Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Scouse Mouse]

I just taken voluntary redundancy from a job I hate, and have enough funds to last me a few months before I start to go hungry, but I am not relishing the thought of doing the jobs I am used to for the rest of my days. I have been lurking here for the past few weeks and read some very contrasting views on the lifestyle in Korea. I am hoping to get some idea of what it would be like to live and work in the country to help me decide if I should make the leap... The thing is, if I do decide to come, I see it as a medium - long term move, and have no real interest in doing the job for just a year or 2. I would expect at least 4 years before I contemplated moving back home.

1. I am 30 years old (is this too old?) have my BA and am from Liverpool in the UK. Whilst Liverpool does have a strong regional accent, I have spent a large portion of my life since graduation in Oxford and so my accent is not as strong as you would expect. I can mask it very well, although it never completely leaves. Would this hinder my prospects in finding a good job? I have read that most employers prefer an American accent and regional accents are not highly desirable.

2. I love to travel. When I holiday I like to spend time absorbing different cultures. I am not one for a book on the beach, but instead I prefer to experience as many 'authentic' experiences as possible. I do not envisage culture shock to be a problem.

3. I love City life. My favourite cities (other than my own) are London, New York and Berlin. All are quite aggressive cities with a real buzz about them. How do these compare to Seoul?

4. I love being around kids. Even those that are spawned by satan himself. I have many nephews and nieces and am Godfather to 5 children and I love spending time teaching and entertaining them. I have read that many of the jobs are little more than glorified babysitting positions, but I would much rather do a decent job and help educate the kids than simply entertain them. Would it be fair to say that many of the bad experiences people have in Korea are due to them not being valued? If so, would I be a greater success (and have fewer problems with employers) if I made an effort to do my job well?

5. I have a great party ethos. I have always preferred to work hard during the week and play hard at the weekend. Is Seoul a good place to carry on with this practice? How hard is it to meet new friends to socialise with? I usually have no problems meeting people in Western cities who I can mix with, and have no problems about entering bars alone, but I am expecting Korea to be somewhat different (and difficult) if I go it alone. I am not a person who needs constant companionship. I have often travelled alone and am happy doing so. I enjoy my own company and so have no problems with going back to an empty appartment after a day working.

6. I would ideally like a job before I leave the UK. I would ideally want my airfair paid in advance and so have my visa ageed before I fly. Is it realistic to get the airfair upfront? I have no problems applying to the jobs I see here and have found some nice pointers on what to avoid. If I do still manage to get a really bad job I would stick it out for the year and hope apply elsewhere once I have fulfilled my contract - I just like the security of knowing I am not going to waste my time flying out and then being coerced into working illegally until my application goes through...

Any of the long-term teachers see me having any problems adapting, or should I just jump in with both feet safe in the knowledge that I will be in a better position in a year?

Thanks in advance for any replies and I hope this wasn't too much for a first post

[tiger fancini]

You sound pretty clued-up about the whole deal to be honest, so I really wouldn't worry too much. Seoul is a very cool city and its actually much easier to meet foreigners than you'd expect. If you want to party hard you can do, if you want to chill and have time to yourself then its pretty easy to do so too. Sounds like you have a good outlook and approach to kids, so try and keep that up, although this will be tested to the limits here.
My only advice would be to avoid hagwons if possible and get yourself a public school job in Seoul or Gyeonngi-do. If you use a reputable recruiter they will take care of everything for you, including making sure you have your E2 visa before you leave home. Not sure about upfront airfare, but getting it back straight away shouldn't be a problem if you work for a public school.
Don't worry about the accent either, there are many many Brits teaching in public schools that I know of. I think the whole "North Amercan" thing is just Hagwon BS. I'm also from your part of the UK and I've never had a problem, although you will constantly be asked if you are Irish!

Good luck.

[trinity24651]

Just jump in...the water is fine.

[Paddycakes]

Do you like Asian girls?

Yes = Get on the next flight.

No = You'll hate the place as Asia's only redeeming value is its women.

[Sody]

Scouse, you have a good attitude. Adventurous, yet cautious at the same time. I think you will do ok here in Korea. Just to let you know I know many teachers here and most can only hope to do ok. Very few people do great here because the culture is so different. That's why I think your attitude is good, you are coming with a very realistic and wise perspective.

1. I'm 31 myself, most teachers I know are around 30. One of the teachers in my area is 51. You are definitely not too old. Accent won't be a problem as long as you speak slowly. Even less of a problem if you work in a public school job.

2. Know this well. Culture shock happens to everyone. Everyone, means even the best of people. It is different for everyone, it can come in phases for some, some get over it quickly while it takes others many months, some even more than a year. I think you will be ok.

3. Seoul has a buzz as well. Just remember that it is more expensive though. It is now one of the more expensive cities to live in, in the whole world.

4. Even if you did your job really well, if you have a bad employer or bad job it will be hard for you. Make sure you get a good job

5. If you don't mind partying with foreigners you will have no problems whatsoever.

6. You are limiting your options. Just remember that many employers expect you to pay for your ticket over here and then they will reimburse you once you get here. I think very few employers will pay for your ticket and send it to you, although you may want to get some other opinions on this. That is what I have been told anyhow. You are wise to get a job before you come.

BoL.

Sody

[Scouse Mouse]

Thanks for the quick replies

Tiger Fancini: I have done my homework To be honest I am 90% certain I will be heading over, but I want an effortless move. I need to renew my Passport and am sending off the fast-track application this week, and am trying to find the right person to speak to at my old Uni to get my transcripts sent out. To get the public school jobs I need a criminal record check and this can be a pain to get in a timely manner, but it so happens that I have a contact in the Police who can speed that up. If all goes well I will be ready to apply 3 weeks for an immediate start so just want to confirm that I haven't misinterpreted things entirely

Paddycakes: There are people who dont?

[Scouse Mouse]

[Paddycakes]

[Gamecock]

[twg]

[Scouse Mouse]

[lover.asian]

Have you ever taught ESL before?

If not, I would strongly suggest (for the sake of your students, at least) doing a CELTA before you begin your teaching career. ESL teaching is a profession, not just something you do between drinking binges.

[Neil]

[Ya-ta Boy]

My very first reaction when I read you are a Scouser was, "Ummmm...maybe not." I spent two weeks day and night with 3 Scousers before I could tune in and understand.

But once you said you can modify the accent, I changed my mind.

Join the club.

(And I meant NO disrespect to the local accent, just an observation that it is difficult to understand if you are not accustomed to it.)

[rockstarsmooth]