Knowing Korean: an advantage when applying for university jobs in Korea?

Another great question from an audience member at my recent presentation at the Kotesol national conference on the topic of How to Get a University Job in South Korea.

They were wondering whether or not knowing Korean would give them an advantage when applying for university jobs. My short answer is that it's basically a neutral. While it may give you a slight advantage in some cases, the university is hiring your for your English ability, not your Korean one and the reality is that you can function very well in this job without even being able to read Hangeul, much less speak it. 

Here's a short video I made about the topic:

Tenure Track Positions in Korean Universities

An interesting question from one of the people who attended my recent KOTESOL presentation on How to Get a University Job in South Korea. She asked about the possibility of tenure track positions for foreigners in Korean universities.

My short answer was that while it's not impossible, it's quite unlikely. For example, during my 8 years working at unis I've only met 2 foreigners who were in these kind of positions. The vast majority are on 1-2 year contracts and there are also a few visiting professors who plan to return to positions in their home countries.

Part of it is that there are so many Koreans who are qualified for these jobs and the other thing is the language barrier. Any university who hires you will want you to be an active member of that department-attending MT, counseling students, going to meetings, working on committees, etc. Nobody will want to translate for you during all of these things and so you will basically be side-lined unless you are fluent in Korea. In addition, if you teach anything other than English, it will be really difficult for you to effectively teach your students who likely don't have the English ability to be able to understand lectures on anything besides the most basic of topics.

So, is Korea the answer for someone with a PhD unable to find work in their home country? Probably not and I wouldn't count on being able to get anything besides short-term, 1-2 year contracts.

Kotesol National Conference 2015

The Kotesol national conference 2015 is coming up soon on May 30th in Seoul. 

I'll be presenting on the very academic topic of,"How to Get a University Job in South Korea" at 1:00 in the giant auditorium, Gemma Hall. I hate the lecture style of presentation so please sit near the front and talk to me so my presentation can be more interactive, okay? I'm kind of nervous. Thanks. 

My Upcoming Kotesol Presentations

A quick note for readers of this blog in Korea. I'll be giving a couple presentations at upcoming Kotesol conferences.

1. May 16th-Busan Chapter Kotesol Meeting. "How to Teach Speaking." 5 tips and 5 activities for all levels and ages of students. If you miss it, don't worry...all the stuff is from my upcoming book about ESL Speaking which I'm giving away for free to everyone who signs up for my mailing list. But, of course I promise interactive, informative and fun in person so it'll be better to just come on Saturday!

2. May 30th-Seoul Kotesol National Conference. This is the second biggest English teaching event in Korea (behind the International conference). "How to Get a University Job in South Korea." If you miss this one, you can get the book: How to Get a University Job in South Korea. But, of course in person is better because you can ask questions and get some more immediate feedback for your jobs in Korea related questions.

Basic Requirements to Get a University Job in South Korea

A short video explaining the basic things you need in order to get a university job in South Korea:

For more tips on getting a uni job in Korea, check out:

How to Get a University Job in South Korea: The English Teaching Job of Your Dreamson Amazon.

Resume to Apply for Korean University Jobs

A short video about a mistake that people often make when applying for university jobs in South Korea: a too complicated resume.

For all the details about getting a university job in Korea, including a resume template check out this book on Amazon:

How to Get a University Job in South Korea: The English Teaching Job of Your Dreams

Korean University Interviews: What NOT to Say

In my opinion, this is the thing you absolutely can't say during a university interview for an ESL teaching position in Korea.

For plenty more tips about your university interview in South Korea, check out:
How to Get a University Job in South Korea: The English Teaching Job of Your Dreams

Do you Need to Speak Korean to work at a University in South Korea?

A common question I get from readers is whether or not you need to speak Korean in order to work at a Korean university. Watch this short video to find out the answer.

And of course, don't forget to sign up for my mailing list if you haven't already. More than 40 ESL games and activities, lesson plans, news of my upcoming projects and a whole lot more.

University Jobs in Korea with only a BA Degree

A common question I get from people looking for uni jobs in Korea is whether or not they can get one with only a Bachelor's degree and not a Master's. I answer the question in this short video, and also give a lot more detail in my book, How to Get a University Job in South Korea: The English Teaching Job of Your Dreams.

Reader Question: I look Very Young- What Should I do?

Young Looking-Korean University Job?

A reader question from someone who is a young looking 32 year old. He wants to know if he should attempt to look older through things like facial hair or fake glasses in order to get a job at a Korean university.

My answer: no. If you're 32 years old, I wouldn't worry about it. If you were in your 20's and had this same problem, then I'd recommend taking some action. The ideal age for a Korean university to hire someone is late 20's to late 40's, and I have a feeling that even with this looking young situation, you'd probably fit into that range.

