Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ratslash]

not just money, but what kind of contract should i be thinking of accepting once i am a fully qualified teacher in korea? which schools are best to approach for this?

may have to come to korea in the future to work there. depends on what my better half makes me do!

currently studying in england for a three year teaching degree which will give me qualified teacher status in england and enable me to teach in schools in england. the age range i am studying is 7-14 (upper primary/lower secondary - not sure the proper names of the schools in america and canada - would those ages be elementary and middle school?)

anyway, let me know what you think!

take care.

[mindmetoo]

2 million a month at a hagwon? Maybe 2.1 in a rich burb like Bundang. The industry wants white American/Canadian english speaking bodies. They don't care about your degree.

[waterbaby]

I'd try and go for a job in an international school though they'd probably want you to have some experience teaching in your home country first... otherwise, I'd go for a public school or university gig.

I think mindmetoo's on the right track - there aren't too many hagwons that give a rats about teaching degrees.

[hellofaniceguy]

Fully qualified teacher or not...in korea it does not matter. You will get the same pay as an unqualified teacher.
Why is that?
Because 90% of the teachers are all agreeing to the same wages. School says..That's what we are offering and that's what all schools are paying...so...you have no choice. Wrong answer.

[Eunoia]

I didn't really want to jump into this because I'm no longer in Korea, but...

You CAN do better with a B.Ed degree. Maybe not in your first year, but after you get some experience, sure you can do better.

I got 2.4 with my B.Ed. in my 2nd year in Korea, and I eventually got up to 2.9 (with some supervisory duties and rather long days, mind you) thrown in. Sometimes it was hard work, sure, but I $aved a whole me$$ of dollar$ that last year there.

*If* I were to go back to Korea, I wouldn't settle for anything less. Good luck.

[jurassic5]

apply to work for a DOD school on base.

decent salary with almost everything paid for.

[CanKorea]

A B.Ed can help a little but often the difference at a lot of hagwons is about 100 000won.

I earned 2.4 in my first year at a hagwon with my B.Ed.

However, I was also offered as little as 1.7 at other hagwons. Good luck with your search! I wouldn't take less than 2.2 million.

[justagirl]

You cannot work at a DODD school unless you are an American and have the full qualifications required by their program. A lot of specific course work is necessary, so even if you have a teaching degree, you may not be qualified.

[HamuHamu]

First, I'm curious which program in England takes 3 years to complete for a Teachers' degree? (That sounds like I'm trying to knock it or something -- I'm not! Just asking...as I have applied for a PGCE program, but it's only one year....what's the difference?)

Anyway, at my hagwan , they pretty much *insist* on North Americans who are certified teachers -- can legally teach in USA or Canada. I was the first teacher hired without, although I have a CELTA and lots of experience. I think they finally learned that hiring a bunch of people who have a degree to teach high school (ages 14 - 17) but no experience at all (came to Korea right after getting the degree) is NOT always preferable to someone who has experience in a room with 10 5 year olds. It's about finding the proper teacher for the situation at hand....

They (ie/ my academy) will also REFUSE to hire anyone who is not North American. My boyfriend, CELTA certified, PGCE degree, a few years Korean kindie experience, as well as having taught in other Asian countries and Europe, unbelievable reference letters from his past directors, managers, and even some of the hagwan PARENTS - and they won't take him because he is not North American.

So a PGCE from England might not get you anything more at all.

Oh, and our certified teachers make the regular old 1.8 - 1.9 million.

On the side of International schools, I only know of the salary and benefits at one - Korea International School (owned by YBM-SISA). They had postings up in the summer for a few positions. Pay was about $38,000 USD per year, with a good vacation in the summer -- I remember it pretty much followed the basic North American academic calendar (July and August off, 2 weeks at Chrsitmas, etc). BUT, you had to be American or Canadian certified only.

Anyway, my point is....and this comes up on so many different threads....it's more about image, appearance, and accent, than about how well you can teach....

[Derrek]

Good on you for having a degree, but it is probably only good for 100,000 won to 200,000 won a month more over the other people around.

As I've mentioned many times, I came to Korea with the same mindset: PAY!

My priorities were:

1. Pay
2. Housing condition
3. Hours of work

If these things all fell into place, then all was well with the world.

After being in Korea, I now look at jobs this way;

1. Hours of work
2. Pay FOR HOURS WORKED
3. Housing or allowance (if it was bad, I'd opt for my own housing or look elsewhere).

The most important thing for me is finding a job between 9am and 5pm. Better if you can find something between 10 and 4. That leaves your mornings and evenings open for *ahem* other opportunities, should you be interested in that.

It also leaves you room for a social life. I hated working evenings. It sucked.

[gajackson1]

A Can or USA degree w/ teacher's certif in a directly related field can and will command more pay; one from GB should be similar. The schools know it, because that is exactly how they will advertise it to draw potential students to your school.

Yes, being young, white & good looking - regardless of gender - also ups it.

I came here 97? 98? during the IMF bailout, and even then I started at 2.1

ever since then, it has been steady improvements in salary, conditions, or - usually the case - both.

There is some solid advice above (housing, area, conditions, etc. ) and a wealth in the FAQ & other posts/threads here. Since it is not immediate that you will come here (if at all), then I would say keep researching and stay aware of the economic & political situations of wherever you are considering.

Best of luck, whatever your decision.

Regards,

Glen

[ratslash]

[ratslash]

[mindmetoo]

[crazylemongirl]

I have a degree in education from a new zealand university but a canadian passport. I found that a fair wack of the 'north american qualified' places should actually be read qualified and north american. Still doesn't help you much and less you marry a canuk or a yank.