Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Aussie_Bloke]

Where would you all recommend I'd look???

I'm sure this has been done to death here but I'll do it to death even more

I'm currently finishing up my post grad studies and going to SK to teach english for a while is one of the many options I have.

So, back on point, where would you look for the best teaching job? hagwon, universities, public schools, other places????

[xCustomx]

Dokdo has a few universities that are hiring now

[Rteacher]

The above post is a joke (Dokdo is basically a big rock claimed by both Korea and Japan...)

I recommend checking the appropriate "stickies" in the FAQ Forum ...
http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewforum.php?f=7

[yingwenlaoshi]

If you have time and money, you can start contacting places now and after you get here to set up interviews.

Be prepared to do a lot of leg work.

[wanderingamy]

I came here without a job, but had a Korean friend here to stay with. I would really recommend doing your homework and contacting some schools before you arrive. It is too late for a public school job (at least with SMOE) as their orientation starts on Sat., but I had contacted some hagwans off this list before I left and had places to go on arrival. I lucked out and eeked in to a public school job, but I wouldn't have been able to do that had I not been here already. The other advantage is you are able to sit down face to face and read the bullsh** for yourself that some hagwan owners will throw you and see the housing they are offering. One guy lied to my face and then showed me their "housing" which was in an empty apartment building that was being "renovated." I'm glad I came here without a job, although there are others out there who will probably disagree. You will have to go to Japan and get your work visa if you come here without a job, but I just did and it was easy (although Japan is spendy!). Good luck!

[Smee]

This post won't really serve any point, but I'm just wondering how useful it is to fly to Korea without a job. Over the years posters have recommended doing this, as they consider it essential to view the school, the neighborhood, and apartment beforehand, and to discuss things like hours, lesson planning, benefits, etc., in person. For one, I don't see how someone unfamiliar with the country can just jump right into a strange city and reasonably evaluate such things. They're unlikely to even know how to use the subway, much less locate and approach schools. Moreover, what are the chances that hagwon will honestly discuss issues like pay and accommodation with a stranger? (And will they actually keep their word?)

On Dave's and other sites there have most likely been scores of posts about every school and every corner of the country. Chances are, if you end up going to a hagwon (which aren't that bad), there are tons of blogs on each franchise, and you might even find a few for your particular branch. Doing your own homework is essential, as is getting in touch with people currently at your school. This type of communication is just as useful as scouting out a place in person. And, you won't have to waste $1,500 of your own money.

[xCustomx]

I flew over on my own and was glad I did, because it allowed me to weed out what appeared to be a crappy job.

If anything, it's worth it just to check out the housing. One hagwon had all 5 teachers living together in an apartment on the top floor of the hagwon. Another was about 5 pyung, and another smelled like cat urine due to the previous teacher's cat.

Coming over here on your own won't guarantee a perfect job, but you will avoid some of the risk that comes with accepting a job from overseas.

[shetan]

yeah definitely come here first and find a job.

if you are hard up for money stay in a goshiwon for about 200-300 US for a month while your looking.

so many people signed and then came here to find disheartening conditions. Tough to make it through a year in bad conditions.

[Aussie_Bloke]

yeh i was just thinking of staying in a hostel somewhere for 2-3 weeks while i look around for a job if that's what i choose to afterward. i just prefer to find a job on my own then rely on internet ads cos its usually the crappiest of the crap that gets advertised as they have the biggest need for ppl.

[Matman]

[overq64]

I have to put the other side of the last post.

Coming here does involve investment and a net 'loss' of about 4 million won - depending how you look at it.

But - if you take a job you can't finish you will lose severance and airfare = 4 million won - or nearly.

Plus - if you quit before 6 months - you'd lose airfare to Korea too - deducted from final salary as per contract.

So - it's a 50-50 deal.

Very hard to land a good job as a first-timer from abroad. I would recommend coming here first - though it is of course no guarantee!

It just increases the odds slightly in your favour.

[Matman]

If you've got no teaching experience in Korea like the OP I don't think living in a hostel and wondering around the streets is going to impress any employers so you're unlikely to end up with a better job. The only really good jobs in Korea are at the universities and they look for a year or more of experience teaching in Korea. Your first job in Korea is highly likely to be mediocre but at least you can get a public school job if you apply from home or carefully consider a private school job without worrying about all the money your losing.

The biggest nightmare would be paying for your own arrival and accomodation, not getting a decent job, accepting a crappy one then leaving before the end of the year so losing 4 million both ends. Why take the risk?

[Whirlwind]

Or you could get your (future) employer to reimburse you the airfare. As far as the expenses associated with an yeogwan/goshiwon for 2-3 weeks, just consider that as if you were spending it on a vacation somewhere. I've easily spent 2k(including airfare) on short vacations before.

[Aussie_Bloke]

I have no qualms spending 2 million won and a month in limbo while I wait to get into a job...if that's what I decide I do.

Like overq64 said it's better than having to go through any complications later on. At least if I'm in Korea I know if i'll be able living in Seoul for a year (I've heard Seoul's very densely populated, I live in Perth, Australia which is like a huge suburb so I might be in for a huge culture shock).

Plus I know if i'll get a good house and a place with a boss i can kinda get along with, I'm not really assured that kinda stuff if I geta job on the net.

[KimchiExplosion]