Over Emphasis on Degrees

There are other certifications that have merit. Diplomas that
require 2 to 3 years of study are often more rigorous than
degree programs. These diploma programs are accredited
and high quality.
In the states there is a national urgency to get everybody
degreed at least to Bachelors level. There are other forms
of certifications that would be just as beneficial to English
teachers. It seems to be a status symbol in the states to
have a degree at least Bachelors level. With outsourcing
there really doesn't seems to be much work in the states
any more. Ironically alot of work that requires a degree can
be outsourced too. Compared to other countries there isn't
much respect for peoples education unless it at least an
undergrad degree.
There are affordable 'easy' distance learning degrees but
a lot of courses do not fall into the category of college
worthy thus you can't get credit. My main point many of us
spend time and money on education that is socially acceptable but doesn't give us empowering skills to teach
English.

Yes, the US has become such a credential-crazed society that a bachelor's degree in any subject is often more revered by employers than actual knowledge and skill. It is a sad state of affairs. Also, as a result of this credentials-over-substance frenzy, the quality of education received in many B.A. programs has fallen over the past 20 years (making them easier to obtain) and, in many cases, a B.A. is barely comparable to the education I received in high school in the 80s.

That said, I would like to correct the implication that distance degrees are all 'easy.' While, yes, it appears obvious that there are more unaccredited and/or 'easy' degree programs online than in brick-and-mortar institutions at this time, there are also excellent, fully accredited institutions offering online degrees these days. One just needs to spend some time researching before enrolling.

Hello everybody!

I don't know if this is the right area to be asking this question , but the new layout is kind of confusing .... I am wondering if anybody has any experience teaching in South Korea?? My boyfriend has a job offering in South Korea for a one year contract (not a teaching job) and I would like to go with him and teach English. I just finished my professional TESOL diploma . Most of the job offerings that I am finding are requiring at least a B.A. and I do not have this. I am wondering if this requirement is set in stone or if there are exceptions that can be made ? I am looking to speak with anybody who has had experience teaching in South Korea without a B.A or degree. If anybody has any information they could provide, it would be much appreciated.

Holly

Hey Holly,

I'm teaching in Korea right now.
Most of the legitimate hagwons will ask you to work only
if you have three things, health check, visa and a four year degree. This is what you need in order to obtain work in Korea.

Are your parents Korean? If so, then you can be granted an f4 visa which allows you to work in pretty much anywhere... eg.. clothings store, teacher, modelling, designer etc. (even without a BA, you could teach as a teacher.)

The government has been pretty firm about their policies
upon these requirements for non korean foriegners.

On the bright side, although it isn't legal. you could teach private classes and make money under the table but it is at your own discretion. People have been known to make a large sum of money doing this.

You may want to try another country where their requirements aren't so stringent. But in case you have a twinge of curiousity,
take a look at worknplay.co.kr....give recruiters a call for yourself. maybe if you are teaching kindergarten..or young kids you may be able to teach..

As to how legit that is ...it is all up to you..

Good luck

Sorry, what I meant to say was...that
You are either responsible in getting a visa from your home country or FROM the school. So the school needs to get three things...degree, health check and VS search (vulnerable sector)

I taught in Korea with no degree... there are other ways of getting your visa.