Korean Job Discussion Forums

BS.Dos. · Joined: 29 Mar 2007

I've pretty much completed the application form and just have the personal essay to write, which, you may remember, asks this question:

Please compose a personal journal about yourself, along with your motivational factors of coming to Korea to teach and live in no more than 500 words below.

I've already written out a rough draft, but it reads a little too formally and I was wandering if I should use this opportunity to use a more informal register. I've waffled on about my academic achievements etc and my intrinsic and extrinsic motivational reasons for wanting to come to Korea, but it's a bit dry and could do with being a bit snappier.

I'm sure that I'm probably worrying needlessly, but I'd appreciate and welcome any comments/thoughts from those who've completed one.

Wondering · Joined: 23 May 2007 Location: Seoul

500 words? I didn't even notice that part. I wonder how long mine was??? Embarassed

EDIT: Luckily have it saved...so went and looked. Mine didn't give a word limit/maximum. Whew. In any case, I only hit 361.

BS.Dos. · Joined: 29 Mar 2007

^ What did you say if you don't mind me asking?

TheBrain · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Location: Acme Lab

Wow. Struggling with a 500 word essay about yourself. Rolling Eyes

dogshed · Joined: 28 Apr 2006

It says "no more than". I think mine was three or four paragraphs.
I mentioned a Korean American housemate in college and how her
mother brought over Kimchi.

I really doubt anyone read it. It would be interesting to apply with some
fake names and see what kind of stuff you could say and still get hired.

insam · Joined: 17 May 2007

poet13 · Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2007 5:01 pm Post subject:

I want to teach English in Korea because blah blah blah...having enjoyed immersing myself in different cultures...blah blah blah...recognize a wonderful opportunity to learn about a little known but incredible rich culture....blah blah blah... education has been a significant part of every professional position I have had....blah blah blah....that we are not so much educators as we are guides....blah blah blah...yawwwwwnnnn.

I think that was about it. I clocked in somewhere between 350 and 450.

mrsquirrel · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

copy somebodies from the internet.

easy

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

Nobody is remotely interested in what you have to say in an application essay. THEY ARE CHECKING YOUR GRAMMAR, SPELLING, SYNTAX AND PUNCTUATION SKILLS. A good reader will be checking for a logical presentation of an argument (that's not important in Korea, though).

English is the second language of your Korean reader (if they read your essay, anyway). So keep sentences short (max 10 words). And check your spelling etc.

I have always wanted to teach . I love children. I like exotic countries, their food and culture etc. I've heard Koreans are very friendly and hospitable people. My friend taught in Korea and he really loved the kids and teaching them English. etc.

You will be hired on your PHOTOGRAPH. If you are handsome - wearing a suit and tie - smiling - with kids etc - (not with an Asian woman) - not 'too old' - you've got the job.
Incidently, most Koreans photoshop their application photos. It's that important here. Good luck.

spliff · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand

I wonder if anyone actually reads them, I doubt it.

mehamrick · Joined: 28 Aug 2006 Location: South Korea

I want to eat traditional Korean kimchie.

ChuckECheese · Joined: 20 Jul 2006

i teachy good englishy.

insam · Joined: 17 May 2007

yingwenlaoshi · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Location: ... location, location!

Don't get me started.

insam · Joined: 17 May 2007