Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ceadem]

Hey.

Right. Where to begin...

I'm considering approaching PeopleRecruit. They'll find me a job. How do I avoid being 'exploited'?

I have no teaching experience, nor TEFL certification (I have a degree), from what I've read at PeopleRecruit it sounds as if I can still get work, does this mean I'm more likely to get a crap job?

I think they'll ask for my job preferences, is it simply between hagwon (hagwon hakwon?) & public school? What are the basic differences, I suppose ideally I'd be more comfortable with small classes of young children (so then I can read Dr. Seuss & Roald Dahl)...basically, in brief, what can I expect from each?

Visa's. Should I make sure I have the Visa before I travel to Korea or will it be ok to do the Japan run thing I've read about...What else do I need to be considering?

Thanks for your help

[ceadem]

...pretty please with a cherry on top?

[enns]

Spend some time reading through the posts on here, that should give you a good start.

Use several recruiters and sift through the mounds of job offers. Post your resume on worknplay.co.kr and here on Dave's job board. All free and you'll get tons of responses(many junk, some good). Find a decent offer(2.2 salary, 10-14 days vacation, 6-7 hours a day at school, severance, pension, etc.; certainly can find better, but you can find a basic contract such as this no problem) and email past and current teachers at the school to see if they're legit.

Many here will recommend a public school(large classes, long and early days), but if you just want to sit around a read some books then a hagwon is where you want to be.

All you need is a 4 year degree, nothing more. You shouldn't have a problem getting at least 50 offers in a week. You'll need the visa before you go and they'll pay your airfare.

How to not be exploited? Don't let them push you around, pass on offers that don't seem good. You shouldn't have a problem.

Good luck.

[sarahbeara_413]

Hey there- you seem a bit overwhelmed? Don't worry, I was where you were at a few months ago. While I can't offer you the same advice someone who has been there, done that can, I can sympathize and relate.

As of right now i'm due to arrive in Seoul at the end of next month, I signed a contract and sent my paperwork off to Korea last week.

First of all, figure out where in Korea you want to go (big city, small town...) Then do your research on reputable recruiters, there's a new thread in this forum about recruiters, I'm using ESL-Planet and it's been great working with them, a lot of other people seem to have good things to say about them as well.

Second, review the visa requirements and make sure you have all of that stuff in order, you will not be making a Japan visa run as a first time teacher. To my knowledge, you'll need your original diploma (or notarized copy), a criminal background check (local works), a med form that your recruiter will send to you, 2 sealed transcripts from your school, your resume, passport, and 2 passport photos.

There's plenty of threads about public vs. private school, so I won't get into that, just do your research.

If you ultimately decide on a private school, make sure you do as much research on the school as possible, ask for photos of the apt. and contact information for previous teachers, be sure to ask TONS of questions. Make sure you completely understand what you're getting into or else you'll be posting a "I got screwed" thread in these very forums.

Good luck!

[ceadem]

thanks for the replies.

I think from what I have recently read, I am more inclined towards the Hagwons because of the small classes and I am ok with working evenings for the sake of a lie in

The key thing is I don't want to be a crap teacher but I am going there with no experience, how will I get through this? Some schools provide texts to work from, some don't, I'm at loss here, what do I do in a classroom all day?

@sarahbeara_413, you fly out end of next month, how long has it took you since sending off your c.v. to the recruiters to now having a flight plan?

[sarahbeara_413]

Not long at all, a month maybe, but I was being really picky and turned down multiple offers. When do you want to start working in Korea and do you know which city you want to work in?
As soon as you start asking around and sending your resume out, you will be overwhelmed with the amount of responses you get back. BE CAREFUL, you will hear this repeatedly through the forums: recruiters work for the schools and will tell you anything and everything you want to hear. It's really important you get all the information you can about the area and school that you are considering working for through other sources.

As far as the actual teaching goes, I can't reallly say, not quite there yet.

[ceadem]

I haven't researched cities, I don't really know how, how did you go about it? I just assumed I'd go to one of the larger cities, Seoul or Busan...I want somewhere where I find life drawing classes fairly easily... and I was hoping to get there before the end of this year.



p.s. do you already have teaching experience/qualifications?

[sarahbeara_413]

I originally wanted to go to Busan, but had a hard time finding a job there for some reason. I was sent a couple of shady contracts and then decided to expand my search into Seoul. It took me about a week to find something that I was comfortable with in Seoul.

I already knew I wanted to be in a big city, where it would be easy to meet people and join social clubs or organizations.

I have absolutly no qualifications as a teacher, no certificate, not previous experience...just a poli sci degree. From what I hear, it's not that difficult.

Also, if you want to contact me via e-mail so we don't take up this whole thread, feel free to shoot me an e-mail at [email protected]

[hari seldon]

[afsjesse]

Hagwons are cesspools.... that's my experience with them. I would try to find a job with a Public School. Think of the vacation time you'll get!!!! Busan is a good city with alot of flare. Nice expat community, night life, near Daegu, Gyeongju etc.....

I second using ESL PLANET! Rowan, who is the director worked personally with me and is in constant contact even after I started my job! For me using them is a no brainer. www.esl-planet.com

[sonicmatt]

I used ESL Planet as well. They are not pushy at all and actually listen to what you want and try and work with you. Give them a shout.

[Easter Clark]

OP--

If you're not sure what age group you'd like to teach, then a hagwon would be a good place to cut your teeth. You'll likely teach all ages, and after a year you'll have a good idea of which age group you work best with.

Just avoid kindies as you won't have a choice as to what ages you teach, and if you find out that you don't like kids, you'll be in a miserable place for a year.

Also, for a lack of teaching experience, a hagwon will be easier on you because they will have a set curriculum and you may have the opportunity to observe other teachers' classes. If you go to a public school, chances are you will have to plan everything on your own, with little support from the Korean staff. For a first-timer that can be a bit overwhelming.

[ceadem]

[Otherside]

[ceadem]

Good post Otherside, thanks. I've seen the contracts thread so I will post mine up for sure (when I'm offered one). Thanks.