becoming an english teacher in korea...?

Question

hey guys. ughh, im kind of in a confused situation. ok, so this is how it goes down. when im grow older and graduate from highschool [im a freshman] i want to be able to go to UCLA Korean Studies. but then, im kind of scared. like last year i was definite that i wana go there bcz my goal is to be an english teacher in korea. i love everything about that culture and stuff. the music, the movies, etc etc. but they dont have korean classes here in san jose, only japanese classes. so im scared that when i go to the UCLA i'll just stay longer there since i dont have a complete learning about the language. i can say a few words but i can understand more. so yeah.. so i was wondering maybe i should give up that dream and study japanese and become a an english teacher there instead of korea. ugh i dont know what to do >__< because im more into the korean culture [no offense] and i don't want to grow up and have regrets about not taking the dream that i wanted to have... can you guys help me?

Answer 1

My daughter also has a similar Korean dream -- and we are in the San Jose area and she is in high school! Look at San Jose State University (or talk to a counselor at SJSU) and you will find that they have an international study abroad program -- including KOREA! No, they do not teach Korean at SJSU, but....you could do a semester or year abroad in Korea (I've read that some Korean schools will even pay you if you teach English to other students because they are very hungry to know English). You need to get your parents, or yourself to go to SJSU and check it out. Forget UCLA. Go to SJSU, go on a semester or year abroad in Korea, AND get college credit -- depending on what else you like, maybe major in computers, Education, or Asian Studies. Most majors will let you do study abroad and give you credit. That way, you'd be in your home area, get your education, and learn Korean while LIVING there! Check out the San Jose State University website and search for Study Abroad programs, and if you can't find it like that, then just email one of the departments you're interested in. Good luck. It is definitely possible!

Answer 2

Fluency in English is a must. Practice English! Also, most programs now-a-days require a bachelor's degree in an English-related field (English, Literature, Linguistics, etc.) or a Master's in any field. You don't need to know any Korean but after talking to some of the people I know teaching in South Korea, it wouldn't hurt and might even be helpful.

Answer 3

Colleges that have educational programs for teachers will also have information on teaching opportunities in foreign countries. You do NOT have to study the country or its language in order to teach English there. In many countries, students take English classes for a number of years. They often have a solid grasp of our written language but do not speak English.

With a four year degree, you will find plenty of opportunities to work for companies that recruit Americans (Brits, Aussies, etc.) to teach English. More often you will work with adult learners. They usually need better English skills for their job.

Once again, thse folks have the written skills. They usually have not had the advantage of learning English from native speakers. This is where you come in. These companies that specialize in recruiting native speakers for their adult schools will train you how to teach. Theay will set you up with an apartment and a salary.

Your college or university (or the local teacher's college) will have the necessary info.

Answer 4

Here's some info....
http://www.amityteachers.com/
http://english.tour2korea.com/02Culture/KoreanLanguage/learn_korean_language.asp?konum=subm1_1&kosm=m2_9