Korean Job Discussion Forums

[simplysakura]

Greetings all.

I'm currently in my last year of my undergraduate studies in Accounting and International Relations in Canada and will graduate come June 2009. Before jumping into the corporate world, I really want to explore different employment opportunities and have a little fun!

I love traveling and after much online research and perusal through this forum, I am very interested in teaching English for a year in Korea upon graduation. I have 7 years of tutoring experience. I have taught English, Math, Social Studies and Science to students ranging from ages 3 - 17 (yes, I used to meet many typical Asian parents that throw their 3-year-olds into tutoring). I also have 2-3 years of volunteer experience as a teacher assistant in K-3 classes at my old Chinese school.

After reading through a lot of the posts, I've decided that I want to teach at a public school in Seoul. Before contacting any recruiters I want to mingle more with everybody here to see if I can land a teaching position from a more reliable source. Since a lot of you have taught or are teaching in Korea currently, I feel that I should really talk to everyone here first!

A side question - will I be able to negotiate a higher salary based on my tutoring experience? I am not a certified teacher but I have worked a lot with students, especially younger children.

Cheers,
Sarah

[afsjesse]

Welcome to the forum Sarah!

I don't think your tutoring experience will get you a higher pay grade, but it's worth a try.

If you want a PS job in Seoul, you will have to apply to SMOE (Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education). From what everyone is saying, they are full at the moment, but will be hiring around June for the September session, which might be good timing for you.

Korea is great and a wonder to behold as long as you keep an open mind and come here without any grand expectations. I was in Busan for almost one year and decided to stay for a second year in Korea, albeit a different part of the country. I love my experiences here and really like my current job, minus the deskwarming for vacations.

The only peice of advice I would give you is not to take to heart most of the negative things you hear about Korea on this forum. They can really weigh you down and get you in a Korea Hate Mode, as they have done for me on ocassion.

Good Luck!
Jesse

[Ya-ta Boy]

afsjesse is right on several counts. It will be highly unlikely that you will be able to get more money for your tutoring experience, but it won't hurt to try--you might catch someone in a weak moment.

The province surrounding Seoul is Gyeong-gi Do (spelled various ways). If you don't get an offer in Seoul itself, consider Gyeong-gi Do as a second choice. Personally, I think people are limiting themselves by sticking only to Seoul--there's a lot more to Korea than just a megacity.

You would also be wise to listen to this: "advice I would give you is not to take to heart most of the negative things you hear about Korea on this forum".

Good luck

[afsjesse]

Thank's for the affirmation Ya-ta Boy!

OP, in addition to what Ya-ta said, if you choose Gyeonggi-do, you must apply to GEPIK (Gyeonggi-do English Program In Korea). Most places in the province aren't horribly far from Seoul.

I did Busan and it's the second largest city and the EPIK people get treated well there with regards to extra vacation from what I hear. You might want to try there, but you would have to apply to EPIK (English Program In Korea).

Good Luck.
Jesse

[Draz]

[simplysakura]

Thanks Jesse and YB!

I'll keep in mind not to limit myself to Seoul. The original reason I wanted to stick with Seoul is because I love living in big cities (and a -slight- interest in a vibrant nightlife, clubbing, karaoke, etc. ). Because I'm always up for hiking, sports and what-not (that complements a city life), it seems logical that I stay in Seoul and make excursions here and there to other parts when I want to do something different. I hope I'm not too off...

It's good to hear about the good and bad in Korea - at least I know what to be prepared for. I'm pretty open-minded about what to expect in an Asian country, since I've been to China and Vietnam before. I'm also Chinese, lol. If I do work in Korea, I think I'll deal with racism less since I look Asian. I'm more worried that I won't get hired because I'm not White.

I love traveling and eating. If there's good food in Korea, it's good enough for me, haha. And based on what I've read in many of the posts, Korean food is the way to go.

