Korean Job Discussion Forums

[BTSskytrain]

Having taught in Korea for three years (2004-2006), I am aware that most universities require an MA. However, I have heard of some instances whereby a highly qualified teacher with several years of experience would be hired by a university sans the MA.

1. BA in Education
2. Certification in Texas and Louisiana (USA)
3. 15 years of teaching experience, three of which were spent in Korea teaching ESL
4. TESOL cert. (to be taken June 2008)

What do you think? Could I be a contender for the fall 2008 univ. semester?

I could kick myself in the ass for not going to graduate school immediately after undergrad.

Thanks in advance for the feedback.

[faster]

Probably, although much less likely in Seoul.

[xCustomx]

Check out this ad from Suwon University:
http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/korea/index.cgi?read=27245

[Milwaukiedave]

I agree with faster, it's a possiblity, but maybe not in Seoul. Often times it's easier to get experience at a university outside Seoul and then move closer to Seoul later (if you are deadset on being closer to or in Seoul).

The MA is not totally necessary, but helps.

[Pak Yu Man]

[faster]

[xCustomx]

[MarionG]

A careful reading of the uni jobs listed on this site will point out that many of them are for uniwons. The Suwon job mentioned in this thread appears to be 100% teaching kids.

[PRagic]

A lot of times universities take their own sweet time hiring on people. By the time they get around to making offers, everyone who applied has taken positions elsewhere. In this situation, they have to go with whoever is left. If you can stay flexible time-wise, you have a shot.

If that isn't an option, as one other poster pointed out, you can shoot for smaller rural universities and colleges, get some experience (and maybe start an MA), and then angle for bigger schools in Seoul. I have a few friends who went that route, and it served them well.

Eventually, most of the decent universities in and around major cities are going to require the MA for instructor positions; many already are. If you just plan to be here short term, want the university gig, but don't want to get more degrees, then it won't be a problem. Over the long term, though, I wouldn't be overly optimistic.

Ok...yes, you might keep a job. The pay, however, will probably not go up, and they will feel obliged to use you till it hurts. Seen it happen more times than I can count.

[bassexpander]

Yes, you're qualified enough.

Unigwons? I used to hate the thought, but we are paid the same as the regular English Dept. foreigners at my school, and we are compensated quite a bit more than I expected for the non-credit courses (30,000 to 60,000 per hour).

Unigwons really vary. It's getting to the point where many rank-and-file university teachers are the ones getting the shaft. I hear some schools, like Seoul National University, have actually reduced wages and require far too many meetings. Maybe someone else can elaborate, as I heard it 2nd hand.

Schools can differ a lot.

If you want to make real money in this job, you need to get married, IMHO. That, or have your family pay off the school so you can get tenure.

[Thiuda]