Korean Job Discussion Forums

[twoofus]

Hi guys!

I have a few questions...

1. Up until a few days ago, my husband and I believed that he could be a teacher even with a degree (he has a college certificate, and a TESL certificate). We're thinking that's not true - do you NEED a degree to teach in Korea?

2. So let's say this is the scenario. If that's true, is anyone working in Korea as a teacher, with their spouse who is on the family Visa? If he got this Visa, could he not work in Korea (non-teaching)?

3. If I came to teach and he came to hang out (and maybe further his web design company, since I don't think that would be considered working while on his Visa?), would we still be able to pay some school loans or would we be po'?

Thanks everyone!

[Hater Depot]

What is a college certificate? How is that different from a diploma/bachelor's degree?

[Ya-ta Boy]

I'm curious about the certificate thing, too.

You must have a college diploma to teach in Korea. It's about the only requirement. But it is a requirement.

There are some jobs outside of teaching. Not very many, but some. As far as I know, they all require a college diploma, too. We are limited in what jobs we can get--the employer must convince the government that no Korean is available for that job. That limits things.

Could you save money if only one of you taught? Yes, you could. Not as much, obviously, as those who are only supporting one person on one income, but yes, you could do it. Most manage to save about 50% of their monthly income. Unless your hubby eats $1,000 worth of food a month, you should be able to get by just fine. You would have to convince an employer to provide you with an apartment large enough for two people. That might present a problem with a few employers, but I don't think it's a major stumbling block.

The key here is that diploma. Is a certificate something less than a diploma?

[Doodly]

In the US, a "college diploma" can refer to a university degree (a.k.a. diploma). In Canada, a "college diploma" almost always means a two-year diploma from a college, which is not a university and does not usually grant degrees. A certificate usually takes one year or less at a college (private/public/community college). Some universities do offer some certificate programs but they aren't equivalent to a degree.

To teach in Korea, you need a three or four year university degree. I save about 75% of my income, living with my spouse who is also teaching. Sorry, can't tell you anything about spousal visas.

[Karabeara]

So can a Canadian person have a 4 year degree in whatever, then get a 2 year one in English at a teachers college and say they have a teaching degree? I am only curious because I had a co-worker who said her teaching degree was from a teachers college. I think in the US, people have to get a BA plus some kind of other certification, right? Or is it the same? Not that it matters either way, just wonder.

[dreaming_saturn]

[twoofus]

Thanks everyone!

A certificate is earned after a one-year program - in this case my husband studied Art Fundamentals, and then began a Photography diploma but didn't finish the program.

Dreaming Saturn - that's exactly what I'm talking about. Ideally, he could do something in Korea, I don't know what - maybe work in a school without teaching? I've read, however, that it is possible for spouses of teachers to get a VISA - I think it's an F3 Visa (Family Relative Visa), but that they can't work for a year. Currently, m'honey is a web designer and he could continue that work, I imagine (because although he would be working in Korea, he would be working on web sites through his Canadian-based business, and probably not for Koreans.)

So is anyone else out there doing this? We have always planned to both go and teach, but maybe it would be all right if I was the only one teaching and he was furthering his web experience.

* phew *

[Doodly]

Sorry, original poster, the below post is off-topic.