Teaching ESL in Korea....part 2

[planningevolution]

Can foreigners living with HIV teach English in Korea?

[GreenEggsAndHamster]

Thanks so much for this great insight! I really appreciate it!

[passionpianist]

Thanking for taking such incredible amount of your time to post and share your experiences in all these videos.

[joegomedia]

can I get a job teaching english in korea , if I have a graphic design diploma from a technical college and a tefl diploma...would I be able to teach in korea?

[incognito344]

It seems Korea is a pleasant place to go. I am considering teaching there; however, I have heard that the contracts can be changed at any time, What should I know about this? Have you heard about Hoya English School? Are they any good? I've Googled them but have not been able to find any specific info. Have you ever heard about Oeadae School, how is that one? I am going through a recruiter via Hoya, but I am still skeptical.

[crazyjames1233]

im going through a recruiter called "hoyaenglish," is that what you are talking about?

[mlovmo]

Listen...I worked in Korea 16 years ago. When I first got my employment contract faxed to me for me to sign, I thought it might be a good idea to have someone with a law degree look at it. I knew a classmate whose father worked for a law firm, and was very familiar with contract law. He told me that, based on the contract, the employer could ask me to do pretty much anything, and any and all conditions (pay, hours) could be changed at any time and for any reason. The job's a leap of faith.

[warwize]

When your E2 visa expires, can you renew it?

Or do you just leave after 1 yr...

is a visa run the way to renew them or ?

[Quintaxos]

You seem to say "Eeh" and "Uhm" alot more before then you do now. Good that you've worked it off you, I tend to talk like that alot.

[BusanKevin]

I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that I am now far more comfortable in front of the camera.

[rubajan29]

Hi, great video. Am going to Korea this year, can you give more specific advice about lessons, your experiences, planning, tips etc...

[Spelman9]

Hello,

Your video was very informative. I am an American Amerian female who is looking to teach in South Korea. I've been reading many not so positive posts by other teachers of color concerning their treatment in Korea and that Blacks and Asian-AMericans are often not sought after. How true is this, and is this something that I should be concerned about?

Thank-you

[plzwakeup]

The reality is that whites have a better chance at teaching English. Simply because English is more associated with Caucasians from the standpoint of Asia.

[jpgkorea]

I just got back from South Korea and I obtained my job easily. I didn't learn of the so-called difficulties for minorities to get jobs in Korea until I was already working. My mom had sent me this NPR news story about how blacks and western Asians were overlooked and not preferred. But my friend is Asian American and he just started working in Korea. So I'm sure there could be some issues with being black or some other minority, as is in any part of the world, but not enough to let it stop you.

[gintstopgitprr]

Have you ever heard of a place called "Stevens Academy"?

[TheAizza1212]

Hi. I'm from the Philippinesand interested to teach english in Korea. Are they accepting non-native english speakers?

[TheJayhh]

I think you dont even have to google it to get more info. Just contact me ^^* no offense. Coz am working as a job agent in Korea. I could be your nice pal to get an ESL job in Korea.

[BusanKevin]

Please...no headhunting on my channel please!

Thanks

[ab99vq]

thank you again for posting this information. i hope a publishers offers you a book offer. i read a large amount of travel essays, memoirs, and disaster stories and have really yet to see anything directly concerning ESL. maybe i am just a moron and not looking in the right place but it would be really cool to see ideas, thoughts and recollections on physical paper in my hands.

[HunterORL23]

tell me, is it possible to get your visa when you get to korea or do you have to get it before? I know that it takes about 2-3 months.

[BusanKevin]

With tighter visa regulations there these days, I'm pretty sure you'd have to get it before hand.

[k3a9y]

Thanks for these videos, I was thinking about it because I love the Korean culture so much! I just started looking into it, your videos have been really helpful!!! Thank you!

[BusanKevin]

Awesome! I'm glad to be able to help.

Hope you get a chance to live in Korea. If you do, please vlog about it!

[chesong]

Hey kevin, thank you for your info.

I am a korean having a green card,(not an american citizen). I do not have a BA or MBA, only AA-associate art degree. I speak both Korean and English fluently, though need some work on both. I am thinkin of gettin a TEOSL certificate. Would this be enough? PS: been in US 22 years. haven't been to korean since. Can you recommand where to or what I should do?

[NikkiBoo72]

Hi Kevin, I hope all is well. I am interested in teaching in SK. I meet all the requirnments and have taught english outside of the States before. However, I am an African American women and was wondering how my race might effect my job search and experience there. How do Koreans view diversity?

[BusanKevin]

To be honest, having a degree is really the important thing. You will need transcripts fto verfify that you "really" did attend the university (some people have been known to use fake degrees), but grades don't affect getting a job or not. At least, not that I know of!

[DerrickMKnight]

how does one get a fake degree, when usually the transcripts have to be sealed and stamped...

not that I am planning on doing that, I am just curious to know

Also aren't there several countries where you don't need a degree, mainly the TESL?

