Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Qinella]

What kind of requirements are there? Would my degree need to be in English? Would I need a TEFL type of certificate?

What are the classes like? Do you simply teach from the text? How advanced is the average college class?

I'm thinking long-term, like in the next two to three years, so I'll have time to do whatever prep is necessary.

Any info is appreciated.

Qinella

[denverdeath]

It all depends on the place. I worked at a couple of unis here. When you start, most likely you'll only get first-year classes. This means that your students will also likely be fairly low in proficiency. Often there is one or two bright bulbs in the bunch...especially with pre-med, nursing, and English majors. However, due to class size(again, depending on the place), it can be a little frustrating to see some real results in a lot of students. Do your best to be friendly while also being a bit strict and things will go fine. The two places I worked at had set curriculum in place(low level texts) with some freedom on supplementary materials and testing procedures. I recently got hired back on with a uni after going though four years of interviews without success. I think having only a BA has hurt me a little as a lot of the interviews have gone rather well. The woman who hired me at the place where I'm starting in March actually said that she often doesn't look at people without a TESL/TESOL/TEFL...even though I consider mine sh1te. I also have eight years' experience teaching in Korea, about five of which involved teaching adults, which may've helped a bit. It was really weird this year. The first place I applied to, I got the job. Usually, I apply to about eight different places and end up settling for something else. If you have the time, get the TEFL/TESOL/TESL/CELTA/whatever as it might help a bit. These days, I think the master's might be more beneficial. Benfits? Again, depends on the place. Usually better hours and vacation. Some places may seem like a drop in pay, but when you consider things on an hourly basis, things look much better than a regular hakwon or public school. Also, it may help a lot to have a friend working at a place you're interested in(seems like Korea is becoming more like Can/US these days with the "who you know, not what you know" thing going on). Get good letters of recommendation, too. If you want to be able to interract with students on a higher level and go out for drinks on a monthly basis, I recommend some place like Pagoda, YBM, or wherever. If you want a better schedule and less stress, go for the uni. Best of luck/skill.

[sonshine20]

Denver- What kind of TESOL cert do you have?

I agree that it's all about WHO YOU KNOW in Korea... far MORE SO than in the US or Canada!!

[denverdeath]