Korean Job Discussion Forums

[IncognitoHFX]

I'm doing pretty well here in Korea, and my friends/family/relatives back home are quite proud of me for coming here, and finding a decent job. They're in short supply back home.

Anyway, my mother, who has two Bachelor degrees and a BEd has avidly listened to my success and began thinking. See, she's nearly retirement age but still has quite a bit of energy, and is currently now drowning in small town Nova Scotia unable to find a job that pays more than minimum wage (this goes for the whole province). Right now she's working in retail and positively hating it. There are no other prospects, she has more resumes out there than most people put out in a decade with nothing promising in the works.

I suggested going out West with the young people, that way my recently retired father could go with her, but she seemed more in tune with the idea of coming to Asia to teach. The idea is to come for a year, sojurn and save up money which my folks can live off of for years following. Plus she wants to see Asia.

At first she suggested South Korea, and immediately I started downplaying the experience as not being fit for her. I said that the majority of teachers here were under thirty, she wouldn't find it very fun (I think she wants "real Asia", with clay roofs and rice paddies), and she wouldn't meet any people.

Plus, this being more difficult to tell her, I think it would be kind of strange to go half way around the world on my first adventure and have my mum come along. I like the freedom, and I feel that this would in some way infringe on that freedom and create an obligation to take care of her here when I'm so overwhelmed by all my relationships/work as it is.

That, and I downright don't think Korea is her place. She wants somewhere quiet and beautiful, and while I love Korea, I think if she were to move into a rural area here the Koreans wouldn't pay much attention to her / befriend her, and I don't think it'd be a positive experience any way you spin it. Plus, I can't deny the fact that this isn't the most aesthetically pleasing country in the world.

That being said, where is a good country in Asia where she can A) make some DECENT money (considering she has a BEd), B) Be safe, sound and happy, and C) Be relatively within visiting distance of myself.

I was thinking of Taiwan and rural Japan. Japan might involve living frugally, but considering shes my mum and won't buy a new car until it literally falls apart, or won't buy a new microwave until we turn yellow with radiation poisoning (I have a hundred more examples), I think she can handle living frugally.

Suggestions?

[dutchy pink]

Interesting predicament.

I would suggest Japan. I lived in Japan for about 2 years, Tokyo.
While there, I had a variety of friends, with various ages. Most of the older folks, 50-60's, had no problems and never mentioned anything about age discrimination.

Jeez, Japan has the longest ALE, so 65 is relatively young.
Plus it is beautiful.

despite what people say, It is also cheap to live there. If your Mum stays out of Roppongi every weekend she'll be Ok

[Bibbitybop]

Despite what you said, tell her to come to Korea get a job with SMOE or GEPIK. She is qualified and won't deal with the BS that comes with hogwans, and they won't discriminate her for due to age.

But if you really, really rule Korea out, Japan is the way to go.

[Tiger Beer]

I'd agree with Japan. Seems ideal for someone who is older and western.

Also though, there are plenty of older westerners living and teaching in South Korea. If a person is under 30, they just don't encounter them. But the longer you stay in Korea, the more and more you meet westerners of all ages including the higher end. She's make similar friends I'm sure.

That being said, Japan is just a lot more cleaner, efficient and so much more normal which your mom would probably appreciate more. Plus you could visit each other and make it more interesting that way.

[IncognitoHFX]

[dutchy pink]

I lived in the-more-or-less center of Tokyo, Naka Meguro.
i lived at the end of a cul-de-sac. A 3 minute walk would put me in the center of it all...... but I would go onto my balcony and smoke a cigarette, and look down upon a 15 Ft squared, rock garden, flowing water an all.
I think i was lucky in my find of a house... but it is possible.

The beach, mountains, are about an hour subway ride from Tokyo. There is literaly a subway stop, 300 yards from the beach with a small mountain and temple near by.

Upon reflection, Why am I here? I should be in Tokyo.

[IncognitoHFX]

I originally wanted to go to Japan. I applied to the JET programme, and got rejected outright with no explanation. So did multiple friends of mine (some who had very good grades, loads of extracurriculars--one could speak a bit of Japanese too).

I take it Japan is a very difficult country to find a teaching job in when you just have a BA.

I think I'll stay in South Korea for several years, because, well, I'm comfortable here and I like it. In the future I might want a change and I might decide to go to Japan.

My point... is it insanely difficult to find work at a school there?

[rubric]

She's a qualified teacher so she can go to job fairs and take her pick of international schools.

[MarionG]

I came here when I was 61, had loads of job offers with hogwons, chose one, and have been very happy.

I'm in Andong, pretty "real Asia," at least when you look down on the roofs.

[KYC]

Quite the contrary....


If she's in a rural area, she will be treated like a celebrity. She'll most likely be the first foreigner there and they will love her. Some will even try to get close to her for free English lessons . I'm in a rural area but I blend in quite well (I'm Asian American). However, the first few weeks of my school was pretty crazy. I'm the 3rd English teacher here yet they are still amazed with me. I get kids coming up to me staring at me saying hello, being shy, etc. It wears off. In my town, I blend in so most ppl either think I'm SE asian or Korean. HOwever, I have had other english teachers visit me and they get quite a bit of attention when they are here.

[cbclark4]

If she really want to live in a foriegn country try Florida, plenty of older people, and they have teacher shortage.

[crazy_arcade]

B.ed and plenty of teaching experience, right?

She can have her pick of international schools.

[tzechuk]

I really don't think you have an issue with your mum being in the same country - as long as it's a different city, your mum is not going to be on your back 24/7. She might want to meet up once a month but that, in my opinion, would probably be it.

If she wants to save money, she should come to Korea. This is possibly the only place where she can earn and save real money.

[Captain Corea]

[Tiger Beer]