Of course, for even more advice on how to get that prime university job in South Korea, check out:
How to Get a University Job in South Korea: The English Teaching Job of Your Dreams

Resume to Apply for Korean University Jobs

Resumes for University Jobs in South Korea

 A reader question about resumes for applying for university jobs in South Korea:

"Regarding a resume - In your book's sample resume you didn't include an 'Objective' section.  Should I omit this?  Or personalize it for each uni I'm applying to?"

Readers: I have indeed included a sample resume template in my book,  How to Get a University Job in South Korea: The English Teaching Job of Your Dreamsso check that out if you're looking for a uni job in South Korea. I think you'll find it helpful.

But, onwards to the question. I didn't include an "objective" section because all the most current stuff I read about resumes said not to include it and that's it's kind of old-style.

I think the whole thing is pretty ridiculous anyway, especially for an ESL teacher-like isn't your objective to get a job at a South Korean university (or company XYZ)? Anything that you put besides that would basically just be a lie. I guess you could say something like, "I want to help students learn English." But, doesn't everyone who teaches ESL?  It's just so obvious and fake and ridiculous that I refuse to put it in on my resume.

Reader Question: PhD to Get a University Job in Korea?

PhD to Work at a Korean University?

"I've just finished my masters in TESOL and want to make a smooth transition into a university job in Korea. Any advice on how to get into the game without any current uni teaching experience because it seems like every position requires it.  Is it worth it to get a PhD?"

Thanks for the question- it's a position that many people in many industries around the world find themselves in. They have the education, but lack the experience to get them the job in the field. The catch 22. 

Anyway, because your masters degree is in TESOL it will be possible for you to get a university job in Korea, eventually so don't give up. I talk about this very question in my book, How to Get a University Job in South Korea: The English Teaching Job of Your Dreams and give some suggestions such as working at a unigwon for a year or two or at a lower level uni out in the countryside. I give an abundance of detail in the book, so check that out if you haven't already.

As for the PhD thing, I've been around Korean universities for the past 8 years and can count the number of foreigners with PhD's working there on 2 hands, and possibly 1. The people that I have met were those who studied something else besides TESOL such as English Literature, Social Welfare or Engineering and were working in those departments teaching content classes, as opposed to general English classes.

Since you have a masters in TESOL, I'm assuming that is what you'd do your PhD in. In this case, it is a total waste of time and money if your end goal is to get a job at a Korean university; it just doesn't matter to Korean universities when they hire an English conversation instructor. If your goal is to make teaching ESL your career and move on to other countries or back home, then yes, possibly it is a good idea but it really depends on your individual circumstances.

Possible Reasons why you can't get a University Job in Korea

University Jobs South Korea

A negative review over on Amazon about someone who my book,  How to Get a University Job in South Korea: The English Teaching Job of Your Dreamsdidn't help. It's really hard to give specific advice in a general kind of "how-to" book.

Anyway, I'd like to respond with some possible reasons why people wouldn't be able to get a uni job in a year, although I have no idea what is going wrong with this specific person without more information from him (I welcome him to comment).  Here's his review:

"Ok, but need more detail. I want to know what I'm doing wrong when trying to get a university job. I have been trying for about a year with no luck. This book does nothing to help solve my problem."

Top 10 Reasons Why you can't Get the Korean University Job you want.

1. Education It's really hard to get a university job in South Korea without a Masters degree these days. A few years ago, you could slip by with a BA degree, but times are changing and requirements are far higher these days.

2. Experience It's not easy to get a university job with only a year or two of teaching experience, even if you have a Masters degree. Places may also be reluctant to hire you if you have never taught adults.

3. Age If you are either younger (less than 30) or older (more than 50) than the ideal, it can be really tough for you to even get interviews, no matter how well-qualified you are.

4. Gender and Country of Origin North America females are generally preferred and if you don't fit into either of those categories, you might be overlooked in favor of someone who is both of those things.

5. Appearance As I mention in the book numerous times, appearance truly is everything in Korea. If you are anything but well-dressed and groomed and reasonably attractive, it can be quite difficult for you to get a job.  You have to put a picture on the resume and hope that the university likes what they see. Obvious physical defects and not being white are often huge strikes against you. Or, maybe you don't present that well at an interview due to things like B.O., facial hair, weight or ill-fitting clothes.

6. Lack of Knowledge about Teaching If you make it to the interview stage, but keep failing it may be because it is obvious that you have no idea about teaching. Almost all interviewers will ask at least one question about teaching methodology to sort out the amateurs from the professionals in the classroom. Consider this carefully and buff up on your English language teaching knowledge if necessary by taking a class such as the Celta.

