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crabstix
Joined: 14 Apr 2008
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 Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2008 10:57 am Post subject: Lining up a job beforehand or upon arrival? |
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I have 8 years teaching experience in a University in Thailand. I only have a bachelor's degree with a TEFL. So far I haven't had many responses from Universities in Korea which I have applied for. A couple have said that they are considering my application. I started applying 2 weeks ago. I am applying from London (via email) as i have completed my contract in Thailand. I now have my criminal background check (which I will get apostilled this week) and 3 sets of sealed transcripts in an envelope.
Although I prefer teaching adults at university level I would consider the option of teaching in a government run high school in Seoul as I believe that there is more of a community feel in this type of job (I am basing my judgement on what I have experienced working in language schools, high schools and universities in Thailand)
My question is 'would I be better off lining up a job in say a high school or university before arriving? or upon arrival?'
I have sufficient funds for accommodation for the first 2 months of being in Korea
I am not sure whether you get longer holidays if you apply before arriving or applying on the spot. I have uploaded my resume to a website stating that I am not interested in teaching at hagwons but despite this I have received tons of emails from recruiters looking for hagwon teachers!
I have also seen adverts offering jobs in public schools offering 2 weeks paid holidays. Is that standard nowadays? Would I get longer holidays if I landed a job after arrival in Seoul? |
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blonde researcher
Joined: 16 Oct 2006
Location: Globalizing in Korea for the time being
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| Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2008 5:42 pm Post subject: |
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If you only want a government high school in Seoul you will have to apply to one of the official recruiters for the Seoul Metro office of Education (SMOE) You get these from the SMOE website.
You do have to be able to have patience and resolve to get through this system as it can be pedantic and annoying.
You will be allocated a school anywhere in Seoul at SMOE's pleasure, maybe the other side of the city where you want to be. Also not many high school positions usually available , mostly elementary, and you cannot be guaranteed a particular level anyway. The salary for working in a public school in Seoul is incredibly low compared to many other cities and provinces in Korea. Many people apply for SMOE jobs, and you have to meet tough interviews and checking to be offered a position. |
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SharkDiver
Joined: 08 Nov 2008
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| Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 11:16 pm Post subject: |
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Hi Crabstix,
Which uni did you work for in Thailand? I worked there too at a uni among other jobs for a few years.
I am not sure about the UK, but for some countries if you have never held an E2 visa before, you must get it from the Korean embassy in your home country. If you come to Korea on a tourist visa to look for a job that would mean returning home to get your E2 visa. It may be easier to get the job first and then get your visa before coming. Also, that way airfare is paid and possibly living accommodations already set up. Depending of course on the uni/high school.
I doubt holidays would be any different if you apply ahead of time. Depends on the school/uni what you get. Two weeks is standard for any job such as hogwans. Although sometimes they give less. For uni's it is more.
Good luck |
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pkang0202
Joined: 09 Mar 2007
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| Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 11:20 pm Post subject: |
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| If you come here FIRST, and get a job, you will not get the airfare reimbursement. |
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lorenchristopher
Joined: 25 Dec 2007
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| Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 9:59 am Post subject: |
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| pkang0202 wrote: |
| If you come here FIRST, and get a job, you will not get the airfare reimbursement. |
I came here first and then got a job, and got airfare reimbursement. They reimbursed me more than I spent actually. I was also staying with a friend for two weeks until I moved into the housing they provided, and they gave me 70,000 won extra each day since I turned down their offer to put me up in a motel.
I think if you look around you could get a similar deal. And really you shouldn't take a job unless they reimburse your airfare....being here already gives you a good amount of leverage, use it. |
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lorenchristopher
Joined: 25 Dec 2007
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| Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 10:03 am Post subject: |
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| SharkDiver wrote: |
Hi Crabstix,
I am not sure about the UK, but for some countries if you have never held an E2 visa before, you must get it from the Korean embassy in your home country. If you come to Korea on a tourist visa to look for a job that would mean returning home to get your E2 visa. It may be easier to get the job first and then get your visa before coming. Also, that way airfare is paid and possibly living accommodations already set up. Depending of course on the uni/high school.
Good luck |
Actually you can get your university degree verified through a government agency here in Korea, and then you only have to go to a Korean consulate in Japan (or whichever country you like)....no flight home necessary. As far as I know, this applies to all the E-2 visa-granted countries. |
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cruisemonkey
Joined: 04 Jul 2005
Location: Hopefully, the same place as my luggage.
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| Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 12:45 pm Post subject: |
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| lorenchristopher wrote: |
| SharkDiver wrote: |
Hi Crabstix,
I am not sure about the UK, but for some countries if you have never held an E2 visa before, you must get it from the Korean embassy in your home country. If you come to Korea on a tourist visa to look for a job that would mean returning home to get your E2 visa. It may be easier to get the job first and then get your visa before coming. Also, that way airfare is paid and possibly living accommodations already set up. Depending of course on the uni/high school.
