Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ronald_reagan]

A secure gig, steady paycheck and a place to stay, rent free? Why not go to teach in Korea. This is my first post and there are so many questions going through my head. I have been in contact with several recruiting agencies and I find this such a pain. I wish I could just speak to the schools. I taught last school year in China and enjoyed it but have returned to the US since. I am a fully licensed teacher in the States with a graduate degree but the only work I can find is as a sub. This hardly pays the bills. I live in California and it appears there will be very little to no hiring done. I have been thinking of returning to Asia for a little security and income to ride this thing out. What's more, I am a teacher by trade and at heart. I miss having my own classes. At this point I am looking into Korea or Thailand. The former definitely seems a better deal overall, but I have always loved the LOS and feel I could be happy teaching in a rural area there, while Korea I know little about beside what I mentioned at the beginning of this post $$$ (not big).

[MrRogers]

why NOT to go to K to teach:

*exchange rate makes it not worth it;
*as you will most likely have a moldy, horrible one room to live in;
*you will be dealing with corrupt bureaucrats in the public schools or corrupt hogwan directors;
*the culture, in general, can be difficult, though there are many great people and sweet children;
*you could be obliterated by an altercation between North and South

since you are a certified teacher, go to Japan! (though they could also feel the effects of an altercation

[Ukon]

[Ukon]

[MrRogers]

this IS true for the majority of the people I knew there


check today's headlines regarding N & S: they never thought it could happen the first time it happened, too

who knows

[nicam]

Yes, apply to universities and international schools. Get the best and safest job you can get. Don't rush and don't gamble. Many jobs here may be suitable for early 20's people who are naive and willing to be slave driven, but for someone who's had a bit of comfort and experience in the working world...

And be careful in your choice of where to live. Rural can be tough, as you will be severely limited in food food, activities, company, and the thinking will not be progressive. Korea is very conformist and conservative.

Also, facilities will not be up to par in rural areas. I know they are lacking (this especially stings after a trip to Japan) in suburban areas let alone rural.

How and where do you live now? What are your ideals? What are the little things that make you happy? Novelty wears off quickly here and you want to make sure that when this happens you will be comfortable and equipped to handle reality.

Also, coming from California the winter here can be crippling. It's bleak and frigid. It is painful if you are not used ot it. And places and schools are not heated properly if at all. My public school is not heated and all of the windows are left open when it is below freezing.

There is a lot of xenophobia here too, which can be both annoying and amusing, but I notice the longer I am here the more annoying it becomes.

I know the saving potential is better here, and I don't regret coming here for more personal relationship reasons, but Japan really is so much better.
If you're not doing it for the money or the free rent alone, consider your options carefully. I think many people are here because it offers the most saving potential, but you can have security elsewhere and a much better quality of life.

[Ukon]

[maingman]

Ukon wrote :

Just apply to school's directly and send out apps to Universities.

[runthegauntlet]

If you're certified in the States, have you considered Hong Kong? Can make quite a bit in the NET scheme over there; last I saw between 2,500-5,000 USD a month with most of the other perks.

That's where I'd like to go once I get certified in the States.