7. Lack of Networking If you are not getting interviews, it is perhaps because you don't know someone on the inside. Many of the top jobs are never advertised publicly and are instead filled through word of mouth, through friends of current foreign teachers. If you are reclusive or not a cool person and just don't know that many people in Korea, you will have a hard time finding a university job.

8. Lack of Professional Development See #6. This can really set apart the "real" teachers from the "amateurs."

9. Non-Professional Application Package If you are not getting interviews, consider your package carefully. I offer a wealth of advice in How to Get a University Job in South Korea: The English Teaching Job of Your Dreams on this topic.

10. Not Applying to Enough Jobs In the book, I talk about what to do if you are not a top candidate and have a few strikes against you such as your country of origin, lack of experience or age. I suggest applying to ANY and ALL university jobs in South Korea. Treat it like your full-time job and get obsessed with it. You need to apply for at least 50+ jobs in order to get a few interviews and eventually jobs offers. Maybe you are a less than ideal candidate but you are being too picky and only applying to the very top jobs that even someone well-qualified would have a hard time competing for.

A couple years out in the countryside working at a job with a high number of teaching hours, less than full vacation, or low pay will help you tremendously in competing for the best jobs in the future.

Korean University Job Without a Masters Degree

University Jobs Korea

One of the most common questions that I get in person and online is how someone with only a BA can get a university job in South Korea. My answer is that these days, it is quite difficult but as with anything, it is about being in the right place at the right time and knowing the right people.  Many of my friends are working at universities here in Busan and they do not have Masters degrees.

Here is any example of a Korean university job offer that just came out that doesn't require a Masters degree and which is an excellent opportunity to get your foot in the door to get that all important few years of university experience. Once you have that experience, you can move up in the world into bigger and better positions. But, this job is definitely a prime one with the low teaching hours and excellent vacation.

I found the information in one of the Facebook groups I'm a member of:

Daegu Catholic University requires English teachers ASAP
No MA required, only BA + 4 years of teaching experience (Hagawon, university, public school, etc)
28 million/year + housing
5 months paid vacation
12 hours/week, spread out over 4 days.
Email: yeokh08@cu.ac.kr

For some advice on how to get a uni job in South Korea, check out: How to Get a University Job in South Korea: The English Teaching Job of Your Dreams.

How to Get a University Job in South Korea: on Sale for 1 week only!

Starting tomorrow, you'll be able to get How to Get a University Job in South Korea: The English Teaching Job of Your Dreamsfor just $1.99 (reduced from $3.49) but the sale lasts for one week only.

If you're looking for a uni job teaching English in South Korea, this is your go-to book and there truly is nothing else out there that contains all this information in one place. People like it so far: only 5 star reviews over on Amazon. 

In somewhat related news, check out the newly updated book's website, University Jobs Korea for some resources that will be helpful to any job-seekers. Let me know if you have any questions or requests for posts; I'm always happy to help and will answer them within a day or two on this blog.

Top 5 Tips for Newbies to Teaching in Korean Universities

It's that time of year again as the new semester starts in a week or so. Even though I've been doing it for years, I still get a little bit nervous. But, it's nothing like it was before my first semester teaching at a university. Instead of feeling a bit nervous, it was a feeling more akin to terror. Anyway, nothing I can say is going to make you feel less nervous, but here are a few tips to help you.

Top 5 Tips for Newbies to Teaching at Korean Universities:

1. Lower your expectations, particularly for freshman English classes. First year of university is a time of rest between high school hell and mandatory army hell for the boys, so they just want to have fun, enjoy their freedom and perhaps find a girlfriend.

2. Simple is best. You may have plenty of fabulous ideas for how you're going to have the raddest classes ever but always remember that simple is best. Your students are probably going to be lower level than you would expect them to be. 

3. You can't fight the system. Things like passing seniors who never show up to class and/or fail every single assignment and test will seem ridiculous to you. Get over that and the quicker the better. You are a lone foreigner and nobody actually cares what you think about the Korean university system.

4. Be fair and care. You don't need to be the funniest, or the coolest, or the most handsome teacher in order to be popular. It is actually easier than that. Just be fair and treat all students the same and also show them that you care. Remember their names, talk to them outside of class, be a decent human being in case of a problem of some kind. Never use the power that you have to your advantage but instead be humble.

5. Fly under the radar. Build yourself a reputation as a stellar teacher but also work on being the person who never has any negative interactions, with anybody. NEVER complain to the admin about anything and try to ask for as minimal amount of their help as possible. I make it my goal to always fly under the radar and only have positive interactions with the powers that be.

Maybe you're wondering how you could get this rad job?  Let me tell you how for the low price of $3.49:

Do you want to be a Wealthy English Teacher?

Most people find their way to Korea to pay off some debts, save a bit of money and have some adventures while doing it. And it is indeed a fabulous place to do all those things. But, can you become rich teaching ESL as a career, in Korea or in other countries? Yes!  I think it really is possible for just about anyone with a bit of frugal living, wise investing and by avoiding a few common financial mistakes.

