Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Annashi1993]

Hi everyone,

How far in advance should I apply to teach English in Korea assuming I want to start in November?

Thank you!

[PRagic]

Depends on where you want to work (urban or rural), at what type of place you want to work (institute or public school), what age you want to teach, and your qualifications. You'll also get hired quicker if you're a young female grad.

Read the FAQs and get your documents in order, then use ANY AND ALL recruiters to find you a job that fits your wants and needs. Always contact current foreign teachers. Always read the contract carefully.

Personally, I'd trust bigger chains in bigger cities teaching adults the most, but I was never one for teaching kindy or younger kids. Up to you. Don't go near Wonderland, CDI, or any English Village IMHO.

[Annashi1993]

Hello PRagic,

My boyfriend lives in Dongtan, so I am thinking of urban areas like Suwon, Yongin, Seoul, etc. I have no experience in teaching, so I think it is easier for me to teach at an elementary level in a private institution (I think it's called hagwon?) I currently have a Canadian passport, with a 4-year bachelors degree from a Canadian university. I recently also obtained a 120-hour TEFL certificate (Not sure if it helps.)

[PRagic]

Get your documents ready and start contacting recruiters. Stick to your guns when it comes to location as you're marketable (young, female, and wants to teach kids). If you're Korean-Canadian, that might actually help you, especially if you speak Korean. Helps with the kids.

You should be able to find a Hakwon position in the location of your choice, but remember that recruiters work for employers first and themselves second; the faster they place you with a client, the faster they get paid. That's why everyone on Dave's will recommend that you use every recruiter you can find to assist you.

You'll probably have to filter a lot of bs from recruiters (you can only work with us; this is your perfect job, but you have to act FAST!), but don't feel any pressure. Don't forget that the decision you make will largely dictate how a year of your life goes. Do your homework.