PSI Asia Frequently Asked Questions
Job Requirements
What academic backgrounds are required for instructors?
Most PSI instructors are expected to have a doctoral degree in statistics, survey methodology, sociology, psychology, or related quantitative disciplines. Applicants with Master's degree in these fields are expected to have several years of teaching and/or researching that involve statistics and/or survey methodology.
Most PSI instructors are expected to have a doctoral degree in statistics, survey methodology, sociology, psychology, or related quantitative disciplines. Applicants with Master's degree in these fields are expected to have several years of teaching and/or researching that involve statistics and/or survey methodology.
Does PSI prefer instructors from any specific country?
We welcome instructors from everywhere in the world. In 2012, 13 instructors had joined PSI from US, Germany, Australia, Britain, Qatar, and Switzerland.
We welcome instructors from everywhere in the world. In 2012, 13 instructors had joined PSI from US, Germany, Australia, Britain, Qatar, and Switzerland.
Job Descriptions
What are the roles of Instructors?
The role of PSI instructors will be to teach survey statistics and interdisciplinary survey research methodology. Prior to travel to Korea, instructors are expected to prepare syllabi and develop course materials according to PSI guidelines. Day-to-day roles will include in-class teaching, assigning homework/readings, grading exams or papers, and holding office hours twice a week. Upon the conclusion of PSI, instructors are asked to provide feedback on PSI's programs and for the students, so as to facilitate the continuous improvement of PSI in the future.
The role of PSI instructors will be to teach survey statistics and interdisciplinary survey research methodology. Prior to travel to Korea, instructors are expected to prepare syllabi and develop course materials according to PSI guidelines. Day-to-day roles will include in-class teaching, assigning homework/readings, grading exams or papers, and holding office hours twice a week. Upon the conclusion of PSI, instructors are asked to provide feedback on PSI's programs and for the students, so as to facilitate the continuous improvement of PSI in the future.
Are instructors responsible for developing course syllabi and preparing course materials?
Yes, instructors will need to develop course syllabi and prepare instructional materials, including PowerPoint slides, if necessary. Materials from the previous year are available for reference.
Yes, instructors will need to develop course syllabi and prepare instructional materials, including PowerPoint slides, if necessary. Materials from the previous year are available for reference.
How many courses is each instructor expected to teach?
One, or no more than two, courses.
One, or no more than two, courses.
How many teaching hours and days should be devoted to one course?
Instructors teach or are paired to co-teach an intensive 4-week-long course, which requires two hours of teaching per class from Monday through Friday. Instructors also need to set up office hours twice a week, and spend time prepreparing for the following day's class. Those teaching intensive workshops are expected to spend two to three hours per class, Monday through Friday, for one to two weeks depending on the workshop topics.
Instructors teach or are paired to co-teach an intensive 4-week-long course, which requires two hours of teaching per class from Monday through Friday. Instructors also need to set up office hours twice a week, and spend time prepreparing for the following day's class. Those teaching intensive workshops are expected to spend two to three hours per class, Monday through Friday, for one to two weeks depending on the workshop topics.
How long is the commitment?
Instructors are expected to teach for a period from two to four weeks.
Instructors are expected to teach for a period from two to four weeks.
Travelling to DPRK (Not Applicable to 2016 PSI Asia-Pacific)
In what capacity will instructors travel to DPRK?
Upon acceptance to PSI, instructors will join the official PSI faculty and receive educational privilege to enter Korea with visa approved by the Korean Ministries of Foreign Affairs.
Upon acceptance to PSI, instructors will join the official PSI faculty and receive educational privilege to enter Korea with visa approved by the Korean Ministries of Foreign Affairs.
What are the visa requirements for DPRK?
Instructors will need visas from both the DPRK and China to enter the DPRK. The ISR Foundation facilitates DPRK visa applications in collaboration with the DPRK Ministry of Education and the DPRK Minsitry of Foreign Affairs. Instructors are individually responsible for obtaining Chinese visa for DOUBLE entry, as they will enter and exit Beijing twice. The ISR Foundation will prepare an official letter of invitation from the DPRK if needed for the Chinese visa application.
Instructors will need visas from both the DPRK and China to enter the DPRK. The ISR Foundation facilitates DPRK visa applications in collaboration with the DPRK Ministry of Education and the DPRK Minsitry of Foreign Affairs. Instructors are individually responsible for obtaining Chinese visa for DOUBLE entry, as they will enter and exit Beijing twice. The ISR Foundation will prepare an official letter of invitation from the DPRK if needed for the Chinese visa application.
How do instructors get to DPRK?
Instructors will travel to Pyongyang via Beijing. In Beijing, instructors will participate in an orientation program and receive their DPRK visas. Instructors should not make individual travel plans to the DPRK embassy, as a representative from the ISR foundation will process visa applications for PSI faculty.
