Korean Job Discussion Forums

[proudman]

Hi Everyone,

I am hoping to get into a public school and live in the Gangnam area of Seoul. I understand that it is typically difficult to be specific in where you want to live and/or be placed in Seoul. My situation is one that is flexible, and can wait for the right situation to arise.

My question is, what should I do? What is the best way to accomplish this goal? Am I better off searching for jobs on my own through forums like this, or should I put my fate in the hands of a recruiting firm?

Like I said, I am very flexible with my timeframe, so I can be patient. However, this will be my first stint teaching overseas.

Any advice and suggestions will be much appreciated! I've been told to avoid the private academys due to the current economic conditions and because they are looked at as a business more so than a school, issues getting paid, etc.

I thank you all in advance.

Mike

[lifeinkorea]

Well, if you go to SMOE, it seems like they will assign you a school like the military assigning soldiers where to go. You don't have any choices.

If you go through a recruiter, they are working with the schools, so you can get around that way and when a recruiter has that job you want you can take it.

However, if many others want it too, it will be very difficult. You will also get replies like I have, "I am glad you gave us such detailed requests to work at a middle school in or around Seoul so we can help you find the school for you. Would you be interested in working at a hagwon in Busan (for less pay)? Please let us know your phone number and what times are most convenient to bait and switch you."

You might get lucky in a couple months though, who knows

[xCustomx]

SMOE does not recruit teachers for Gangnam. Look through the ads on Daves and you'll find that the Gangnam education office recruits their own teachers. Pay is higher than SMOE, but so are your working hours (I think 2-3 hours more per week). From what I've read, they expect that you've had at least a couple of years of teaching experience because the parents in that area have high expectations and want the best education for their kids.

[Otherside]

You should really look at the job board. This was posted on Monday
http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/korea/index.cgi?read=36875