Korean Job Discussion Forums

sjones07grad · Joined: 25 Jun 2007

Hello to one and all. I am brand new to DavesESLcafe and this will officially be my first post here. I am a recent grad. with degree and certification in education - Special Education, actually K-12. I also have 3 years of experience including student teaching, tutoring positions, and my work with Head Start and Early Head Start. I also managed to graduate Magna Cm Laude. (sry, I tried to put it in the correct way but it got filtered....LOL)

The hitch in all this is that I am also a single mom of a beautifully brilliant 6 yr old daughter, Grace. I am 100% sure that I want to go to SK to teach for a year or more, perhaps travelling to yet more countries after that. My goal is not only my personal growth but a diverse and culturally rich life for my daughter. Given all this, I am desperately seeking advice and direction in this pursuit.

Can anyone let me know what public school would be like for her? Would it be better to go with a Hagwon that would allow me to bring her with me to school? I know that international schools are too expensive and not really what I am interested in.

Also, money is tight for now and I need help in attaining her plane ticket, at least for the initial flight as I would be making plenty to provide her airfare in the future.

What wisdom can you impart to me on all this?

I am very open to help/suggestions. Bring them on:)

Sarah (and Grace)[/b]

AylaZ · Joined: 30 Jan 2007

hey how are you going with your pursuit...?
I am a single mum been here with my 5.5yr old son. But we have a family emergency i NZ and have to return in Sept.
My son has been in a korean kindergarten that previously had an american boy so they were used to dealing with a western kid. he loves it has been there 2.5 yrs. I am really sad to leave... As for school.. they stay at kindy until like american 7 i think it is.. so if she is 6 she may get one yr here at a kindy.. as for elementary school with no experience of korean would be very tough and school finishes like 12.30/1 so you will have a prob with care while u work.. intl schools are so expensive.. my plan was when my son finished kindy to not go to a korean school but sort out some after school stuff like art/math/science and taekwondo classes while i homeschooled him in the morning.. please email me if u need some more advice... I am lucky to only work from 1,30-5.30pm..salary according but heaps of extra work to keep me going.

sjones07grad · Joined: 25 Jun 2007

She has already completed Kindergarten here so that begs the question "will she be bored?" Is there any way that you can give me some contact info for yourself as I have been searching in vain for anyone in the same situation?

wylies99 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: I'm one cool cat!

Do you want to work for a public school? ttompatz could help you.

mj roach · Joined: 16 Mar 2003

Since you have a degree in education and are certified, you should consider teaching at an international school. They often provide for the cost of bringing your family and free tuition for your children. Pay and benefits might also be better.

laogaiguk · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Location: somewhere in Korea

mj roach · Joined: 16 Mar 2003

google --> international schools asia

sjones07grad · Joined: 25 Jun 2007

they are in process of writing me a contract and would allow my youngen to go there for free......but the pay is so much lower and the hours so long....if i could do public school and get her into a home school group somewhere that would meet her needs...that might be better....any advice?

AylaZ · Joined: 30 Jan 2007

Yeh, intnal school might be your best option if your that qualified. Are you religious? cus there are a few christian intl schools. I've seen a few advertised.
That way its all free for your kid.
Bored at kindy yeh maybe, good luck

EH · Joined: 20 Mar 2003

You have to contact [email protected], attn: Lynn or call 800-852-5678.

They're always looking for EI professionals to work with American kiddos in Korea. Much better than a hagwon job, and excellent benefits, I believe. Good luck!

And consider homeschooling your daughter. Not sure if she'd be eligible for public schooling, but it's worth a try. If she's smart as you say she may have a terrific experience there.

Good luck!
-EH

jellobean · Joined: 14 Mar 2006

At 6 your daughter is still young enough to learn the language and if you give her some assistance with American work she is young enough that she will be able to catch up..... International school that you can get in to without experience don't pay much, you'd need that option if she were older, but not at that age.... There are a whole bunch of parents from the US military base who do homeschool but I'm not sure how to find them....

You should look into public school.... I'd bet they would let you put her in the school if you teach there.....

Also, talk to employers about getting an advance for her airfare.... Reputable places may be willing to do this....

sjones07grad · Joined: 25 Jun 2007

As I have my passports, diploma, transcripts, etc. all in hand, I am getting anxious about finding a place fast. I am totally ready to do this like now and am looking for a good hook-up at a nice school. I asked my friend which area she lives in and she said Daechi-dong or Gangnam area so if anyone is near her please pm me and let me know.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

I put this on the other thread, too, but you could look into DOD schools on US bases in Korea. Killer coin and free school for your kid.

sjones07grad · Joined: 25 Jun 2007

does anyone know anything about this school?

sjones07grad · Joined: 25 Jun 2007

yeah it is a good idea pragic, just not sure how to get started in that....