Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Shesmou]

Hello everyone,

I have been dealing with a company called HOYA English which I discovered through Monster.com that has been walking me through the steps of setting up my working VISA and getting a teaching job in South Korea. I have never been overseas, let alone worked overseas, and I want to make sure I'm not stepping into something I'll regret.

Sure I'm excited about experiencing a new culture, but I'm unsure about who I can trust and am worried about getting ripped off. My question conscerns HOYA English - are they legitimate? Are they a reputable company? Are they an overall good choice for a newbie such as myself?

They say my lodging and flight will be paid for, so it sounds like a good deal. They are only paying $30,000 US, but with the money I'd save on lodging and the low cost of living I think I could live fairly comfortably on this? Am I wrong about that?

Any advice you can give me will be much apprecieated as I am very impulsive and may end up moving at an ill-opportune moment, though I am so excited to get over there!

Thanks in advance for your help !!!

[Lekker]

I wonder what HOYA stands for?

HOLD ON TO YOUR ANKLES because we're going to F you hard.

Seriously, I would look on here. My experiences with Monster.com were not good ones. Mostly companies looking to see who is out there.

I don't know though, maybe they can find something good for you. In the long run, make sure you are put in touch with someone who works at the school you will be going for, but again, look on here at the job listings as there are loads of jobs available at any time. Any more questions, don't hesitate to ask.

[Intrepid]

If it's the Hoya I've heard of it's test-prep and US-school prep.
I've heard good things--that they pay better than most, for one.

[Shesmou]

Thanks for the advice Lekker, I've already started applying to some of the companies listed on the job board.

Intrepid, how did you hear about them? Because when I try to Google them I can't find anything that's unofficial, or anything that is a critique. I take this to mean that nobody has had any problems with them, or else it means that they are too new for anyone to have caught on that they are less than reputable.

Just trying not to be another 'stupid American' statistic

[KoreanAmbition]

[Intrepid]

I know about Hoya from an overseas ed center that I occasionally do freelance work for. They recommend Hoya to students who need to get their Eng in shape for study in the US. I also knew one teacher, a long while back, who had a good experience--but he was Korean American. I thought they only employed Korean AMericans.
I've seen their textbooks--they're pretty rigorous, actually, but with a bit more of a Christian bent than I would like.

[cherrymandy84]

I'm thinking of working in Korea through Hoya also. Unfortunately, my internet searches have turned up the same as urs. Please let me know how ur experience was if you did go through with it.

[SharkDiver]

Are you an actual qualified teacher? Qualified to teach in the US? Because that salary sounds pretty high. Get the salary in won and convert it yourself to be sure. Lately the recruiters have been giving erroneously high equivalent US salaries.

I hope everything goes well for you if you accept the position. But anytime you come here to teach you never know how smoothly it'll go.

Good luck!

[cherrymandy84]

Yes, I have a BS in Elementary Education and my teaching license in North Carolina. I can make about $30,000. year teaching here- but a lot of bills and right now having a hard time finding a job period.

[Korussian]

$30,000 US? Are you being paid every month in USD or Korean Won?

If the latter, could you please let us know how much, in won, the contract says you will be paid?

[cherrymandy84]

Sorry for the confusion. I can make $30,000 USD a year, paid $3000/mo for 10 months (only about 2000/mo after taxes and retirement taken out) in the US. I haven't gone over to Korea yet. I'm thinking about it. Jobs are super hard to find in the US right now.

[Korussian]