Good luck |
Actually you can get your university degree verified through a government agency here in Korea, and then you only have to go to a Korean consulate in Japan (or whichever country you like)....no flight home necessary. As far as I know, this applies to all the E-2 visa-granted countries. |
As I understand it, a third-country application is only possible if the degree has been verified by the KCUE; and the applicant has previously held an: E-1, E-2 or E-3 (and has no record of law breaking). Check it out - http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/InfoDetailR_en.pt |
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losing_touch
Joined: 26 Jun 2008
Location: Ulsan - I think!
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| Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 5:22 pm Post subject: |
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| cruisemonkey wrote: |
| As I understand it, a third-country application is only possible if the degree has been verified by the KCUE; and the applicant has previously held an: E-1, E-2 or E-3 (and has no record of law breaking). Check it out - http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/InfoDetailR_en.pt |
This is not true. I had my first E-2 visa issued in Bangkok. My employer verified my degree with KCUE. |
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ChinaBoy
Joined: 17 Feb 2007
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| Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 7:20 pm Post subject: |
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| I think the "first" E-2 thingie started with the CRC stuff.. so, this year.. it may have changed since your first time |
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lorenchristopher
Joined: 25 Dec 2007
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| Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 8:45 pm Post subject: |
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| cruisemonkey wrote: |
As I understand it, a third-country application is only possible if the degree has been verified by the KCUE; and the applicant has previously held an: E-1, E-2 or E-3 (and has no record of law breaking). Check it out - http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/InfoDetailR_en.pt |
No, this is not true. A first time E-2 applicant does not have to return to their home country for an interview if they have their degree verfified here by the KCUE (Korean Council for University Education).
Some employers may not realize this and will try to tell you it's not possible, that you MUST return home for an interview. This happend to me when I came to Korea first and then looked for a job. They are wrong though and they do not understand the procedures....have them call an immigration officer or you can look for another school. |
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crabstix
Joined: 14 Apr 2008
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| Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2008 2:50 am Post subject: |
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| SharkDiver wrote: |
Hi Crabstix,
Which uni did you work for in Thailand? I worked there too at a uni among other jobs for a few years.
I am not sure about the UK, but for some countries if you have never held an E2 visa before, you must get it from the Korean embassy in your home country. If you come to Korea on a tourist visa to look for a job that would mean returning home to get your E2 visa. It may be easier to get the job first and then get your visa before coming. Also, that way airfare is paid and possibly living accommodations already set up. Depending of course on the uni/high school.
I doubt holidays would be any different if you apply ahead of time. Depends on the school/uni what you get. Two weeks is standard for any job such as hogwans. Although sometimes they give less. For uni's it is more.
Good luck |
Hi Sharkdiver. I worked for Rajabhat University. They have about 40 or so of them all over Thailand. I am interested in working for a Uni in Korea but from reading the information on job posts and listening to midnightrunner podcasts, it seems the benefits of working oin a public school are better! |
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crabstix
Joined: 14 Apr 2008
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| Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2008 2:58 am Post subject: |
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| lorenchristopher wrote: |
| cruisemonkey wrote: |
As I understand it, a third-country application is only possible if the degree has been verified by the KCUE; and the applicant has previously held an: E-1, E-2 or E-3 (and has no record of law breaking). Check it out - http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/InfoDetailR_en.pt |
No, this is not true. A first time E-2 applicant does not have to return to their home country for an interview if they have their degree verfified here by the KCUE (Korean Council for University Education).
Some employers may not realize this and will try to tell you it's not possible, that you MUST return home for an interview. This happend to me when I came to Korea first and then looked for a job. They are wrong though and they do not understand the procedures....have them call an immigration officer or you can look for another school. |
Thanks for the info.
I have just had my criminal background check notarised and apostilled in England. It was notarised on 28th Nov 2008. Unfortunately I have just read on forum posts that they are only valid for 3 months. Since most public school and University jobs start in March 1 st 2009, that would make my CRC invalid! What are my options now? I plan on coming to korea within the next 10 days of so and hunting for a job when I get there. By the way, I have also had a copy of my degree notarised and apostilled. I wanted to get it all done here before arriving in Korea. |
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Clo
Joined: 27 Nov 2008
Location: UK
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| Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 3:20 am Post subject: |
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hey crabstix,
I'm in the uk now and am moving to Ulsan come January. I intend to move then regardless of if I have job lined up. Can you give me some advice on CRB, I�ve been told that in the UK only employers can request a CRB therefore I need a "Subject Access Request"? I already have my transcripts from my uni, how do I get these notarised and apostilled with my CRB? I have been researching it for days now and am just confusing myself more and more. Any help would be very much appreciated!!! |
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lorenchristopher
Joined: 25 Dec 2007
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| Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 7:42 am Post subject: |
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| crabstix wrote: |
| lorenchristopher wrote: |
| cruisemonkey wrote: |
As I understand it, a third-country application is only possible if the degree has been verified by the KCUE; and the applicant has previously held an: E-1, E-2 or E-3 (and has no record of law breaking). Check it out - http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/InfoDetailR_en.pt |
No, this is not true. A first time E-2 applicant does not have to return to their home country for an interview if they have their degree verfified here by the KCUE (Korean Council for University Education).