[cahuehue]

Kevin,

I was offered a position to teach in S. Korea, and I've done some research and found a lot of horror stories, both about the private schools, and about the ill treatment of foreigners by the locals. I am a Latino, and I get enough crap in the states and I would not to go through it in Korea specially given the language barrier. Generally speaking how bad are the bosses in korea? Is there a bad case of xenophobia in Korea? Thank you.

[sassouki04]

thanks for the vid, this must be useful for me in the futur (like after 3 years) lol

[BusanKevin]

Again, good luck:)

[intersticecaught]

hey kevin, my name is steve; i'm an american guy interested in teaching in SK. i taught at a university in beijing for a year, and i'm looking to teach adults (not kids)...i emailed pagoda, do you know of any other schools that i could apply to? i'm trying to get the best of both worlds: teaching adults, but with normal hours (like 4-10pm)...just not a split shift. do you think that's possible?

thanks

s

[kirkschattilly]

This sounds really interesting. Me and my friend are planning on it

I do have some questions though

I was looking at a couple of web sites and some of them claim that you can be "certified" Is that even worth it? what are the differences? Will you make more money? I tend to think online classes would be worthless Can you just get certified down there with an actual tutor

Can me and my friend live in the same apartment complex?

I want to travel afterwards & do this, recommendations?

[BusanKevin]

In order to be ceertified, you need a M.Ed in the States and a B.Ed in Canada (they are the exact same thing). I got my B.Ed in Ontario, Canada which takes a year. As far as online cerrtifications go, they aren`t worth anything in Canada. You must actually attend university for 1 or 2 years and complete teaching practicums at Canadian schools to get your B.ED.

[knitwit23]

What do you recommend are the safest cities? I like clean air and laid back city, but I get bored if it's not artsy city meaning that offers classes that are dance, physical fitness, etc. Is there a city that is hoppin in South Korea yet laid back and more clean air??? and broad range of people?? Also, did you know someone when you went or did you go on your own? Is the public transportation safe? Where did you come from U.S.A, Canada??

[BusanKevin]

I`d say Busan would fit the bill for you. I`m from Canada btw. The public transportation is actually far better than most places in North America.

[DartmouthAlum96]

Can you recommend some reputable placement agencies for teaching English in South Korea?

[BusanKevin]

Honestly not sure. I used a recuriter my first year and he was a slippery guy!!! After that I found all of my own jobs. Maybe another youtube viewer has some tips???

[agelsing]

Thanks for the good general info. However, I was wondering if you could answer a more specific question for me... How stringent are the standards used on the criminal background check for teaching in Korea? I was convicted of misdemeanor attempted obstruction approximately seven years ago, and I am wondering if an offense that old and petty would even show up, let alone prove an obstacle to employment. Do you have any info I could use?

[uninita]

This was very helpful. I do have a couple if questions...Could you possibly tell me the length of time between after your recruiter receives your information and when you actually have to go to Korea to meet with the Consul? And also, after the 1-year E2 Visa has expired, could one reapply while still in Korea or would they have to return to their native country to do so?

[BusanKevin]

Apparently, if you stay at the same school(Visa sponsor) you may not have to go back toyour native country. I was in Korea before the "new" visa regulations...back then it was jackrabbit fast....now...I'm not sure. Do any other viewers know??

[uninita]

Thanks...Hey. After you meet with the Korean Consul...how long before you're on your way to actually teach in Korea?

[BusanKevin]

Until December 2007...prospective teachers didn't have to meet with the Korean consul. I lft Korea last Spring. So....I'm not sure.

[tamagoten]

after interview meeting with consul in Canada, i heard it takes 2/3 weeks to process the rest of your visa. then you go.

[BusanKevin]

Thanks a lot for the info. :)

[Mikey28]

I heard you can still get an ESL job with just a TEFL certificate. I know most places need the degree as well but some schools or private jobs only require a certificate.

[ae31860]

hey there! I am looking into Teaching English (specifically withat CDI) and want to get my bearings before I officially decide anything. What resouorces should I be looking at and is there anything in particular that I need to be aware/wary of?

[AnnGriz]

Great info! Thanks! I plan to start looking to go to Korea in June.. do you have any info about the summer English camps? Also, I don't have much experience teaching, do you think that will be an issue?

[BusanKevin]

A lack of teaching experience will not be an issue getting a job. As far as camps go, hmmmmm...believe they are usually in July...pay about 4million won. You'd probably live on a university campus (usually where they have camps). Not sure about the way visas work though.

[phantomwaltz]

i left a comment on your channel page, but i'm asking again if lack of teaching experience can be a problem when you land a job. i mean, how do you know where to start and how to plan lessons?? some advice, what was it like your first month?

[17870pa]

i know that you're canadian, but i was wondering if you have a sense of a waiting period for being able to make an appointment to get your visa stamped at the korean consulate in the states?

