What degree should I get to teach english I was planning to get one in computer engineering or computer programming.

But IDK what im talking about 

Hi,

If you are looking to just teach English for a year or two in Korea, get a degree in something you find interesting. It isn't going to make much difference if you get it in Computing (my degree is in Computing with Operational Research) or if you get it in English Education. However, if you plan to make a carear out of it there are worse things that you could do that get it in a related field. You could get a linguistics degree, an English degree, a teaching degree, or even a specifically TESOL related degree. One of my friends who has been here 5 years and works in a university had TESOL as part of her degree. The only slight problem with a Computing degree is that if you are out here for any length of time it will become worth less. You will have to make sure that you have kept up with the new technology and done some projects while you're here to keep your knowledge of languages fresh if you plan on going back to the field of computing when you decide to stop living in Korea.

Thank you for the reply, But what degree would be best for a long term stay?

Like I said "a linguistics degree, an English degree, a teaching degree, or even a specifically TESOL related degree". A degree in Korean language or culture might not do you too badly either. Have you got Korean blood? If so, you can do anything in Korea, not just teach English, so if you wanted a carear in computing that wouldn't be impossible on an F visa I don't think especially if you speak Korean.

Are you teaching english? Or do you have a job in computing? 

I teach English in South Korea. I worked as a web developer and software developer in England before that though.

How do you learn how to Teach english then if people have diffrent degrees? Do I also need one in teaching?

Firstly, I assume that you speak English? I'm not saying it is as easy as that but lots of people learn on the job. I opted to take a TEFL course. I took a 4 week offline CertTESOL. I enjoyed it, but it was hard, and quite expensive. If you are planning on teaching English for the rest of your life though, it's a good investment. That, the CELTA and there is an American one as well are the best out there. Lots of places ask for them specifically. Some ask for them "or equivalent", which basically means 120 hour classroom course, with at least 6 hours observed teaching practice. Then there are i-to-i courses. At the moment to teach with GEPIK in Seoul you need at least 100 hours of any course. Anything shorter than that is just for you and maybe to give you a small edge over the competition (although honestly having some experience with kids is going to do that more than a weekend course or a 60 hour TEFL course). Note that if you are going to make a carear out of it, you will probably at some point need a MA in linguistics or TEFL if you want to progress further. You don't have to get it before you go, but your first university job will probably ask you do it if you want to stay with them for more than a year or two.

Thank you, sorry Ive bothered you I'm rather lethargic all the time. Im 15 right now ill have to to think about this!

Lol, you have loads of time! I wouldn't worry too much about it right now. Although if you haven't already, you could start learning Korean!

I have started! IDK if I spelled this right kumsahamnida!

More of an "a" sound in the first syllable, 감사합니다 or kam-sa-ham(p)-ni-da, but it is better than I could have done before I came out here. You should try studying the alphabet first. It is a lot easier to learn with that. I look back at my notes from my earlier days of studying Korean, and it is easy to see where I went wrong by not learning it.

Oh ok I just got back from the library with some books on it. Hangul is easy apparently compared to others?

Incredibly, I think it's easy compared with English! It is one of the best designed written languages in the world.

I read that speaking the language is hard? If I do become a teacher what dress code is required?

Yeah, it's a really hard language to learn, but the alphabet is easy! That's about the only part that is!

As for dress code, the last place I worked had none, whatever you wanted to wear was fine. This one is unofficially smart/casual (nice pants and a jumper is fine atm) and most universities require business dress. It very much depends on where you work.

Oh ok but will it be hard to find a teaching job? Or is there a high demand? Can I work if I only have an AA degree?

At the moment, yes, almost definitely. However, this is changing! People are starting to demand TEFL certificates more often. For example, for the GEPIK program in Seoul and EPIK in Busan they now need a degree and a TEFL. This is likely to be extended to all of Korea. However, I really can't comment on what it will be like 7 years+ in the future. If you want to be prepared you can try and get some teaching experience while you're at 7uni, but this is still at least 3 years in your future. I really wouldn't worry about it now.

So yes its hard to find a job? Or easyier because they demand TEFL now?

By the way I should have my Associates and arts degree when I graduate at 17(dual enrolment program) and then a bachelors at 21 do they prefer older or younger teachers? 

At the moment it is easy to find a job, in both public schools or hagwons, language academies. However, 7 years ago the situation was different (actually, even higher pay) and in 7 years, it'll be different again. It's a changing industry. There is a LOT of legislation around it, and there will be 2 new governments to mess with that before you can even apply for the visa. Basically, it's impossible to tell what the job situation will be like in 7 years. As for the associates degree, you can't teach with that, so you will have to wait till you get your BA. I think generally it is all good as long as you find the right school.

OH okk what age group do you teach???

I teach kindergarten and elementary at the moment, but last year I taught mostly adults, with some middle school, elementary, and kindergarten thrown in for good measure.

Ive read that its mainly elementary that people teach? I geusss itss true??

Not really, there’s plenty of work for all age groups. It’s only really high school that you will have difficulty finding a job in. There is less for adults, and I guess it’s quite likely you’ll have some elementary school. What age do you think you’d like to teach?