Korean Job Discussion Forums

[wonkavite62]

I might be coming to south Korea again, because it seems possible to save more money than in Japan. But is that so?

I mentioned in another post that I wanted to work in public schools, more vacations, better treatment of staff, and so on. But the application was incredibly complex(EPIK wanted 10 or 15 different documents and letters from all past employers even ones on the other side of the world), and EPIK rejected me.

Now TOP English school says they can find me a job in a city, easily, and that I don't need that many forms and apostilles. Really?
What is TOP like to work with? Has anyone heard of them? Do they force people to work split shifts? Would I be like a sheep among wolves?
Baaaaaaaaahhh! I'm only a little lamb!

[chris_J2]

Some of the necessary paperwork is a mandatory requirement of Korean Immigration. Neither Epik, nor the hagwon. There are other employers in Korea, besides Epik. (which also rejected me, for reasons unspecified. Probably because I insisted my school follow the terms of the Epik contract, = insubordination. The contract clearly states 7 days summer vacation, & my coteacher attempted to only grant me 6 days. I put my foot down, & she lost face. Koreans can be incredibly vindictive).

Try Gepik, SMOE or BMOE instead. I've read elsewhere, that Epik rejected 75% of all applicants in the last intake (Dec 08/ Jan 09.) So don't take it personally. ESL Planet are a good recruiting agency to use.

You will need:

* 2 original signed references, from previous employers
* Resume
* Passport Cover page copy
* Passport with 6 months remaining validity
* Original Degree. Must be Apostilled on the back Or an apostilled degree copy, certified by a notary public
* Signed Contract
* 4-6 Passport sized photos
* Sealed Transcripts
* Criminal Background Check, apostilled on the back, & no older than 6 months
* Full Health Check (Done on arrival in Korea for Aids, Hepatitis, TB, & illicit drug useage, or excessive alchohol consumption) Approximate cost is 65,000 won.

(Keep several copies of all of the above docs for yourself.)

You'll make more money in Korea, than Japan, for sure. The reasons are:

* zero wages tax for US citizens, & only 2-3 % tax for all others, cf 11% tax in Japan, plus 7% prefecture taxes. Canadians have to pay tax on income earned in Korea, to the Canadian Government.

* your return airfare is reimbursed by Korean employers - Not applicable in Japan

* subsidised housing by your Korean employer - Not applicable in Japan

* 1 months additional pay upon completion of your 12 month contract. I doubt this is applicable in Japan.

* Cost of living in Korea, is roughly 1/2 that of Japan

[Ukon]

Japan isn't a picknick as far as immigration paperwork....and you got rejected by EPIK????

[chris_J2]

Jean Lim has quit Epik. I suspect that something is going on internally within Epik? Additionally, their Gangwon Office is insisting on an under 40 years age limit, for all applicants. This, in addition to their weird new recruiting policies, of ringing all former Korean schools for references, & totally ignoring the foreign teachers perspectives.

[Guerciotti]

[cruisemonkey]

[chris_J2]

[Draz]