I was wondering if anyone could share their experiences about living and teaching in S. Korea. I've been going through this weird existentialist crisis and I believe it may have something to do with having lived in one city for too long. I need something new. However, as my bank account has been on a low-calorie diet for the past year, I've been thinking of fattening it up a bit whilst learning about a new culture and exploring a new city. Looking through several websites, this option seems like a sweet deal but as I'm of a cynical nature, I have to ask:"What's the catch?" Can I really have my cake and eat it too? I know money should be my last priority, but I'm trying to save up for a RTW trip or at the very least, be able to take a trip or keep writing without the fear of going into debt.
Here are some questions:
1) I have an MA in Literature from the Philippines, but I don't have a teaching certificate...will it profoundly affect my options?
2) I am an American Citizen (my dad was American) and speak and write mostly in English, but grew up and was educated in the Philippines...will that be an issue for employers? Do they prefer people who were born and raised in the U.S., Canada, U.K., etc.?
3) What is the job itself like? What are the benefits and drawbacks of teaching English?
4) What is it like as a foreigner living in S. Korea? How about for an Asian foreigner? Is there a big distinction?
5) What are the best indicators of a good school to teach in? The only reason I ask is because I've heard a lot of stories where people set off to teach English but found themselves exploited by the school and/or institution.
6) What is Korea itself like? What can I expect?
Ok, thanks so much! I hope to hear back from someone soon....
Joined: 08-09-07
I was wondering if anyone could share their experiences about living and teaching in S. Korea. I've been going through this weird existentialist crisis and I believe it may have something to do with having lived in one city for too long. I need something new. However, as my bank account has been on a low-calorie diet for the past year, I've been thinking of fattening it up a bit whilst learning about a new culture and exploring a new city. Looking through several websites, this option seems like a sweet deal but as I'm of a cynical nature, I have to ask:"What's the catch?" Can I really have my cake and eat it too? I know money should be my last priority, but I'm trying to save up for a RTW trip or at the very least, be able to take a trip or keep writing without the fear of going into debt.
Here are some questions:
1) I have an MA in Literature from the Philippines, but I don't have a teaching certificate...will it profoundly affect my options?
2) I am an American Citizen (my dad was American) and speak and write mostly in English, but grew up and was educated in the Philippines...will that be an issue for employers? Do they prefer people who were born and raised in the U.S., Canada, U.K., etc.?
3) What is the job itself like? What are the benefits and drawbacks of teaching English?
4) What is it like as a foreigner living in S. Korea? How about for an Asian foreigner? Is there a big distinction?
5) What are the best indicators of a good school to teach in? The only reason I ask is because I've heard a lot of stories where people set off to teach English but found themselves exploited by the school and/or institution.
6) What is Korea itself like? What can I expect?
Ok, thanks so much! I hope to hear back from someone soon....
mianhae!
Michaela Lola