Motivation and Retention of Teaching Foreign Language in South Korea: Perspectives of University Instructors

Abstract

Based on the guidelines of the Social Cognitive Career Theory, the purpose of this study is to understand the motivations and reasons why foreign language university instructors decide to stay in Korea for their life-long career development. This research was guided by one research question, why would foreign university instructors decide to stay in Korea for more than 15 successive years at the same university? With the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, ten participants were invited. The results indicated that personal considerations and financial considerations are the most important factors for the career development of these groups of foreign teachers in Korea. This study has contributed to practices devoted to teachers’ professional development and career development of foreign teachers. First, the shortage of teachers and educational staff is significant in all locations, regardless of population. Second, the East Asian region is one of the popular destinations for many international students, teachers, and professionals to develop their career goals and personal achievements.