Korean Job Discussion Forums

[rooster_2006]

I'd rather not go through EPIK or GEPIK, if possible. Is it possible to find a public school position without going through EPIK or GEPIK?

I speak good Korean (graduated from Yonsei University KLI), I finished my degree (including a very significant language component), I have CELTA, and have lived here for five years as of next month. I have about 1.5 years of under-the-table experience teaching, as well.

I'd really rather not deal with EPIK's and GEPIK's selection procedures, orientations, deadlines, etc. I'd also like to work in Gyeonggi Province, or, if possible, Seoul, and I get the idea that EPIK/GEPIK/TaLK would probably place me in Jeolla or some other hard-to-fill region. Not that I mind one bit being in a rural location (I'd actually prefer that), except that most of my friends are in Seoul. My girlfriend is in Seoul, as well.

Rather than deal with all the difficulties of EPIK/GEPIK/TaLK, I'd rather just call up some public schools, show up dressed professionally and work my charm. Is it possible to do this, or is there a rule that I _MUST_ go through GEPIK/EPIK/TaLK?

[QbertP]

There are schools that will take your resume and there are others that won't. While it takes a lot of work I know some people that have negotiated incredible contracts by doing exactly what you are suggesting.

[jkelly80]

I never understood how this works, at least with Seoul, b/c with SMOE the local school gets the money directly from SMOE office to pay the NSET, not out of the school's budget. Where does the money come from the pay the NSET direct hires?

[losing_touch]

I am just curious as to why you would want to take this route? You mentioned that you have a degree, but you didn't state what kind of degree.

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?p=2048538&highlight=#2048538

[Fishead soup]

Don't expect the NET to be very friendly. When he/she see you trying to take their job.

[moosehead]

if you speak K why even post here? why not do a little research and find out ? chances are you'd find out more than anyone here knows pretty fast.

btw, how about posting it when you do?

[M-Tea]

It's pretty simple. You don't even need to speak Korean. Bypassing recruiters for public schools is as easy as finding the board of education office that deals with the area that you want to work in and going there.

Often you can just call them and see if they have any job openings.

It's usually more effective to pay them a visit though. Generally they will throw a contract at you and beg you to work.

Lots of recruiters say the (blablabla) board of education is looking for..

Just type the name into google with board of education and phone number. If I were a nicer person I'd give you an example but I'm not.

[rooster_2006]

Thanks guys! I didn't realize it was that easy. I guess I'll just start handing out resumes on Monday and try to hit a couple dozen schools. Somebody will give me a job. I make a good impression.

Is the pay negotiable if I cut out the recruiter, or is it fixed?

[OculisOrbis]

depends how badly the POE needs teachers to fill their quota, but most will just say more than standard contract scale is impossible.

it seems the laws of supply and demand don't apply for FT's because they would rather have nothing than risk having the salary rates rise no matter how desperate they are - resulting in teacher shortages and some less-than-desirable hires who accept the rates, which they in turn use to denigrate the rest of us.

[crossmr]

you didn't mention your current visa status or if you have another degree from one of the big 7. Unless you are on an F2/F4/F5 or have a degree from one of the big 7 you'll be SoL for getting an E2.

[cruisemonkey]

[rooster_2006]

[rooster_2006]

[crossmr]

[rooster_2006]