Korean Job Discussion Forums

jackson7 · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Location: Kim Jong Il's Future Fireball

My current contract will end mid-August, and I was wondering if there are any ESL job market trends you are aware of that I can prepare for, should I decide not to re-sign. Obviously hagwons are ALWAYS hiring, but what about publics and unis? Thank for the input!

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

You're in luck.

Public schools/universities all hire July/August for a mid-to-late August start up for second semester.

jackson7 · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Location: Kim Jong Il's Future Fireball

Great! Thanks for the quick reply!

rhinocharge64 · Joined: 20 Sep 2006

That coincides nicely with EPIK, who recruit around the middle of August. That do the recruiting for the public schools, and often struggle to fill their positions, so deadlines are often extended.

They are not the only organization who recruit for public schools. GEPIK is another, and if you did a search on here others will be found. I would say you are in a strong position if you are interested in the public school domain.

In regards to universities; they hire for september with interviews taking place a couple of months earlier. So if you are looking to get out of the Hogwon 'business' then you finishing your contract at the right time. The only other time would be for March if you were wanting either of these positions. However, public schools tend to go over their deadlines due o positions not being filled. I've seen on this board advertisements for public schools in late October. There are a shortage of teachers here, so you are in a strong position, when seeking an alternative from life in a Hogwon.

Regards The Charge

Good luck-The Charge

jackson7 · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Location: Kim Jong Il's Future Fireball

I'm currently in negotiations with my employer for re-signing at 2.3M with a baby bonus (up from 2M). Looking at my budget, I need to be grossing 2.2M (without privates) to keep on track with my financial goals (paying off debt, saving, etc.).

In case you're wondering, I'm making those goals now on 2M/mo. because I've got some nice privates...(and no, I don't go showing them at the strip bars)

Anyway, what is reasonable to expect (yeah, yeah, NEVER expect anything in Korea) as far as salary is concerned, working in a PS and factoring in overtime. Will I be able to "make ends meet?"

BS in Science with no cert. One year ESL in Korea experience. Several years teaching in US summer science camps.