[Stiagra]

There is no waiting. You first need to send your documents to your recruiter or the school with is. Copy of passport, Notarized and Apostilled criminal background check, Original or notarized copy of degree,2 passport photos, 3 copies of contract, health statement, Official transcript from university. Then you wait for visa issuance number and then you have to go interview with the Korean Consulate. Then your on your way to fuckin Korea.

[BusanKevin]

Good info Stiagra...sounds right to me!

[hotaruchan]

do you have to major in english...or just any 4 year degree would work?

[BusanKevin]

Any 4 year degree works. Science, Math, Business, Music...doesn't matter. Just a degree from a recognized university in an English-speaking country.

[zachgoestoeuro]

I am really thinking about doing this, but I wonder if this market is over-saturated? Too many of us trying to find jobs?

[BusanKevin]

Quite the opposite. Especially with the new stricter regulations on E29language teacher) visas..there is a serious shortage which means teacher wages are increasing! Now is a good time to go!

[MissJones421]

What is an E29 language teacher visa and what are the new regulations?

[cleungg]

I'm especially interested in the way they are treated in the country as I am of Chinese descent and would blend in quite readily with the crowd there. I worked in japan (not teaching) for roughly a year and find that my perspective and experience compared to that of the visible foreigners were much different. I just came back from Seoul and I absolutely love the city.

[cleungg]

Hey Kevin, very helpful and much appreciated. I was wondering if you've met any non-caucasian teachers while teaching in SK. I'm sure there is a certain amount of preference for caucasian teachers, but I'm curious as to the job prospects that non-caucasian teacher should be expecting in terms of the type of job and compensation.

[marjannahynes]

Do you think i can do it with 3-years worth/credits from university?

[BusanKevin]

I'm pretty sure that to get a legit E2 visa you need completed degree. Everytime I applyied for a visa I had to give the immigration officials a copy of my degree as well as sealed transcripts from my uni.

[Jewker]

You need a 4 year degree from an accredited college or university and a sealed transcript from the school. Moreover, visa requirements just became much more difficult starting December 15, 2007 than Kevin has described. Korea is no longer a convenient place to teach.

[kg4dni]

Hi Kevin,

If I have two 2 year degrees from a community college, could I possibly qualify for teaching in Korea?

Thank you for your videos,

Daniel

[Jewker]

No. You need a 4 year degree.

[kg4dni]

thanks for the clarification.

[LoveSTER]

Hi, your videos are very useful and they give me a lot of insight about teaching. I have a question though. As you said in the video, Diploma's don't count towards teaching ESL. Does that mean any diploma's? Because I have a 2 year diploma from a College and possibly considering a TESOL diploma. So I was wondering if that would work?

Thanks again.

[Jewker]

You need a BA or BS from an accredited university or college.

[LittlePasta9]

Hey, thanks for all the great info. I'm leaving from Toronto in Feb. Do you know anything about queer issues in Korea? I was told I could lose my job because I'm a lesbian. That sucks. Anyway, I don't care about being out at work, I just want to know if it's a safe place for queers. I won't go to jail, or anything crazy will I? LOL!! Is there an L or gay district?

Thanks dude.

[BusanKevin]

Not sure bout a lot of your questions. I can tell you for sure that you certainly won't go to jail for being gay! You should know that Korean culture can be VERY conservative by our standards. Check out a Korea Lonely Planet book. LP's usually have a section about gay/lesbian life and travel.

[mshamann]

Great video. I'm planning on going to South Korea myself. What advice can you give me about the following companies: YBM ECC, Park English Recruiting, English First, Pogota. Thanks.

[Ktklover08]

Hello, lots of useful info. Do you happen to know if you're allowed to work as an ESL teacher and attend school at the same time? I was thinking about the Korean Language Institute at Yonsei.

[BusanKevin]

You can study and work at the same time. I was a language student (part-time) while teaching in Korea and many of my friends studied at Korean language academies while working. Some even studied/worked full time!

[nickygeth]

Hey, thanks for the posts, some very usful stuff. I'm living in Ireland at the moment but I'm thinking about making the move to Korea over the next few months to teach English.

I would be interested to hear your thoughts on the Korean pepole! Did you find most of them to be friendly and welcoming to you and how easy is it to make friends with the locals as well as other westerners in Korea. Have heard some mixed reports on this score!

All the best,

Nick

[BusanKevin]

Of course there's good and bad to living in Korea. Sometimes locals and foreigners alike aren't the friendliest. That's not the norm though. Usually you can expect a warm reception as an English teacher. Every city has it's own foreign community that's usually tight. Lots of Irish folks living in Seoul and Ulsan!

[canadaken22]

Thanks for uploading these videos! I have really enjoyed your insight on living and teaching in South Korea. I'm considering it myself. I lived in Sweden for a year and miss the adventure of learning how to sustain myself in a foreign land with a different culture ... although South Korea's culture is undoubtedly far more different than my own compared to Sweden. I'm really looking forward to your next video. Keep up the great work!

[BusanKevin]

Thanksa lot. Glad you enjoyed it. I should have new one up failry soon.

Cheers,

Kevin