Korean Job Discussion Forums

[qwunk89]

Hi everyone,

Anyone have any recent info about Park English (already used the search function)? Anyone went through them?

I taught in Korea for a few years in 2003 and 2004, and recently I found out my neighbor's son just accepted a position through them. I told her I would check up on them for her . .

They seem reputable (old reviews on Dave's, website), but they are recruiters. The job offer seems pretty good; actually much better than my first year in 2003, have things improved?? I was making 2.1 with a tiny shoebox basement apartment with mold issues and drunk ajoshee's stumbing around from the bars across the street - never heard of an officetel loft-style apartment and I think they offered him 2.4 (Bundang) . . not bad right? He has no teaching experience, only a history degree from an average state school (US).

Anyway, just wanted to check for her and help her relax. She worries too much and you can see it in her hair - stands frizzed out like a female albert einstein; kinda freaky actually . . but she's an artist so I like her.

Any feedback about them is welcome. Thanks.

[billyg]

used them a few years and had a great experience. can definitely vouch for them in terms of my experience.

[qwunk89]

Thanks billyg,

Anyone else use them?

[John_ESL_White]

they're just recruiters.

you should be worried about your friend's schools' reputation, not the recruiter's rep.

I've used wonderful recruiters who've placed me at crap schools and then re-placed me at great schools....

a recruiter has nothing to do with the quality of workplace....no matter what they advertise.

[wesharris]

They may be "just" recruiters, but a good recruiter can cushion the initial experience of coming to Korea. A good recruiter GENERATES return business by offering services above and beyond recruiting. They make it or break it for your initial experience. So a good recruiter IS necessary for the initial trip over, especially for newbies. I'm a newbie myself.

[John_ESL_White]

[wesharris]

Again that's your opinion, AND personal transference. Some people happen to like helpful recruiters, a great start often time will give you a better leg up than not. There isn't anything wrong with getting a leg up. I didn't know that MUCH about SKorea, but now i know enough to read a good contract from bad. Mostly from this board, but a recruiter helped me to determine where I could best go.
---
Wes

[John_ESL_White]

[wesharris]

You're just full of opinions aren't you. A handshake and a thank you would be doing nothing else. Park English DOES go the extra mile to make sure you're comfortable. That's the point isn't it, going the extra mile keeps the business end and the personal end going together. Your argument is 50 % my argument is 50 % . My opinion is just slightly more valid than yours.
Wesley

[John_ESL_White]

[qwunk89]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the info; I will pass it onto my neighbor. She seems to have relaxed about the whole thing as Park English got her son a few email addresses of current teachers already at the school, and they have been there for 2 or 3 years and had good things to say about the school and location. I told her teachers resigning was definitely a good sign. Sorry John_ESL_White, as she seems good now . . I didn't bring up your posts

All this is making me want to comeback to Korea, too bad I just bought a house . . I miss the international lifestyle and having Kiwi and Aussie friends

[highdials5]

I had a strange experience with Park English.

They arranged for me to have an interview one morning with an employer, but the employer didn't call and I heard nothing from Park English again. So I contacted the employer directly, they interviewed me the next day, and I ended up signing the contract.

I would have expected an apology from Park English at the very least, but nothing...until about 3 weeks later when they emailed asking if I was still looking for work!!

Not sure whose fault it was exactly, but whatever, it was Park English who lost out on the fee.