Korean Job Discussion Forums

[raymie]

Hi! I'm trying to decide whether I should go to Japan or S.Korea for a year of teaching English (I've got all the requiremnts: BA, Tefl cert..)
Just wondering if any of you have been to both places and how you would rate them in terms of money, quality of life, enjoyment, holidays. I've noticed that the majority of jobs posted on the Korean job forum seem to offer only 10 days vacation on top of the national holidays! This seems crazy! Is it possible to find a teaching position that will offer better holidays?
Thanks

[Zyzyfer]

Ask yourself which country interests you more. Japan does actually offer a lot that Korea doesn't offer(and vice versa).

Japan is a bit more open to the western world than Korea.

But this could all be the beer talking! Hwah!

[matko]

The standard Hagwon job in Korea offers 2 weeks vacation. The standard eikaiwa job in Japan offers 4 weeks.
Both countries have jobs that offer a hell of a lot more.
Having lived in both countries, I would say that, at least for me, Japan is far superior in terms of lifestyle, working conditions and over all peace of mind.
As for potential savings, Korea would be a better place for someone just starting out. However, after living in japan for a year or 2, a teacher can save as much money, if not more than in Korea.
I know I do.
Good luck

[Homer]

Like it was said on here, you should make your choice based on which country interest you more.

Monetary conditions are different and like Matko said Japan is probably more western friendly than Korea.

[Dan]

if you got a job waiting for you, go to japan.

[raymie]

Hi! thanks for the quick replies! I am actually interested in the teaching aspect more than the 'cultural enrichment bla de bla' aspect. I am trying to decide whether to go for an interview with ECC for a teaching job in Japan next week (lot of hassle as it's not in my country) or just go for the flights-paid, accommodation-paid gig in S.Korea. I'd like to say the money isn't important, it shouldn't be, but it sort of is. I don't plan doing the tefl for longer than a year. For this (quick money) reason, I'd be more into Korea. But on the other hand I think I'd have a better teaching experience in Japan.... I'd also get 7 weeks' holidays in Japan which would be quite nice (this is, of course, assuming I actually got the job!)
Can someone please just TELL me what to do?
Raymie

[Zyzyfer]

With Korea, a lot depends on the job. Not that I'm trying to be noisy, but can ya swing more info our way about the Korea job?

[matko]

Ecc is considered one of the better chain schools in Japan. For a first job here, I would say go for it.
Also, are you sure you are only in this gig for one year? I thought the same thing. Nearly 8 years and 4 countries later, I don't know if I have still gotten over the addiction of being a super star!
Joking aside, make your decision carefully. Too many people go to Korea on a whim (probably because of the free airfare, free apartment and nothing to lose mentallity).
I was warned by many people who had lived in both countries "GO TO JAPAN" "KOREA SUCKS"!!!!
I didn't listen. I went to Korea. To be honest, I'M glad I did. Why? Because I realized later how much better other countries were.
If you are SURE it is only for one year, than you have to choose between "the money" and "sanity". You obviously have narrowed it down to the two. Nobody can decide for you which is more important.
Why not flip a coin

[raymie]

Well, after what you've said, I think I'll at least go for the ECC interview; if I don't get through, then that will be my decision made for me. If I do, then I'll toss a coin!
I actually don't already have a job lined up for S.Korea but I suppose I would get one of the lower-grade ones that pay 1.8million won with 10 days vacation etc. The competition for the better paid ones is rather fierce so I probably wouldn't get anything better without the experience.
At the moment, I'm going for one year...as I have a career plan for myself (involving teaching)! We'll see how it unfurls, I suppose.
Thanks again!
raymie
x

[em]

All of you who have been around for awhile and been to Japan - does the paid flight and accomodation really make that big a difference? I mean, the money offered in Japan is about one thousand dollars (CDN)/mo. more than in Korea, so it kind of all evens out, doesn't it? I'm trying to make the same decision as Raymie and I thought that I had this whole money thing sorted out.

Also, has anyone done that teaching by remote computer thing in Japan? Looks kind of boring but stable.

[Captain Obvious 2.0]