Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Asgardfox]

Hi, First of all let me thank you for taking the time to read this thread and possibly even post on it. I have taught EFL for 2 years in Japan and have a TEFL certificate. I am thinking about moving to S. Korea to work and as a change of scenary. I have been reading the posts on these forums and on this site for some time now, although it's possible I missed something. From what I am seeing there are company jobs teaching smaller groups of kids to adults working mid to late shifts and then there are uni or public school jobs which are a little more difficult to get and we would probably even need to be there for awhile before getting those. Well I love teaching EFL and I want to make a career out of it, but from alot of the stuff I am seeing they are looking for someone 22-35 and if you are older than that it is a little more difficult. Well I am 25 so I make the cut but are these overseas EFL jobs just for us when we are young and then we get kicked out on the street? I'm just curious I mean I want to find a good job and work there for as long as possible, I realize in this day in age people change jobs every few years but my question is what happens when we get older are there still jobs for us? Also if possible what's the best route or career path or kind of job I need to be looking for in S. Korea? What options do I have? I have never been to S. Korea and I only know what I have read, I am also worried about anti-americanism, or xenophobia as well, in Japan it wasn't bad but in S. Korea I here it is in your face? Also as far as dating, do Korean ladies like foreigners or is it really hard to meet people? Last question, what's the best way to get started, which company or job should I be looking for to get my foot in the door and where do I start? Alright thank you so much! I am so sorry to ask so many different questions, please help me if you can. Jon

[Asgardfox]

*bump*

Sorry, I hate to bump my own thread but I really would appreciate some help. I realize that the people on these forums have seen the same questions asked over and over again, but be it as it may I still do need help. thanks, Jon

[Ya-ta Boy]

[PRagic]

The only people that I know that have done the ESL teaching thing LONG TERM are those working at universities. I do know a few that concentrate mainly on media (Arirang or EBS shows and affiliated work). Others start their own 'study rooms' and make quite a good living. Still others have networked into the corporate side of ESL, doing training and working on English-based materials. Some take whatever university job they can get, shopping for the least amount of contact hours so that they can get their visa and concentrate on privates. Of course, there are some that simply work illegally, but after a few years, that gets to be problematic. None of the people I regularly hang with, and these people have all been here for at least 6-8 years, does that.

Many by now are married or seriously dating. Most, if not all, are investing heavily in other countries, while some have invested in Korea.

The long and short of it is that if you want to make it in the ESL world in Korea, you have to be a little motivated, a little lucky, and pretty flexible. You have to pay your dues. You'll burn out trying to work at institutes for more than a couple of years, but for most, they are the place to start.

If you are serious about going long term, don't stop going to school. Get your MA in applied linguistics or TESL, and go for your CELTA/DELTA certifications.

Another thing you should know is that good university jobs are now nearly impossible to find in Korea. Most of the long-term people I know, those with the killer resumes and loads of experience, are shopping elsewhere outside of Korea for better opportunities. Japan is coming back around as an option after having taken a back seat to Korea for a few years, and HongKong is a viable option. Shanghi is an up and commer, but the salaries aren't on par just yet.

Good luck whatever you decide to do. There is pleanty of work here, but, like other places, it takes a couple-a-few years to get networked in. Anything is possible, so go for it. Stay positive, stay busy, bank away, and get in a good vacation whenever you can.

[Hotpants]

I don't think anyone should worry about race or age when seeking employment. Sure, some employers have a bias towards hiring certain 'types' of people, but I think the same applies for any sector of any industry. Discrimination will always exist in the minds of some. As an employee, you always have to remain optimistic and sell what you've got.

I have met quite a few people over 50 who have been doing English teaching for much of their lives. I think their success in still being able to get good jobs lies in whether they have good qualifications and have a positive and professional manner. I sure feel a lot of respect for them when I'm around them.

I also think that it's always important to try and learn as many new skills along the way as you can. Take extra classes in local languages, sporting activities, computing, crafts. All this extra knowledge and experience will be to your advantage at some stage later down the road.

Moreover, you also need to be flexible. Flexibility is really important in ESL at whatever stage of your career you are in.

Btw, I think 25 is still a 'fledgling' so you still have good life in you yet! Actually, some of the good universities here will consider 25 to be too YOUNG.

Imo, start out here in an elementary or middle school. If you've spent anytime at Nova or Geos in Japan, you will know that you'll soon get burn out if you try to 'career' it in a language institute/Korean term - hagwon.

[Homer]

Since you have teaching experience I would suggest you try a Public School job.

Most universities require a Masters or more experience than 2 years (well the good ones anyway).

As for your questions, I think they were answered quite well earlier in the thread so I will not touch on them.