PSI faculty will travel together from Beijing to Pyongyang using the DPRK's flagship Koryo Air. Instructors teaching for the entire four weeks (July 1-27), or for the first two weeks (July 1-13) are expected to be in Beijing by Friday June 28 at 12 noon, preferably at the designated common hotel, and take the Saturday morning flight to Pyongyang. Those who are scheduled to teach for the last two weeks (July 15-27) should be in Beijing by Friday July 12 at 12 noon, and take the next Saturday morning flight to Pyongyang.
Instructors will travel to Pyongyang via Beijing. In Beijing, instructors will participate in an orientation program and receive their DPRK visas. Instructors should not make individual travel plans to the DPRK embassy, as a representative from the ISR foundation will process visa applications for PSI faculty.
PSI faculty will travel together from Beijing to Pyongyang using the DPRK's flagship Koryo Air. Instructors teaching for the entire four weeks (July 1-27), or for the first two weeks (July 1-13) are expected to be in Beijing by Friday June 28 at 12 noon, preferably at the designated common hotel, and take the Saturday morning flight to Pyongyang. Those who are scheduled to teach for the last two weeks (July 15-27) should be in Beijing by Friday July 12 at 12 noon, and take the next Saturday morning flight to Pyongyang.
Will travel expenses be funded?
All instructors and staff are expected to cover their own travel costs from their hometown to the DPRK via Beijing. Some PSI 2012 instructors were able to get their travel cost reimbursed by their affiliated universities if they had faculty travel budget approved for humanitarian/education service. Lodging and meals during your teaching period in the DPRK, however, will be covered by PUST and generous donors. These expenses would have cost from $2,500 to $3,000 for the two weeks of stay in an average hotel in the DPRK.
All instructors and staff are expected to cover their own travel costs from their hometown to the DPRK via Beijing. Some PSI 2012 instructors were able to get their travel cost reimbursed by their affiliated universities if they had faculty travel budget approved for humanitarian/education service. Lodging and meals during your teaching period in the DPRK, however, will be covered by PUST and generous donors. These expenses would have cost from $2,500 to $3,000 for the two weeks of stay in an average hotel in the DPRK.
What is the approximate cost of travel to DPRK?
The cost of travel from the United States, Canada and Europe to the DPRK via Beijing is estimated to be up to $3,500. The cost of a round trip to Beijing varies from $1,500 to $2,300, depending on the city of one's departure. Traveling from Beijing to Pyongyang may cost an estimated amount of $1,200, which includes 1) round trip between Beijing and Pyongyang, 2) a day of lodging in Beijing, 3) local transportation in Beijing and the DPRK, 4) DPRK visa and processing fee, and 5) other incidental costs in Pyongyang.
The cost of travel from the United States, Canada and Europe to the DPRK via Beijing is estimated to be up to $3,500. The cost of a round trip to Beijing varies from $1,500 to $2,300, depending on the city of one's departure. Traveling from Beijing to Pyongyang may cost an estimated amount of $1,200, which includes 1) round trip between Beijing and Pyongyang, 2) a day of lodging in Beijing, 3) local transportation in Beijing and the DPRK, 4) DPRK visa and processing fee, and 5) other incidental costs in Pyongyang.
What kind of currency will I need?
Because there will be no ATMs in Pyongyang, instructors are expected to bring as much cash as deemed necessary. US dollars, Euros, and Chinese RMB are easily exchangeable. $50 (or ¥ 1300) per week should cover personal living expenses, including the extra travel costs for local trips and transportation in Pyongyang.
Because there will be no ATMs in Pyongyang, instructors are expected to bring as much cash as deemed necessary. US dollars, Euros, and Chinese RMB are easily exchangeable. $50 (or ¥ 1300) per week should cover personal living expenses, including the extra travel costs for local trips and transportation in Pyongyang.
Living in DPRK (Not Applicable to 2016 PSI Asia-Pacific)
Is it safe?
The hosting campus is safe and secure. There has been no issues of safety and security. Instructors may travel off-campus for occasional group trips of PSI, during which hosting organizaion and DPRK guides will escort them for safe and secure excursions.
The hosting campus is safe and secure. There has been no issues of safety and security. Instructors may travel off-campus for occasional group trips of PSI, during which hosting organizaion and DPRK guides will escort them for safe and secure excursions.
Are there any protections in place to protect instructors from being threatened/prosecuted for something said while teaching?
No PSI faculty experienced any problem with being threatened or prosecuted for something they said. Because PSI instructors’ only role is to teach survey methodology and statistics, we stay away from political or religious topics in class and in casual conversations with DPRK students.
No PSI faculty experienced any problem with being threatened or prosecuted for something they said. Because PSI instructors’ only role is to teach survey methodology and statistics, we stay away from political or religious topics in class and in casual conversations with DPRK students.
Are instructors responsible for finding their own housing and food?
