Korean Job Discussion Forums

jodemas2 · Joined: 06 Dec 2006

While I have seen here a couple of people who landed uni jobs from outside the country, I have been trying to do so now for some time with no luck despite my (unrelated) advanced degree and experience teaching all levels from kids thru uni in a third country. Also, I have heard that one needs a contact on the inside to get the job which I do not have just yet.

Should I just give up and take a hagwon or PS position and aim for next year? Just how hard is it to land a uni job from outside? Anybody got any leads?

gsxr750r · Joined: 29 Jan 2007

Come here and interview in-person during the peak uni times. Live in a hotel, or rent a goshiwon. Hotel cost me about 40,000 won per day. Bring a suit.

At the same time, try for some public school offers. Contact www.korvia.com for those.

Uni jobs are about right-place-right-time, as well as who you know. Being here is a must, too. If you want a uni job, you might want to stick it out and come here in November or so. I think that's when hiring is getting hot for those jobs. There will be a few hiring for next semester, but it's slim pickins'.

By waiting until November, you'll have more chances to get a uni job. Also, and this is very important, it will keep you "in line" with hiring times for uni jobs the next year, if you have to do a public school first. If you come now, and land some other non-uni job for a year-long contract, it's generally a real pain-in-the-butt to leave mid-contract for that uni job you want later. The school may not want to let you go, or may not give you a letter or release.

So if you can afford to wait, then please keep sending resumes from afar until November or so.... then just come here and camp out/interview.

You could also try to find a 6-month contract ANYWHERE to work here, network, and just get yourself situated for the winter hiring time. Short contracts are hard to get, though.

Pak Yu Man · Joined: 02 Jun 2005 Location: The Ida galaxy

Why would they hire in November when the term is already 2 months over.
If you think they're hiring for the next term...I've never seen a uni start hiring months in advanced. One month, maybe.......

makemischief · Joined: 04 Nov 2005 Location: Traveling

mep3 · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Location: no

If you do it that way (arrive in Nov. to look for March jobs), it means you'd just be burning money between November and March, right? Doesn't that get a bit pricey? Thx ... mep

gsxr750r · Joined: 29 Jan 2007

If you want to dive into a Uni job, it's your best option, IMHO.

Or It might be better to teach public school for a year first. Back in 02, I got a job here while taking vacation, went home for a few months and finished working, then came back.

mep3 · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Location: no

About how much money would you go through living in Seoul for four months without working (living fairly modestly)? mep

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

40,000 won per night X 90 = 3,600 Lodging on the cheap
12,000 won per day/food X 90 = 1,080 Food on the cheap
3,200 won per day/xport X 90 = 288,000 Transportation

TOTAL = 4,968,000 won (roughly 5 grand US)

These are rough estimates for 3 months. You might get info about cheaper lodging, which would be great. You might get info on cheaper food, which would also be great. These are realistic, though. Eating out and staying in a centrally located area, taking the bus or subway...no taxis on a budget.

Good luck.

jodemas2 · Joined: 06 Dec 2006

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Most places only give a one year contract. There are costs associated with employeeing a foreigner. Also, the hakwons know that they are a last resort source of employment, so they want to lock in their investments.

You will have no problem getting a university job with your qualifications, so what's the worry?

jodemas2 · Joined: 06 Dec 2006

[quote="PRagic]You will have no problem getting a university job with your qualifications, so what's the worry?[/quote]
So why have I gotten several rejections already then even for some for which I thought I was well-qualified?

gsxr750r · Joined: 29 Jan 2007

Very simple: you're not here.

Another hint...

When you arrive, put on a suit or suitcoat and take a passport-style photo at one of the Fuji or Kodak photo stores. This is what Korean employers expect to see of Koreans, and it's often helpful to follow that line.

Besides, those shops really make you look younger with all of the photoshopping they are doing!

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

My response was inteded for MEP3. He/She has a Ph.D. in English Lit. and university teaching experience in N. America and China.