 12:40 am Post subject: |
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Very insightful post. And I stand corrected on that. The OP's CELTA will do the trick for public school jobs. As the previous poster suggested, though, there's more competition for fewer of those jobs now, including from those with related degrees and MAs.
The niece of one of my best friends did a year at a hagwon in Seoul on Yoido (a nice, upscale part of Seoul that's centrally located) and had a great experience. Pay was at regular rates and on time, and proximate housing was provided that she quite liked.
Best of luck OP! |
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Just2cute89
Joined: 04 Apr 2016
Location: Austin, Tx
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| Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2016 8:59 am Post subject: |
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| Thanks so much for the advice! I am nervous the door will get slammed in my face a bit because of my skin color, but not enough to make it stop me doing what I want, which is to teach children. I prefer working with smaller kids, which is another reason I was considering a hagwon. I still have a ways to go, when looking for a job, so I have plenty of time to do some research. |
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