Instructors will stay at guesthouses, which is equipped with modern facilities and is comparable to a modest hotel in Pyongyang. Meals will be at the lodging, a good place for meeting DPRK students. To build constructive relationships, instructors are allowed to have meals together with DPRK students. The food will be simple. Instructors are advised to drink bottled or boiled water. There will also be occasions to have meals off-campus, mostly for reception and official gatherings.
Instructors will stay at guesthouses, which is equipped with modern facilities and is comparable to a modest hotel in Pyongyang. Meals will be at the lodging, a good place for meeting DPRK students. To build constructive relationships, instructors are allowed to have meals together with DPRK students. The food will be simple. Instructors are advised to drink bottled or boiled water. There will also be occasions to have meals off-campus, mostly for reception and official gatherings.
Will there be opportunities for tourism and sightseeing?
There will be opportunities for group sightseeing, cultural engagement (e.g., a trip to mountain hiking or historical cities), and short group trips to local markets.
There will be opportunities for group sightseeing, cultural engagement (e.g., a trip to mountain hiking or historical cities), and short group trips to local markets.
Will instructors always be accompanied by a guide on and off campus?
There will be no guides accompanying instructors on campus. For trips outside of campus, hosting university administrators and DPRK guide will accompany the group for safety and security.
There will be no guides accompanying instructors on campus. For trips outside of campus, hosting university administrators and DPRK guide will accompany the group for safety and security.
What kind of accommodation does PSI offer?
Instructors will be staying at a modest faculty guest house with running water and steady electricity. All meals will be served.
Instructors will be staying at a modest faculty guest house with running water and steady electricity. All meals will be served.
What is the dress code at PSI?
Business casual clothing is required for the classroom, and a suit coat or sports jacket is suggested for men, but they are not expected to be worn to class every day during the summer. A dress shirt and tie will normally be appropriate for the classroom. Please bring casual attire for afternoon activities with students. It is recommended all women to bring at least one skirt outfit for Korean functions. Absolutely NO blue jeans or flip-flops are allowed, and short shorts or tops that expose the midriff should not be worn. Nice sleeveless shirts and dresses and sandals are fine.
Business casual clothing is required for the classroom, and a suit coat or sports jacket is suggested for men, but they are not expected to be worn to class every day during the summer. A dress shirt and tie will normally be appropriate for the classroom. Please bring casual attire for afternoon activities with students. It is recommended all women to bring at least one skirt outfit for Korean functions. Absolutely NO blue jeans or flip-flops are allowed, and short shorts or tops that expose the midriff should not be worn. Nice sleeveless shirts and dresses and sandals are fine.
What if I come across any health issues during PSI?
On-site physicians, who are trained in the US, are available for timely contact should you need them. You would have access to hospitals that normally treat international visitors in case of emergencies. First aid and essential medicine are available on campus. Nonetheless, instructors are advised to bring sufficient supplies of personal medications.
On-site physicians, who are trained in the US, are available for timely contact should you need them. You would have access to hospitals that normally treat international visitors in case of emergencies. First aid and essential medicine are available on campus. Nonetheless, instructors are advised to bring sufficient supplies of personal medications.
What is the language of instruction at PSI?
English is the official language of instruction in classrooms, cafeteria, and all casual meetings on the hosting universtiy campus. DPRK students' English proficiency is as good as or superior to many international students studying abroad in North America. Those who teach intensive workshops for DPRK professionals should be bilingual in Korean and English to ensure effective instructions. For survey methodology workshops that are designed for DPRK professionals, a simultaneous interpreter may be arranged if it is determined to benefit both the instructor and the professionals.
English is the official language of instruction in classrooms, cafeteria, and all casual meetings on the hosting universtiy campus. DPRK students' English proficiency is as good as or superior to many international students studying abroad in North America. Those who teach intensive workshops for DPRK professionals should be bilingual in Korean and English to ensure effective instructions. For survey methodology workshops that are designed for DPRK professionals, a simultaneous interpreter may be arranged if it is determined to benefit both the instructor and the professionals.
Is internet available?
The PSI’s faculty guesthouses are accessible to Internet connection.
The PSI’s faculty guesthouses are accessible to Internet connection.
Can I write letters to my family and friends?
Instructors may write letters or postcards to family and friends during their stay in the DPRK, but they will most likely receive the cards only after the end of PSI.
Instructors may write letters or postcards to family and friends during their stay in the DPRK, but they will most likely receive the cards only after the end of PSI.
Is there any cultural issue I need to be mindful of?
A general rule for foreigners in DPRK is to show respect for the Korean culture and to build positive relationships. Instructors should stay away from conversations on politics and religion. DPRK students and Korean people will show their full respect to guests and professors. Teachers and the elderly are well respected in the Korean culture.
A general rule for foreigners in DPRK is to show respect for the Korean culture and to build positive relationships. Instructors should stay away from conversations on politics and religion. DPRK students and Korean people will show their full respect to guests and professors. Teachers and the elderly are well respected in the Korean culture.
