
Recruiting page for Pyongyang University of Science and Technology. / Screen captured from HeySuccess
By Lee Han-soo
Pyongyang University of Science and Technology (PUST), North Korea's first privately funded university, is recruiting English teachers.
The school is receiving applications from candidates in dozens of countries, many of which are ironically non-English speaking, such as South Korea, China and Japan.
"Preference is given to candidates who have a long-term mindset and are open to staying at PUST for a number of years," the university says in its message on www.heysuccess.com, a British recruiting website. "English teachers are required to commit to an entire 15-week semester. The spring semester begins in early March and finishes in mid-June. The fall semester begins in early September and finishes in mid-December."
But the position is unpaid, with the exception of accommodation and basic cafeteria meals.
“PUST is funded by various private charities (mainly from the international Korean community) but has limited funds and is not able to pay salaries,” Colin McCulloch, director of external relations at PUST, said. “Therefore, those who come to serve with us must pay their own way, as regards travel and other necessary expenses.”
The university says the ideal candidate will be an "energetic, responsible and well-qualified professional teacher with relevant English teaching experience." It says an English teaching qualification (TEFL/ CELTA/ TESOL) is highly preferred.
The university is also looking for suitable teachers for agriculture, life sciences, electrical/electronic engineering, finance, management and economics courses and is seeking instructors in other languages, primarily Chinese.
Successful applicants are supposed to have a campus-based lifestyle, meaning they may not be allowed to travel freely. For more information, click
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