Job Discussion Forums

zandmoloney · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 16

I have been looking at many of the things people have said and am a little concerned but I realise there are dodgy schools everywhere, even here in China. My current employer is pretty good but I feel that Korea would be a logical move for me now. I am wondering is it best to use a company to find me work or should I deal directly with the schools?
I have had it suggested to me the best way is to fly directly to Korea, after doing some leg work and check these places out first hand to know what I am dealing with. Is this fesible?
I would be v grateful for some ideas..

Spinoza · Joined: 17 Oct 2004 Posts: 194 Location: Saudi Arabia

tedkarma · Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 9:06 pm Post subject:

Agree with the previous poster

I went - the first time- with a recruiter. Very helpful. Others hated the same recruiter. Not sure why. They helped me solve many problems. Since you have lived in Asia a bit now - you may be much more successful with an agent - as you will know a little more about how the culture works - and how to work with the people.

I would find Korea a very difficult place to just land on the ground and start looking for work. In particular, Seoul is a giant urban mess - with nonsensical addresses and not all that many signs in English.

The real issue is to not completely trust anyone - Korea has more than its fair share of flakes and hustlers - including a few of the teachers. Ask a lot of questions - if things don't sound right - or if your "gut" objects - there is probably something wrong.

Do study the Korea board here.

waygukgaijinhaole · Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 5:06 pm Post subject:

I've been in Korea for 2 years. I got my first job through a recruiter and had no problems with him. The job was ok for the first 9 months and then turned to doo-doo. I've heard too many bad stories about recruiters and would not recommend using one, even though I had an ok experience with one. Try to deal directly with the school. You could just show up here and wander around lookng for work. However, Ted's right, where would you start? You could get some advice on good areas but you wouldn't know if that area was for you. If you have like a month and enought $ to live on for a month, you could do it. Get advice on the Korean board about where to start and talk to foreigners you run into. Find a foreign bar and ask around. I wouldn't worry about the airfare, too much. You'll still get the return at the end. PM me if you have ques.