Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ronald]

Please give you opinion which position from the following you would prefer. This will be my first time in Korea.

1. Middle school in Anyang City, 6 weeks vacation, 22 hours, good pay

2. University 45 minutes outside of Gwangju, 8 weeks vacation, 15 hours, little less pay

[john]

For me there would be no choice. A Uni job is so much better than the middle school job.

Good luck

[butlerian]

Yeah, I'd go with the Uni job but it just comes down to what's more important to you. More money with the middle school but then you're closer to Seoul so you'd probably end up spending more too. However, if location is important to you - and if you're new to Korea then being near to Seoul could be useful - then the middle school could be an option.

1. Middle school in Anyang City, 6 weeks vacation, 22 hours, good pay

2. University 45 minutes outside of Gwangju, 8 weeks vacation, 15 hours, little less pay

[Ronald]

Yeah It's my first time to Korea. I just didn't want to make a stupid move by turning a university position down. I don't really want to be in the boonies.

[DCJames]

Take the uni job and buy a cheap car to get around in..

[gsxr750r]

Take the uni job, then use that experience to land a better uni job in Seoul later.

[Ronald]

Even if it's in the middle of nowhere in some town called Naju? I haven't even been to Korea before. Is it worth being isolated?

[Ronald]

So does it suck??

[DCJames]

It's a crapshoot with any job you've never actually interviewed in person for.

If you are really picky and want very specific conditions to be met, you'll actually have to come here, on your own dime and take the time to research, interview, and network with other teachers. No one here can tell you what will make you happy. You're going to have to find out for yourself.

For God's sake, most people here would be happy with either job. Take the one you like more and research jobs during the year you're here. You might love Korea, you might hate it. The important thing is to get here and to be exposed to what different places are like. Then after your contract is over switch over to the job you really want.

Good luck.

[Ronald]

Thanks for that advice. It's a good time to come to Korea.

[the_beaver]

[Ronald]

Do you like it there? What is there to do in the town itself?

[the_beaver]

[Yu_Bum_suk]

If you can't physically visit the schools beforehand I'd definitely take the uni job. Middle school can be very rewarding, but you can probably expect to spend twice as much time at school (whether you're teaching or not).

[jellobean]

If you are working middle school it is very likely that you would be required to be there from about 8:30 to 4:30 everyday. If you were lucky you might get a computer to use when you are not in class, possibly and office but highly unlikely.

I'd say take the uni... Unless of course you absolutely must have your Starbucks every day and share a very small area with millions of other people...