Korean Job Discussion Forums

tsumetai mizu · Joined: 17 Dec 2006

It's time to move on when I finish my 3rd year teaching at a Thai university. I will probably go to Korea if I can land a reasonable university position. I plan to start a serious job search after the March semester begins in Korea with the hope of getting hired for a September start. As part of my job hunt I can travel to Korea (for the first time) for about one month in March, April, or May. I'm thinking May would be the best time to be available for possible interviews in person. But, I don't know for sure. Would March or April be a better time for any reason? Possbile interviews are not the only reason I'm visiting. I want to have a quick look at Korea and get a sense of whether the move is a good idea. Also to do a bit of advance preparation if possible as my move will take place in a very tight timeframe. My last work day in Thailand will be Friday August 31 and I assume most September starts in Korea will be Monday September 3. I have some doubts about pulling off such a big move in such a short time. Seems a bit bizarre to think of finishing in Thailand on Friday and starting in Korea the following Monday. Any thoughts or suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you will need to rethink your plan.

Koreans tend to plan at the last minute. Most schools will not know if they will have an opening for the fall semester as early as you are planning. MAYBE the end of May???

Most semesters start mid-to-late August. Some may start in September.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

Many public schools, like the Seoul public schools, start looking from March to May for the jobs that start after mid-August. Not everyone is last minute, just most of them.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

If you are going for a university job, there is no reason to come over until you have interviews lined up. If you have your MA, especially in English, TESL, or applied linguistics, getting offers shouldn't be a major problem. Just make sure that you make if perfectly clear that you can be available for interviews at the drop of a hat, and are serious about making the trip and landing the job. No worries.

tsumetai mizu · Joined: 17 Dec 2006

Thanks for your comments. Sounds like the later I visit the better. Late May and maybe the first week in June are possible. Yes, I know I'm planning early. Hoping to make a smooth transition to a university that plans ahead a few months. The September date I mention is based on past postings I've seen for university jobs. If I recall correctly, about March 1 and September 1 are the semester start dates at most Korean universities. The ads seem to run on Dave's 2-4 months before each semester I think. I'll consider public school positions but definitely prefer a university job. The mid August start at public schools will be difficult for me. If it comes down to last minute decisions I can live with that. Just prefer to avoid the stress that comes with it if possible.

tsumetai mizu · Joined: 17 Dec 2006

Yes, I'm hoping to get a university job. I have an MA in education. I was thinking of combining a short vacation and interviews if possible. But, as PRagic points out, being available for interviews at the drop of a hat could be crucial. This is not a problem at all in April, May, and early June. But I'm probably limited to making one trip to Korea during that period. From mid June until the end of August I have a heavy teaching load in Thailand. Interviews in Korea during this period will be difficult to arrange. I've wondered if this might be a problem.

Hotpants · Joined: 27 Jan 2006

If you're good enough, some unis will hire by phone interview from overseas (happened with me, and I'm not even MA qualified). If you're able to send a video with a demo of you teaching, that can also help your application from overseas.

As for timing, there are possibilities for hires all year round, as there are always some teachers who leave part way through the contract, or unis which are actually hagwon institutes that don't follow the uni semester program, but most will hire for spring or fall.

You could contemplate the 'unthinkable' and get yourself hired at any school for the exact fall date that you want, then wait around for the new bulk of uni ads to appear in the winter.

For many in Korea, most people will not be thinking about fall 2007 just yet!

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Might be tough for you to make it over for an interview. Just make sure that you are clean cut and wearing a suit in the pic you send over with your resume. That ought to do it.

tsumetai mizu · Joined: 17 Dec 2006

Hotpants

I don't have a demonstration video. But there's a lot of time to make one. Could be an enjoyable little project to do with some of the students in our radio and television program. Yes, the fall of 2007 is a long way off. But, time flies.

PRagic

Thanks for the reminder regarding appearance. I always use pics where I'm wearing a suit for job applications and work related paperwork.

Thanks to everyone for the comments so far. I appreciate them. Cheers