How Much Are You Worth? Not Much.

I was on Dave's ESL this morning and came across an advertisement for a position at our own Jeju National University. Of course, I took a look to see what they were offering. Comments are in italics.

Here is the ad in its entirety:

Posted by: Department of English Education (Jeju National University)

* Qualifications
-A masterfs or more / TESL, TEFL or linguistic major preferred.
-At least two yearsf experience in teaching English as a foreign language
at college or university level.

* Duties
-The basic teaching load is 12 hours/wk for the 16 wk semester. (including Graduate
Courses) Subject to change depending on the schedule.
-Required actively to participate in various department activities.
-Required to work cooperatively with the members of department.
-Further details will be specified in the contract.

(Let's see: Your teaching load - meaning hours - is "subject to change." The change will be upward. I guarantee it. Don't fixate on the 12 hours and think you are only going to teach 12 hours a week. What about English Camps and "other activities?" There will probably be a lot more required than is spoken of here.)*

Financial statement
-2,000,000 won/month / Furnished Housing on campus is offered(31.96‡u).
(User pays: maintenance cost, electricity, water, gas charges, etc.)
(No air fare reimbursement)

(So lets's see: They want a Master's degree and two years of experience teaching at the university level. And for this you'll get a whole 2,000,000 Won. Now for those considering this, let's look at it a little closer: Two million Won minus a minimum of 3.3% taxes, minus about 90K in Pension contribution, minus about 35K for medical insurance, minus 60K - 100K for the "maintenance fee" and minus utilities. You'll be lucky to clear 1,400,000 to 1,550,000 each month. This is after you paying for your airfare to get to Jeju. Nice. By the way, the advertised salary is less than the average hagwon salary I see being offered. If being able to say "I teach at a National University" is worth, on average, 2,400,000 Won to you over the life of the contract, go for it.)

* Contract
-One year, from March 1, 2012 to February 28, 2013. (Annual renewal upon evaluation)
-All documents can not be returned.
-In case any false statements found later on your application, the contract will be invalid.

* Documents required
-Cover letter, Curriculum vitae, Copies of Degree(s)/Certificate(s),
-Transcripts (undergraduate and graduate),
-Copies of a passport (picture page) and the alien registration card,
-Letter of recommendation(s)
-A sample teaching plan for English writing.

(Lets's see, they want a "sample" teaching plan for a writing course. What level? What are the course objectives? How does it fit into the curriculum? Hmmmm.)

* Application Deadline
-No later than January 6, 2012
-Please apply by e]mail to the address below
-Only those applicants chosen for interview will receive notice through e-mail.

Department of English Education
Jeju National University
Ara 1-dong, 102 Jejudaehakno
Jeju-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, 690]756
Republic of Korea

If you are interested in this position you can find the contact info on Dave's ESL Cafe.

I think I'll pass.

(Update: Edited for numerous spelling errors. That's what you get when you type and post while talking to someone on the phone. Uggghhh.)