Korean Job Discussion Forums

[charlottematt2]

I have done ESL teaching in different parts of the world, have tried to make it a "real job", but have discovered that it is really a fly-by-night industry despite the attempts many have made to make it a viable vocation and industry. This may simply be my personal experience, and not the mirror image of others' ESL experiences of course.

The point is.......once we arrive anywhere in this world as teachers, we quickly realize what the "real deal" is........much different I think then the dream job we pictured in our minds when we first considered taking our BS and heading across the Atlantic or the Pacific.

With all that being said.......can the ESL or teaching thing become the "real deal" for any substantial length of time overseas (Korea specifically)?

Are international schools open to non-certified teachers, or teachers who are certified without much teaching experience? What is the demand like for these positions?

What are the chances of getting a university post without an MA? Are they really that much better and more intellectually challenging?

What about working in industry with a business degree (possibly even an MBA).......is the pay better? Are opportunities in place, or are they typically reserved for the Koreans?

How much money can one realistically save if he or she truly lives frugally and has literally no bills back home?

Can one buy a house if ESL is really his or her thing and wants to make Korea the place he or she stays for a long time? I know it was difficult to purchase property as a foreigner in Thailand.

Will split shifts and weekends always be apart of the ESL "gig"? Can a head teacher position be easily received with more professional life hours?

THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR THE INFORMATION AND ADVICE!

[chronicpride]

You seem to be at the beginning of your information-gathering.

Please start here http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewforum.php?f=7

A tremendous amount of information is available there, for the bevy of first-time questions that you may have.

[OiGirl]

Get a degree in TESOL, get a teaching license, build up a resume, work experience, publications, professional development, and add years of experience to your teaching license. Teaching abroad can be a valuable part of a lifelong career in English teaching.

[kylehawkins2000]

I think it's similar to other careers in many ways. If you're willing to dedicate yourself to it and you're interested in life-long learning and self-improvment you can get into those upper-echleon jobs.

If it's what you want you can make a good career out of teaching overseas. You'll probably find it better working in International Schools but the competition for those jobs is fierce. You'll have to put in the time before you're rewarded with a higher-quality position.

Most International Schools require you to have a BEd and at least 2 years of teaching in public schools in your home country. There are some exceptions to this rule but the higher quality positions have the stricter requirements.

Good luck.

Kyle

[Zark]

Charlotte,

You asked - so here's my opinion. TEFL can be a fine career.

My personal experience: After 89-91 in Africa (as a Peace Corps Volunteer - not EFL) - I decided there was a big wide world out there I wanted to be a part of - so in 1993 I came to Korea and haven't worked back home since.

I've worked almost exclusively college and university jobs - as I have two master's degrees. But, I have to admit that I had almost nothing when I started - and now I am much better off financially. I own rental property in the States - most of it paid off already. In the process during these years I've worked in Korea twice, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia and Thailand. Sometimes for big money, sometimes for peanuts. Most of the jobs were just fine and with good people and friendly students. But, I don't apply Western standards to what I do. These are different places with things done differently. And enjoyably so.

Also during that time, I've had the opportunity to visit many other countries and usually for extended periods of time. Have rarely had less than a couple months off per year - sometimes as much as 4.5 months off per year.

All that said, Kyle and others have it right. Look at hogwans as an entry level job and get yourself an MA, MEd, MATESOL or something similar AS FAST AS YOU CAN. It will make your life immeasurably better � even if it does not immediately increase your income significantly � you will be able to at least increase your time off sometimes by ten fold, possibly move your work week down to four days and twelve or fewer hours - from five or six and 25-30. It will also allow you to do a little time in the Middle East and earn some serious money when you want to by a house back home and quickly pay it off - and/or investment property for old age.

In this business - and working overseas - you will have to look after yourself. The gov't isn't here holding your hand. These is and will be racism, sexism, ageism and just about every other -ism you can name. But, in the end - we are all responsible for ourselves and you can feel proud of what you create for yourself.

Research, plan carefully for, and get good medical insurance, plan for your own retirement (the world is your option now!), and even consider disability insurance (most people don't know that - for example, if you are totally disabled overseas - and haven't paid into social security for five years - you are NO LONGER covered by SSI!). Don't let these things be the responsibility of your employer or home country - or you WILL at some point be left out in the cold. Educate yourself in all the fine points of being responsible for yourself.

We have to be big boys and girls out here. But it�s good for us. Frankly, I�d be going crazy back home.

If you don�t mind the challenges � go for it.


PS: I added a little edit here - as Charlotte asked a WHOLE LOTTA questions . . .

Just my opinion: Owning property overseas is always a bit of risk. Laws and protections vary from place to place and are almost non-existant some places. After a lot of thought I kept all my investment in my home country. I think (I'll tell you for sure in 20 years!) that you can get a better return on investment - more worry free that way. For example: I, too, looked into buying property in Thailand. I found that by investing the same amount of money back home - the net net rental income from back home would rent me MORE house in Thailand than my cash would have bought. AND, I didn't need to worry about shady titles, forged deeds, lack of zoning (with a karaoke joint opening next door) and other issues.

This area is what I meant above by researching the many issues that will come up. Thailand has NO title insurance - one mistake and your entire investment is lost. Or, not even a mistake - just a powerful politician decides they want the land your house is on . . .

And one small final edit: For G*d's Sake - don't limit yourself to just Korea - there is a big wide world out there! Teaching in a variety of countries will greatly enhance your understanding of the world - and broaden your teaching skills. Taiwan taught me how to teach pronunciation better, Saudi honed my discipline skills and showed me how important structure was, Thailand taught me how to inject more humor into the classroom - it will all add up and make you a better teacher. After all, the bottom line is delivering a good product to those happy campers in the front row. Doesn't matter if the front row is in a university, a corporate classroom, or a hogwan.

Re: an MBA, that's my second master's . While I would actually prefer to teach business - Biz English can be a productive sideline. But, most corporate jobs won't give you near as much time off as a college or university job.

Sorry to be so wordy - but I do love this career and all it has done for me - so I take your questions seriously - and would like to encourage you.

[canuckistan]

[sid]

Great post Zark.

[Teufelswacht]

Zark:

Thanks for the great post.

[chronicpride]

Agreed. Please post more. Your perspective is very refreshing.

[Homer]

Zark...great post!

[JennyJJ]

Look at the big bear go . . .

Go Z-man! Woo whooooo

Zark! Zark! Zark!