Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Maxwell69]

Hey first post on the boards. I have read a little already about teaching in Korea, though I still have some questions that I hope someone can answer for me.

I have just graduated with a B.A. in Creative Writing. I am waiting for my diploma from my college, though I should have it by early Spring. Therefore I am looking to go to Korea in August, which I believe is the next hiring period.

My first choice is to live in Seoul, since I like to be in a larger city, I like culture and art and Seoul has all of that. A friend who taught in Korea for a couple of years preferred Pusan to Seoul, though it seems like it doesn't have as many art museums, amusement parks and night life like Seoul. Also I remember reading that people have complained about GEPIK (or is it EPIK for Pusan?). So unless someone has a good reason to stay away from Seoul (apart from cost of living, and that awful apartment complex they try to shove everyone into), how do I apply?

I can't find a website for SMOE, so do I have to go through a recruiter to work with SMOE?

When can I apply for a job in August?

Also I remember reading that if I have an ESL teaching certificate I can start off with a higher salary. I know that the CELTA has a good reputation, though the cost is very high for me. In order to get one by August, I will have to borrow money for the class. I have already been asking family and friends, but it's been hard to come up with the $2,500.

I am sure the training will be of immense use to me, since my degree wasn't in education per se, just English. Should I make the extra effort to come up with the money for the CELTA training?

Finally am I right in believing that the airplane ticket to Korea is no longer paid for in advance, but reimbursed after arrival? If this is so, this is yet more money I will have to borrow from family and friends. Is there anyway to get an advance from a recruiter for this, or do I have to somehow fund it myself?

Thanks in advance. ^_^

- Maxwell

[oldtactics]

It's not worth it to borrow money to get CELTA - your salary only goes up by $100 a month. Don't misunderstand me, CELTA and other certs are good to have, but if you're going to end up owing your family and putting your friends out, you're better off getting one online once you get here and start making your own money.

[Maxwell69]

Very helpful. Thanks. ^_^

[Toon Army]

don`t waste your money on a CELTA unless you perhaps see teaching as a potential career field.

You could just go for the way cheaper option of an online TEFL to bump up your EPIK/GEPIK/SMOE salary (which is horribly low for newbies at a mere 1.8m)

[Maxwell69]

[Provence]

[nicam]

I have heard both positive and negative things about SMOE and GEPIK. If you keep looking here I'm sure you will find enough negative posts on SMOE to tip the scales in the opposite direction. Public schools are a crap shoot no matter which program you choose, it really depends on your school. I think GEPIK and SMOE give seven calendar days more vacation than EPIK though, which is cool.

I think Seoul is way more sophisticated and lively than Busan. There's a lot more going on there, and it really is THE place to be in Korea if you like city life. There's a great music scene, plenty of art, culture, diversity, less of the typical Korean conservative attitude, and by far the best English I've seen in restaurants, shops, etc.

Busan is cool though, and the climate is much better (Korea is freezing and Seoul is the most freezing place in Korea). I wish I could live in Seoul during the spring and fall and Busan during the winter. Busan has art, and a great film festival, and is a much much better place in the summer, but it's no Seoul in terms of a world class city.

[nicam]

I have heard both positive and negative things about SMOE and GEPIK. If you keep looking here I'm sure you will find enough negative posts on SMOE to tip the scales in the opposite direction. Public schools are a crap shoot no matter which program you choose, it really depends on your school. I think GEPIK and SMOE give seven calendar days more vacation than EPIK though, which is cool.

I think Seoul is way more sophisticated and lively than Busan. There's a lot more going on there, and it really is THE place to be in Korea if you like city life. There's a great music scene, plenty of art, culture, diversity, less of the typical Korean conservative attitude, and by far the best English I've seen in restaurants, shops, etc.

Busan is cool though, and the climate is much better (Korea is freezing and Seoul is the most freezing place in Korea). I wish I could live in Seoul during the spring and fall and Busan during the winter. Busan has art, and a great film festival, and is a much much better place in the summer, but it's no Seoul in terms of a world class city.

[karri]

You can start applying for an august job with SMOE OR GEPIK in around May if you're gonna deal with a recruiter. I arranged to have all my paper work and application basically done before the positions actually opened.

The first thing to get done is the criminal record check which can take forever depending on what country you're from. Also have some sealed transcripts on hand (get extra's of each Korean immigration tends to "lose" things) Most documents have to be within 6 months so dont get them too early.

If Seoul is where u wanna be, go there. I like Busan better as well, but Seoul is still a cool town.

I may be wrong but CELTA focuses on teaching adults. If ur applying to public schools i would just grab a 200$ TEFL cert online. Then after a year you will have the money to go hang out in Thailand or Malaysia for a few months and get a full CELTA.

[Maxwell69]

Thanks for the replies.

If I could get the climate of Pusan and the nightlife/culture of Seoul, then I would be set. I have heard enough negatives of both GEPIK and SMOE that I realize it's going to be a crap-shoot with either.

I am still confused about whether I need a recruiter for SMOE or if I can apply direct. I can't seem to find a website for it.

Any recommendations for an online TOEFL cert class? I believe it also has to have an in class portion to qualify me for the bump in pay, does it not?

To take the CELTA later in Thailand would mean I would have to quit SMOE for a semester and then reapply, so would this mean I would lose all my pay raises and start at the bottom again?

Also if I get an MA later does it have to be in ESL instruction, or can I get one in English or and MFA in Creative Writing and still qualify to be a college professor in English?

Thanks.

- Maxwell

[Maxwell69]

^^

So I am still wondering about those questions, if anyone can answer them that would be great.

Especially a recommendation for a good online TEFL cert and whether I need to go through a recruiter to work for SMOE.

Thanks!

- Maxwell

[cruisemonkey]

[D.D.]

You can apply now as you don't have to waite for August. Schools are always hiring.

[berrieh]

Delete... Deleting (mostly) all posts... Mods please delete

[hang10]

Dont bother, it anit worth it. Head to Japan. The Won is taking a free dive. If you get here you will soon realize that youve been sold out on culture. If its money you want then its not here.

But try and stay positive.