TESOL

합격 (hap-gyeok) means “acceptance, eligibility, passing, success in examination”. Almost a month ago, I had an interview and a test for a TESOL course in a Korean university. It’s part of my preparation for when I decide to go back to the work force. Unfortunately, it would be hard for me to get a job in line with my college degree, which focuses on financial reporting, i.e. accountancy. It’s a sad reality but the only job I’ll probably be able to get here is english teaching.
I wasn’t an english teacher in the Philippines but I do have some experience teaching one and a half years of high school computer in a university in Pampanga and one semester of business subjects in a computer school. However, I don’t think I’m qualified enough to teach the language.
I thought I did well on my interview but I’m sure I flunked the test. It’s an English speaking test where a situation is given in Korean and you’ll have to give the solution in English. I remember answering that I didn’t understand the questions well but I’d try to explain it anyway. The test part is 90% while the interview is only 10%. So I’d lost hope that I’ll get in. There are 330 applicants in the class I applied to where only 30 will be selected.
Imagine my surprise when I saw the remark “합격”. I’d conditioned myself that I wouldn’t be accepted that I had made alternative plans. The tuition fee is really expensive, so I should finish the course and get a nice job later. I hope this won’t be another “ningas cogon“.

9 comments

  1. Congratulations! I was so sure that you will do well on your test. I am very happy for you. You will make a very good English teacher.
    If you need any help with instructional materials development, don’t hesitate to let me know 🙂
    Kaya mo yan! Sugod! 🙂

  2. Congratulations girl!!! I knew you would pass with flying colors!!! I just know you will be a great english teacher!!! Teach your future students about sarcasm(hehehehe)!!!!

  3. I had to google translate that, but major props, Betchay! I think you are very qualified! There was never once on your blog when I had trouble understanding you – ok, actually, there were many times, when you write in Filipino. =P
    I don’t think it’s a sad reality either… I think teaching English will be more rewarding than you think! Teach little kids, I think you won’t be able to resist. 😉

  4. hey guys! thank you. i’m going to register today since it’s the last day…
    @AzureWolf >> i’d really rather teach young kids who are more interested in learning rather than mid/high school students who are forced to study… i also enjoy talking with adults as long as they think like moi! LOL

  5. hi, congratulations on passing the TESOL! i’m also a filipina living in seoul. i’m 24 years old and married to a Korean. i’ve been here for 1 year and 3 months now. about 4 months ago i started a job as a Web Designer.
    I hope you’ll have the career you want to pursue…it takes hard work, but it’s definitely possible. good luck!^^

  6. hello! i would like to ask if how much the expensses in taking a TESOL classes? I’m also teaching in kindergarten and part time in hagwon and have some private tutorials here in gangwondo. i married to a korean and have 2 pretty kids. i hope i can aquire TESOL someday.

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