Living and teaching in Korea sounds fun and I'm up for the challenge! I want to teach at a public school because of its stability. Sure, I'm probably going to go crazy trying to teach a huge class of children, but I'd rather have to deal with fulfilling my teaching duties than worry about getting fired in the 11th month. My family is more worried that I'm going to get mugged and kidnapped, lol.

[simplysakura]

[afsjesse]

I'm giving you the best kept secret about job finding! Contact Rowan-Hall at ESL PLANET!!!! He is an Australian recruiter and will set you up straight!

Numerous people have atested to his work and for his service after the job is done. www. esl-planet.com

[Milwaukiedave]

I agree you are better off looking for something for late August or early September. One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is that you need to get your degree from your university. Often it takes several weeks after graduation to get your diploma from the school.

Usually the public schools will bring you in a week early for orientation and to get settled, so you can figure on being ready go to sometime around then.

I'd check with your school to see how long it will take to get your diploma.

[Draz]

[simplysakura]

lol, gotcha. I shall look into suggested recruiters then. Also, good tip on checking up with my university!

Thanks for all the advice everyone!

[sojusucks]

[esetters21]

The public schools have a sliding scale for beginning salaries. It has been posted here many times before. Your tutoring will not count for anything, and you can not negotiate your salary. Here is the scale for SMOE and what you qualify for given the information that you provided.

Level H: 1.8 million won per month

A Bachelor�s degree from an accredited university in one of major English-speaking countries with the instructions taught in English.

Level G: 2.0 million won per month

Must have one of the following qualifications:

A valid teacher certification for either elementary or secondary level schools.
A Bachelor�s degree in Education.
A Bachelor�s degree in English, English Education, English Literature, or Linguistics.
A TESOL/TEFL or an English Teaching Certificate comprised of a minimum of 100 course hours.
A Master's degree.
A Bachelor's degree with at least ONE (1) full year of English teaching experience at accredited institutions.

Level F: 2.2 million won per month

Must have one of the following qualifications:

In addition to one of the requirements for Level G, ONE (1) full year of English teaching experience at accredited institutions including at the SMOE.
A teacher certification with specialization in English Education.
A Master�s degree in Education.

Level E: 2.3 million won per month

Must have one of the following qualifications:

Meet the Level G qualification with at least TWO (2) full years of English teaching experience at accredited institutions.
Employed as Level F at the SMOE for ONE (1) full year.
A Master's degree in TESOL/TEFL or in English Education.

Level D: 2.4 million won per month

Employed as Level E at the SMOE for ONE (1) full year.

At least ONE (1) full year of English teaching experience at accredited institutions with Master's degree in TESOL/TEFL or in English education.
A Bachelor�s degree in English education with at least THREE (3) full years of English teaching experience at accredited institutions.
A teacher certification with specialization in English education with at least TWO (2) full years of English teaching experience at accredited institutions.

Level C: 2.5 million won per month

At least TWO (2) full years of English teaching experience at accredited institutions with Master's degree in TESOL/TEFL or in English education.
A teacher certification with specialization in English education with at least THREE (3) full years of English teaching experience at accredited institutions.
Employed as Level D at the SMOE for TWO (2) full years.

Level B: 2.6 million won per month

At least THREE (3) full years of English teaching experience at accredited institutions with Master's degree in TESOL/TEFL or in English education.
At least THREE (3) full years of English teaching experience as a present public or private school teacher with a recommendation by the superintendent or the school principal.
Employed as Level D at the SMOE for THREE (3) full years.

Level A: 2.7 million won per month

At least FOUR (4) full years of English teaching experience at accredited institutions with Master's degree in TESOL/TEFL or in English education.
At least FOUR (4) full years of English teaching experience as a present public or private school teacher with a recommendation by the superintendent or the school principal.

[simplysakura]

I was being hopeful about the tutoring part I guess... lol.

I like kids a lot, but I'm worried I'll be way over my head if I ask to teach kindergarten. Right now, all I can do is just research and read up on what people are saying about their experiences.