Some employers may not realize this and will try to tell you it's not possible, that you MUST return home for an interview. This happend to me when I came to Korea first and then looked for a job. They are wrong though and they do not understand the procedures....have them call an immigration officer or you can look for another school. |
Thanks for the info.
I have just had my criminal background check notarised and apostilled in England. It was notarised on 28th Nov 2008. Unfortunately I have just read on forum posts that they are only valid for 3 months. Since most public school and University jobs start in March 1 st 2009, that would make my CRC invalid! What are my options now? I plan on coming to korea within the next 10 days of so and hunting for a job when I get there. By the way, I have also had a copy of my degree notarised and apostilled. I wanted to get it all done here before arriving in Korea. |
I don't have any experience with public schools so I can't offer much advice there. Of course you could always apply at a hagwon, just be picky....stay away from kindergarten, don't accept more than 30 hours/week or less than 2.3 million/month. Being in Seoul with all your documents will give you a big advantage over other applicants, obviously more for those jobs who need to fill a position ASAP. |
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crabstix
Joined: 14 Apr 2008
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| Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 10:07 am Post subject: |
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| Clo wrote: |
hey crabstix,
I'm in the uk now and am moving to Ulsan come January. I intend to move then regardless of if I have job lined up. Can you give me some advice on CRB, I�ve been told that in the UK only employers can request a CRB therefore I need a "Subject Access Request"? I already have my transcripts from my uni, how do I get these notarised and apostilled with my CRB? I have been researching it for days now and am just confusing myself more and more. Any help would be very much appreciated!!! |
Hey Clo
I share your frustrations! It's very stressful reading different stories from different people on the forum. The good news is that it getting it apostilled and notarised can be done in one day. The bad news is getting a criminal background check can take up to 3 weeks. In your case, you still have time. What you need is a criminal background check (The Basic disclosure one is sufficient). This can be done online and will cost 20 pounds
U can pay online at this link
https://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk/disclosureOnline/BDO_Instr.htm
After it arrives you need to get a train to milton keynes. (there are trains to milton keynes from Euston).
You need to get to 'the public counter' (look at map on link below)
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-the-fco/what-we-do/docs-and-legal-services/legalisation/public-counter
People complain about the long walk but I enjoyed the 15 minute walk there from the station. If you get lost, the locals there are very helpful (much friendlier and more helpful than the people in my hometown in London!).
I made the mistake of not getting it notarised by the solicitor before getting it apostilled. But don't worry, the guy at reception will give you a paper map with a list of solicitors nearby. I think the one I chose was number 2 on the map (it was just 15 seconds walk from that building). That one is good because they charge 5 pounds per document. I read on another post that some solicitors will try to charge you 100 pounds! When you go in, there will be a waiting room. There are no queing tickets. The solicitors there are very jolly. Maybe it's because they get 5 pounds for 2 minutes work! The guy who dealt with me said 'Korea is it?" He stamps it and asks you to sign and it's done. Now that the easy part is done all you have to do it go back to Norfolk house around the corner. That's where you will need to pay (27 pounds per document). The friendly guy at reception downstaire will give you a queing ticket, ask you to turn off your mobile phone and tell you which floor to go to. after paying, it took me about 40 minutes to get a photocopy of my degree certificate and police check ((the original one) apostilled. You will know when your documents are ready because the staff behind the counter will call you but in case you don't hear name being called out look at the display board with LED lights on the right of the room facing the seats. It tells you which person's documents are ready (look out for your ticket number as they won't display your name!) The apostille is basically a white piece of paper which is stamped onto the back of your document to confirm that it is genuine.
I know it's a hassle to do all this stuff. It was quite stressful for me as I hate dealing with documents but once you get it all done you'll feel relieved as it will mean you can get your visa processed faster. I got all my documents legalised last week and am waiting for a job offer in a highschool in Seoul. I wish you luck it Ilsan. Let us know how getting all these documents works out for you. There are a lot of confused Brits out there who need to know which documents they need and how to get them legalised. Also make sure your transcripts are sealed with the stamp to show that they havent been tampered with. Some people have said it is not necessary but I prefer to get it done just to be on the safe side 
I think that pretty much covers it. If you have any Q's just PM me. |
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