Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ICAtlantis2]

Hello, hopefully someone can help me.....First of all, after reading and researching very much so, it sounds like the cost of living in S. Korea is pretty cheap. I am so confused now because I just came across this website and it said Seoul is the 3rd most expensive city in the world.... (?????)

http://www.citymayors.com/features/cost_survey.html

Anyone have any feedback on this? Craziness.

Secondly, again after reading a lot of what ppl have said, it sounds as though I should work in a public school, so my question is, are all public schools under either EPIK, GEPIK, or SMOE? Or are there some that are independent from those, they kind of confuse me a bit.

Most ppl are saying for a first time teacher (I have a Bach. degree, no TEFL Cert, and no exp.) I should make about 2.0 or 2.1 million. But when I looked at the contracts under SMOE (because I would like to work in Seoul) it says that in my category I would start off at 1.8, is this standard for SMOE, or does it depend on the school? That sounds kind of low.

Also, I know I can do research, which I will obviously be doing lots more of, but I figured I could just ask on here while I am at it......What is an ARC?

Lastly, I have read tons from ppl but no one mentions actual school names of great places they have worked/work at now, maybe for the obvious, but is it possible for anyone to give me actual school names that are great places to work. I am so overwhelmed with all the talk of different schools being shady and was wondering if I could get a few names of some good ones, more public schools that is?

Thank you soooo much for any feedback here!!

[majolica]

you should probably start reading the faqs section, there's lots of great advice on there.

for starters, you are mixing up two different salary brackets... public school usually starts off at 1.8 or 1.9, with extra cash for rural areas, a BA in English, etc. If you choose to work at a hogwon, don't accept less than 2.1, but also expect to be working a lot more. all public schools are in SMOE, EPIK or Gepik, but there are some private schools that are a little confusing... they aren't hogwons, so have public school style contracts, but sometimes have some extra perks. I know a few people that work for them, but I don't really fully understand them myself.

an ARC is your Alien Registration Card, the ID you need for just about everything as a foreigner here... your school will help you get one within the first week, so you can open a bank account etc.

I'm not sure exactly what they use to calculate a city expense level, but I'd say that except if you're trying to find your own housing, it won't affect you much. Obviously there are expensive things available (imported goods, ethnic restarants, fancy shops and expensive nightclubs) that you wouldn't even have the option to spend money on in other smaller towns, but if you live simply and aren't tempted to try to recreate your western lifestyle, seoul isn't really that expensive. anyway, i know a lot of people might disagree, but i'm glad i didn't live in seoul my first year... it would have been too easy to adjust, and i wouldn't trade my small-town experience for any amount of lattes or english books.

the reason people don't list names of good public schools (in my experience) is that the reason a good school is good is because of the people. and in korea, all public school teachers and staff are shuffled around every few years. hence, a school that was amazing (good coteacher, nice principal, friendly coworkers) last year could be totally different a few months later... it's happened to me, and a lot of my NS friends. the other reason is perhaps that people like to keep a good thing to themselves, and they're not going to waste a really amazing contract or school atmosphere on a bunch of strangers... they'll be hooking their friends up or continuing to work there themselves.

if you can make some friends that have worked here... and you probably can (i am friends with half the people in my town through other friends and connections) you can start getting the inside scoop. however, applying for a public school job is a pretty decent option... there are frustrations, as with any job, but for a newcomer to korea it's usually the most failproof way to go.

[Bibbitybop]

Get at least an online TEFL certificate to boost your chances for working for SMOE.

Your best bet is simply applying to the major public school organizations instead of tracking down random, lone schools from overseas.

The high cost of living in Seoul stems from the costs vs. Korean incomes and includes issues that won't affect you like housing and education costs.

[ICAtlantis2]

That was extremely helpful, thank you so much!!!

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[ds_fan]

obviously seoul is more expensive than any other city here, but if you think of the differences in prices between london and newcastle. its cheap to live here if you are careful. some things are more expensive, eg coffee and toiletries food is cheap

[esetters21]

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[swigs]

which website are you using? or are you using a university?