So, the happy news for you, my readers is that I have another book coming out, "The Wealthy English Teacher: A Beginner's Guide to Becoming Rich." It is in the final editing stages now so you should be able to find it on Amazon in a couple of weeks and I promise that the price will indeed be right...around $4 or so.

Here's the website, The Wealthy English Teacher where you can get an overview of the book contents. Check out the links on the top menu bar too: plenty of goodness to whet your appetite for becoming fabulously rich.

University Jobs in South Korea

I've started up a new website dedicated to helping people get a university job teaching English in South Korea.  You can find it at University Job Korea (www.universityjobkorea.com).

I plan to use that site instead of this one in the future for anything related to uni jobs in Korea, so be sure to bookmark it or add it to your feeder if you're looking for a job. Also, don't forget to like the Facebook Page for How to Get a University Job in Korea.

And, in other news, I'm going to Vietnam tomorrow for 3 weeks or so, so that will be why I'm MIA.  Stay tuned for lots more goodness at the end of February/early March including my new book about personal finance/investing for teachers abroad.

Free: 40 Tried and Tested ESL Games and Activities

Email Address

Doctorate Degree in Law-Uni Job in Korea from Overseas?

This is a question from a person who read my book, How to Get a University Job in South Korea: The English Teaching Job of Your Dreams, found it helpful and left a 5-star review (as an aside, if you've read the book and liked it, please leave a review on Amazon. It really helps the book's search rankings). Anyway, onwards to the question:

"I am currently working as an attorney in the US.  I have a Juris Doctor degree and a BA in English.  In both college and law school, I did some tutoring and mentoring.  My fiancee is also an attorney, and has a similar background with respect to sporadic teaching.  I know from your book that having a master's degree is helpful, but am wondering if having a doctorate-level degree might help make up for the fact that we are not in Korea presently/at the time of application and don't have experience teaching in Korea.  We are very committed to teaching in Korea and of course would be willing to come to Korea for in-person interviews, but as we are both working as attorneys currently, we don't have the complete flexibility to move to Korea before landing a position."

My Answer: 

While I appreciate the fact that you want to have a change of pace and a bit of adventure, I'm not sure teaching ESL in Korea is the best route for people with such good job prospects back home, such as you and your fiance.

Teaching ESL, and especially in Korea is basically a dead-end with no real chance for advancement into decent "career" kinds of jobs that give you more than a one or two year contract unless you make it happen for yourself such as getting into publishing or through Internet ventures. I myself am leaving mostly for this very reason. I've made it to the top of the Korean ESL world and there's nowhere to go but sideways or down, which is a pretty grim and demoralizing prospect for someone who is only 35 years old.

Korean Uni Interviews via Skype

If you must come to Korea, it really is very difficult to get a university job from abroad. I estimate less than 3% of Korean universities are willing to do Skype interviews.  Sure, having a PhD might help you get a foot in the door, but it also might be a bit of a red-flag because hiring committees will wonder why you would ever want to teach in Korea and you will probably have to spend a good bit of the interview process explaining this. They are used to people with Masters degree in things such as English, TESOL, humanities or arts.

Frugal Living and Early Retirement

Not to be too presumptuous and offer advice that wasn't asked for, but have you thought about just working hard for a few years in America, living extremely frugally, getting yourself set up with investments and then "retiring" and traveling and doing whatever adventures you want to do?  One of my biggest regrets in life is that I didn't study something more useful in university and set myself up for a situation like that. 

Check out these websites for some inspiration:

Freedom Through Passive Income (it's mine!)

My Money Mustache

Early Retirement Extreme

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Jackie Bolen around the Internet

Did you  know that I have plenty of others things going on around the Internet than besides just this site?

If you're interested in personal finance or investing or building passive income streams, you could check out:

Freedom Through Passive Income
Freedom Through Passive Income Facebook Page
Twitter: @freedomthroughp
Pinterest: Dividend Stock Investing
Pinterest: Building Passive Income Streams

In you want more about teaching English or South Korea, check out:

How to Get a University Job in South Korea (book on Amazon)
How To Get a Uni Job in Korea (Hubpages-free excerpts from the book)
How to Get a University Job in Korea on Facebook
Twitter: @jlbinkorea
Pinterest: Uni Jobs Korea
HubPages (so many more specific pages like Speaking Activities for ESL Students, or ESL Textbook Reviews)

And finally, more general, amalgamation kind of stuff that I have:

Jackie Bolen's Main Site
Jackie Bolen on HubPages
Twitter: @bolen_jackie
Jackie Bolen on Google Plus

Please connect with me on Social Media. I love to interact with my readers and answer any questions or check out their sites!

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