Non-Natives Frustrated in Finding English Teaching Jobs Here
By Kang Shin-who
Staff Reporter
The Korean government recently announced that it would open English language teaching positions to people from the Philippines and other countries that use English as official language. However, what remains to be seen is when this will actually be put into practice.
``I am wondering when and how Filipinos can apply,'' said Timothy Rice, from the Philippines.
A Ghanaian English teacher in Bangladesh said ``I really want to visit Korea and work as an English teacher. But I cannot find any information about when and how to apply.''
Despite pledges to widen the market, Korea will in principle allow in English teachers only from countries that have trade agreements or their equivalent with Korea.
Consequently, India is likely to be the first country that may send teachers to Korea, as it is currently negotiating with Korea the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which is concerned with the free trade of goods and services. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade expects to ink the CEPA with India by March.
Once the agreement goes into effect by June, qualified Indian nationals will be able to apply for English teaching jobs here. Ministry officials expect the first batch to start teaching here from next year, following selection, screening and training procedures in the second half of this year.
ASEAN has already signed trade deals with Korea but only three member countries ― Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines ― are eligible to negotiate for inclusion in the English teaching positions said Han Joo-sil, a foreign affairs ministry official. ``We will also discuss terms with countries over opening their markets in return.''
Singapore and the Philippines have already apparently made inquiries into the issue. Once the agreements are reached, recruitment will start in those nations.
``We will request the education ministries in the countries to select qualified teachers. I cannot tell for now how many we will hire but it will be gradual,'' said Oh Seok-hwan, an official of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
Local educational offices are also awaiting the green light from central government.
``We are waiting for the government to officially allow non-native English teachers. We have extensively spoken with the Philippine government and are ready to work with Filipino teachers,'' said Kim Byung-cheon, an official of the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education.
Incoming teachers will be placed at elementary and secondary schools across the nation as assistant teachers. Those eligible to apply must have bachelor's degrees or above in English studies and teaching licenses.