Korean Job Discussion Forums

[anomi]

Hi, I just have a query regarding degrees - could i expect/demand more pay because I have an English lit degree as opposed to a degree such as a science or commerce one? Not wanting to diss science degrees etc, just wondering if my major would be looked on at all favourably (even a tiny bit!) cos of my experience with writing/speaking da propa english. (I'm a Kiwi)

cheers

[peppermint]

The English degree will get you in the door more easily, but it probably won't get you more money. I hate to say it, but the Brit accent will probably work against you not for you. It's not fair, but Koreans have a very strong preference for North American accents.

[anomi]

well that's good, cos I'm a Kiwi and i do a stellar American accent! Thanks.

[sistersarah]

most korean directors don't know a lot about these things....they don't know that because you studied english LITERATURE doesn't make you a better ESL teacher.

so....use it to your advantage. when looking for positions in the past i have always drawn attention to my honours degree in english....gotta use the degree for something -- not good for much else!

[mindmetoo]

Most hagwons are a business. They exist to meet a perceived need vs an over riding desire to provide the best possible education to children. Parents want their kids to be exposed to white people, ideally people with an "American" accent (ie how people talk in American movies and tv shows like Friends).

As far as grammar teaching goes, there are a lot of Koreans these days with a solid grounding in English grammar. Korean teachers, as a rule, work cheaper, work longer hours, and don't have the special needs of a foreign teacher (i.e., free apartment).

Most hagwons probably would hire people without a university degree but it's a government required minimum. Most hagwons put cost first. They'll hire the cheapest person who will do the job (i.e., be white, speak without a freaky accent). One of the few things that can get a person extra money is being a white person who is reasonably fluent in Korean.

[teachingld2004]

Sorry, what ever your degree is in, to the Koreans its the same: a degree is a degree. As previously stated, the American or Canadian accent is "the best". Now, a strong Texan accent is not as easy to understand, but...........
Also, If you have worked here for 4 years, 2 years. or just are starting out, MOST hogwans do not care. (note I said "most" some will.
All depends on how desperate the school is also. If you have your passpost and can come NOW, that is best for some places. If you are here and can look, more power to you. Most of the times it is pure luck.
All depends,notone answer is right. But one thing, really, if your degree is in basketweaving of scienceit is the same. SOME schools want a "real teacher" but if one is not available any (white) face will do. I am NOT saying that is fair, it is just the case.
Good luck

[hellofaniceguy]

If you have the funds....your best bet is to come to korea and interview in PERSON. IN PERSON!
What you look like will give you 90% of getting the position in korea.
If you hire via e-mail...and you sign the contract, etc...and then come to korea and the owner does not like your looks...it'll be hell for you for the year or even less...the school will make life miserable for you and you'll leave or get fired.
Degrees don't mean anything in korea when it comes to foreigners. As long as it's a BA..That��s all immigration wants. It can be a BA in basket weaving as long as it's accredited. If a korean has a PhD, then they command high bucks, etc... But non korean...we are our own worst enemy I think in korea by signing BS contracts for low wages, teaching 6/7/8 classes a day, dumps for apartments, and on and on.
Schools DON��T want foreign teachers but they need them to fill their pockets; parents want foreigner teachers. Hakwons��private language schools��99% of them are not schools. They are a business. Period. If you can help enrollment and retention��you��ll be loved! But not rewarded with more money in most cases. Schools know that foreign teachers are a. dime a dozen and will work for cheap in most cases. But by interviewing in person��you stand a greater chance of getting a better position at a decent place. Read the postings on this site from teachers that have been burnt! It happens everyday in korea. And it won��t change until teachers stop signing at hakwons. I guarantee��no one signs at hakwons for a year��it��ll get better for all! We have the leverage to make positive changes��but don��t.
Hakwon owners all across korea know each other or have a friend who knows of another hakwon owner. They have meetings all the time����get togethers,�� dinners, drinks in all the cities and towns and talk about the foreign teachers, updates on laws, how to keep prices low, etc��
If any of you hakwon teachers are really tight with the boss��you know what I��m talking about.
Anyway��good luck kiwi.

[visviva]

No hagwon will care what your degree is in. Some university programs do give preference to applicants with degrees in English, but there are various other hurdles which you must jump to get those gigs.

[sistersarah]

[visviva]

Yeah... that "no hagwon" part was a bit too strong. I need to think before I post. However, very few hagwons will care. The ones that will are those that think they can use your qualifications to persuade parents to send their children there. Such schools will mostly be in the highly-competitive Hagwon Row areas like Daegu's Jisan, where many parents take a very active interest in their kids' English training.

Probably the OP's best bet is to focus on these prosperous hagwon-intensive neighborhoods. Make as big a deal as you can of the qualifications you have. Remember, every director is a businessperson, and if you can persuade them that hiring you (and not some other monkey) might improve their bottom line, they'll be very interested.

[peemil]

Don't do a yank accent. Then you're just giving them what they want.

[anomi]

[crazylemongirl]

[Grotto]

you can always ask for more money and they can always say no.

The key is to get them to believe you are much better qualified than anyone else.

Appearance is important to Koreans that is true.

I have found it is usually the chains that seem to prefer the cookie cut cuties to teach their classes.

Public schools and Uni's are more concerned with ability rather than looks.

[crazylemongirl]