Korean Job Discussion Forums

[aphasia83]

I've been lurking for about a year now, doing my research, and after graduating from university and taking a TEFL course I'm ready to start searching for that first job.

I believe the clear consensus was that it's far better to jump on a plane and apply to schools directly in Korea. However, with the new visa requirements, do you think it's become necessary for a first-time teacher to apply and arrange things from his/her home country?

And the most pressing concern: how do I increase my chances that I'll end up in a good school? Advice anyone? (and yes, I'm aware that I should ask tons of questions, talk to current employees, get a clear contract, etc. Looking for advice beyond the basics.)

If any of you have had positive experiences in your current schools, and you think they might be hiring in the next couple of months, please PM me! That would be great!

[cruisemonkey]

[cbclark4]

Seriously unless your really into going to Seoul consider EPIC in Gyeongnam Province, try to get a school in Changwon or Masan.

These are good jobs with a standard contract and
plenty of support from other teachers.

Just apply they will contact you quickly.

Get your transcripts lined up and your other documents in order police check med check references.

I was here two weeks after first contact with my school.

[fromtheuk]

I have worked here for just under 8 months at a public school in Gyeonggi province. I live about an hour from Seoul by train.

I would advise you to only work at a public school. From your research I am sure you are aware hogwans are awful, generally speaking.

With public school you have more confidence you'll get what you're entitled to. My regret is working in Gyeonggi I have 14 days vacation, whereas public school jobs in Seoul offer 21 days vacation.

I think Seoul public schools seem to largely recruit for March and September, so if you can wait, I'd aim for Seoul.

Lastly, be aware some Koreans are very nice and some are nasty. Your co-teacher could be nice or horrible. Sadly, mine is horrible, but if you're at a public school, at least you won't have to fight your employer to receive what you're entitled to.

If you like to kiss a�$, you may find life is more easy at work, if like me you cannot stand the idea of kissing a"!, you may find your co-teacher will get upset and behave like a miserable child. The choice is yours, but this is true of the work environment wherever you are, to an extent.

Please remember you may need to be assertive at work, to ensure you are getting what the contract states you can get. And as some people say, with some Koreans, good manners are a waste of time, you really need to get to the point, otherwise you may not get things done.

All the best.

[aphasia83]

Ahh the public school issue... I'm aware that it's probably a better idea to work for a public school, but here is what I am thinking: for the first year, I'd really like to plug into a place where there is a set curriculum and lots of pre-designed resources for me to use so that I can just walk in and get my feet wet. After the first year I'm sure I'll be much more comfortable with finding my own style of lesson planning, materials I prefer, etc.

I could be completely off-base, but I was under the impression that working in a public school = more independence in terms of what you teach and how.

[MarionG]

It's hard to rate where you'll have more independance or more guidance... I've seen public school teachers complain about no materials and no course syllabus, and also seen the same with hogwons...also the opposite with each.

And by the way, hogwons are not all bad. Many people have really good experiences and I'm one of them. It hasn't been perfect, but over all I've liked it. Really nice boss, great kids, very nice apartment, good pay...