Korean Job Discussion Forums

[buffygrrl1]

hey i just got sent the packet for the public school i'm considering and theres so many things they ask for. Is the private school application process easier?

[mehamrick]

[SeoulShakin]

The reason the public school application is longer, is because they actually have some standards, whereas hogwans (private language academies) just want you to be breathing.

Yes, the public school application process is longer, but in my opinion well worth it. Having worked in both, a public school is much more secure as far as getting paychecks, health insurance, pension etc. Plus you get more vacation. My opinion though.

[Soccerstar]

Seoulshakin is right. My wife worked for a hogwon before, and we've talked with lots of people who've come over from a hogwon to public schools. It is a bit more paperwork, but a year is a fairly long time so it is well worth to be at a good public school.
A few differences between a public school and many hogwons (though not all of them):
better pay: we are each making 2.5/month
more vacation: 35 days/year
prompt cash: airfare refund, starting bonus, salary, travel allowance, etc.
morning hours: 9:00-4:30 25 classes/week

On the other hand, hogwons do offer:
Instant friendships with fellow foreign co-workers
Evening hours so your day is free to sleep, study, or whatever.
sometimes shorter on-the-job hours.
Smaller class sizes


Some of the things public schools require (police check, physical, etc.) are not really necessary to get before coming.
If you pm me I could get you into a public school near Busan pretty quick as they have three spots open.

[Jizzo T. Clown]

[littlelisa]

I have a different question about public schools. Is it too late to apply for one in Seoul?

Because of my hobby/passion of swing dancing (that I refuse to give up!) I am only looking for something in Seoul. I couldn't imagine not being able to dance at least once a week, and Seoul is the only city in Korea with a swing dance scene. Originally I was looking for a hagwon, but now I think I may be better off at a public school.

SMOE says that their deadline is in May to apply. If anyone knows whether I am really too late or not, or has suggestions, I'd like to know!

[gyopogirlfromtexas]

2.5? I thought the base salary was 1.9 for public schools. I guess you guys are experienced with certificates? Is 2.0 an ok deal for a public school contract? From around 10am to 4pm?

[davehere22]

2m is what i was offered for public school teaching in incheon. i have no experience.

My application was quick and easy. Only sent my photo cv and the rest to the recruiter, had an interview with her, and then an interview with another recruiter. I was told about 20 minutes later I have the job.

Now i have to send my degree, transcripts, criminal record, 2 passport photos, copy of passport to Korea for the visa process.

[ttompatz]

[gyopogirlfromtexas]

[BS.Dos.]

I've got a PS question, which, if it's ok, I'd rather ask here within a post rather than in a post of its own, which, for reasons of sensitivity, you may appreciate.

I've already received my criminal record check back from the Police, but regrettably, it highlights some convictions from my misspent youth, convictions which date back to about 1986, some 20-years ago, which ultimately culminated in a 3-week custodial sentence when I was 15. When applying for my police check, I was under the impression that it wouldn't highlight those offences committed as a juvenile. Alas, and unfortunately, it does. In addition, I have another, more recent although minor offence, which resulted in a criminal conviction (a fine, not custodial) for criminal damage ( I broke an ex's mobile phone after we broke up. She claimed damages and won) from 1997.

I'm due to send out my documents soon (next week or so) and was wandering if you think it'd be better to withhold sending my Police check until I'm actually in Korea. Like I said, with the one exception, the offences are 20+ years old, I've changed immeasurably since then, but I'm obviously worried that my past will come back to haunt me and ruin my plans, something which I'd rather not think about.

While this is obviously dishonest, I think that I'd be better placed to explain my history in person rather than be dismissed before I had a chance to defend my character.

What would you do?

Thanks.

[Jizzo T. Clown]

[tob55]

As to the original question, it is sad, but the situations which have occurred during the past couple of years have forced the public schools to become more wary of people coming into this country to teach English...The need of criminal background checks and other verifications is a direct result of those who decided to take advantage of the system by having false documents and carrying criminal histories with them when they came to this country...99.9% of the people entering the country have wonderful lives and are simply looking for an opportunity to travel and have fun living and working in a different country...The hagwons will hire with less examination, but the whole hiring system is undergoing change as a proactive way of protecting the people of South Korea...It takes longer for people to go through the process, but it may well be more of a benefit than a harm...

[xCustomx]

[quote="gyopogirlfromtexas"] I want to skip those processes too. Because the police check takes a few weeks. Not that I have anything to hide. quote]

Try to find the website for your county police. I got my background/police check back in 5 minutes and it only costs $10

[quidgimo]

"I want to skip those processes too. Because the police check takes a few weeks."

I got my criminal record checks online instantly, through my state patrol. Maybe other states aren't as high tech, but if you need background checks, SMOE told me that the instant online ones are fine. It only cost me $10.00[/quote]