Korean Job Discussion Forums

wonkavision · Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Location: Seoul

I'm in the middle of applying for a public school job in Seoul. I have been notified by my recruiter that they want to interview me in 10 days.

I have also begun getting documents together for the JET application, and will be submitting it soon.

The JET program, if you don't know, leaves you hanging until some time in January at which point they let you know if you've made it to the interview stage or not.

I would much rather go with JET, but if I don't make it, and there's a chance I won't as I hear its very competitive, I would still like to work with SMOE.

Here's my question: At what point do I HAVE to commit to a contract with a public school in Seoul? Or in other words...how long can I string them along before they give me an ultimatum? Early/late Dec? Early/late Jan?

buymybook · Joined: 21 Feb 2005 Location: Telluride

I suppose you could sign a contract with them but when they expect you to go to the Korean Consulate(show/no show), that would probably be when you wouldn't want to go any further if you wanted to go with JET. I could be wrong, others?

Of course you could string it out further if you don't mind submitting all the documents and giving your passport to the Korean Consulate, letting them stamp it. I guess you could let them send you the plane ticket and fly over to Korea then not show up on your first day.

The answer is the very last minute, then you hop on a 90 minute flight to Japan. Good enough?

maingman · Joined: 26 Jan 2008 Location: left Korea

I wouldn't look out in Seoul/ and possibly apply for other schoolsor rather areas

thanks

wonkavision · Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Location: Seoul

sorry, I should've specified, I'm in the US right now. And I would hate to sign a contract and pull a no show....I was just wondering at what point (like a specific date) do they usually expect you to sign a contract in the standard SMOE hiring process?

Ukon · Joined: 29 Jan 2008

SMOE is also a bit competive...just less applicants...

I applied for both...tip of advice, do your research on the application process for JET...tons of it exist....and if your follow it to a tee, your probaly all good.

Just for the love of god leave the medical section blank,....I don't care if you had surgery...lie....Don't make my mistake.

Overall, I'm glad I came to Korea over the JET program....SMOE puts you in the city and JET pretty much insures your be in the boondocks. Ignore the guy saying to go for the ther program for outside seoul..... Trust me....this matters a lot unless you enjoy the middle of bum****ing nowhere.

As for the time line, you'll be fine.....I got the rug pulled out under me for JET at the last minute and then applied to SMOE this spring.....SMOE doesn't even start hiring for the fall until mid spring.....

Now if your going for the SMOE program in spring.....it might be kinda tight.....the JET program interviews started around early feburary....and they inform you if you got the job a few months later.