Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sonshine20]

I went to Ewha as an echange student in college, and I'd like to return to Korea, so I'm thinking about teaching English next year. I'm hoping that you can give me some advice.

Here is the kind of gig I'd like:

1. In Seoul
2. A pleasant work environment w/ honest employers
3. Regular hours (not evenings or split shifts)
4. Relatively "fewer" hours (compared to more money)
5. Some help with housing costs

I'm flexible about:
1. Type of students (adults would be a bonus... but not a necessity)
2. Whether my ticket is paid (If it helps get the right job, I'll pay my own.)
3. Housing (I may get an APT with a friend, not sure yet...)
4. Salary (I want to live reasonably while I'm there, but I'm not going there in order to save money, so it isn't my first priority.)

Based on that... I'm thinking I want a public school or Uni job, rather than a hagwon. Is that right?

My first real question is whether a Uni job is a possibility. I know that universities generally want someone already teaching ESL in Korea. I'm not that. But I do have a Masters in Education and 5 years of (elementary) teaching experience (not ESL) here in the states. And I have lived in Korea in the past- and speak some Korean. Do you think that I have a shot (esp. in Seoul)? (And would it help any to get some flimsy online ESL certificate in addition?)

My second question is a request for recommendations for specific schools or universities. Have you worked at (or known some who worked at) a school/university that meets my goals of nice environment/people and regular & not TOO MANY hours? If so, would you post or email me names of places I should look into?

By the way, I'm not considering coming until September- so I'm not really asking for places with job openings yet. Just for names of reputable places to look into.

Thanks so much. You can email me at [email protected].

[Ya-ta Boy]

The job that fits your description is a uni job.

I'm not sure about getting hired for a uni job when not in country. You can get a public school job out of country, but they all (I think) require that you stay at school all day, even though you are not teaching.

[SPINOZA]

[SPINOZA]

[crazylemongirl]

[sonshine20]

Thanks Spinoza, Ya-ta and Crazymongirl,

Since universities usually hire people already in Korea, I was thinking I could go as soon as my teaching contract here is up. That's the end of June. That is probably too late to do me any good, right? When is hiring for September start? April/May? Hmmm... Would it be helpful (as in "worth-the-plane-ticket-helpful) to fly over for a couple days to interview in person?

CELTA doesn't offer anything in my area (Seattle, WA) so that would be a challenge. Are any other ESL certifications that are worth doing?

Is there anything else I can do to make a Uni position more likely?

I'm sure I sound strangely eager to all of you. I probably am. But I'm only going to be able to stay for a year so I'd like to make it a good one. (What I'd REALLY like to do is come and study Korean full time for a year! Not work at all. But that is out of the question budget-wise. )