Korean Job Discussion Forums

princess · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: soul of Asia

Has anyone with teaching experience recently came to Korea with no job, papers in hand, to find a job? I did this in 2006, and will probably do so again soon. It's funny, too, because my Dad was getting all aggravated today, saying "that was 3 years ago...what if you go back like that this time, and run out of money and don't find anything...and you will be on the streets, etc. I said, well, I could run off to NYC and end up on the streets sooner. Plus, I hate the USA with a passion, especially now. Don't even ask me why I was stupid enough to leave Korea in March without a new job lined up...it's a long, sad story.

And please...no I told you so comments or smarty-panst remarks. Thank you.

kentucker4 · Joined: 03 Sep 2007 Location: Georgia

margaret · Joined: 14 Oct 2003

I posted the same question a few weeks ago with no replies. It's strange. A few years ago, everyone was advising to come to Korea to look, and now noone does. Maybe cause people are starting off broker and less willing to take a risk?
I'm thinking of doing the same thing.

Chambertin · Joined: 07 Jun 2009 Location: Gunsan

I got no definitive answers, I have on experience with Korea in the past years.

However I see lots of posts about how the jump to Japan, or China, or wherever isn�t what it use to be. Lots of bashing the new E-2 regulations and so forth.

With my experience in traveling if you want to do it proper, get the job before you leave for the country unless you feel like paying for a plane ticket to get back to your home country for final Visa stamps.
(thats what the US generally forces people to do, and many countries are returning the favor)

buddie3232 · Joined: 13 Jan 2008

I would get my visa before leaving. Here are my reasons:

1. You can get a hagwon to pay for the flight. But not the public schools in most cases. When I came my 1st year I picked a school based on this, references from previous teachers, pictures of the apartment, and searching on the internet for information about the school. Some people say that the schools do not like to do this anymore. Just tell them upfront.

2. Some schools will not get your visa but will tell you they are working on it. If they don't then you could get a black mark on your visa. Immigration might have you wait to get a new E-2 visa. Then every time you need a new visa you will need to go back to your home country.

3. If you don't like the school you can give them 30 days notice or whatever your contract states. Then do a visa run and comeback on a new visa.

4. When you come have 2 criminal background checks with Apostille, 6 offical transcripts, your original degree. Then if you need to change schools you have all your documents. Do not assume that your school will give you a LOR. You would need to leave your school before 6 months because the criminal background check is only good for 6 months from the issue date.

This should leave you with more money in your pocket and make your family feel a little bit better about you going to South Korea. That is if the school pays you. Most do but you never know.

cruisemonkey · Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 4:31 pm Post subject:

You've been to K-land before and (should) know how things work. Why are you listening to your father's utterance... did you 'run' the first time and go back to 'Mommy & Daddy' as an adult with no money?

Public or private... it's always better to be here (in K-land) to be able to mitigate the 'K-shaft' factor... just negotiate airfare and a visa run. If the employer wants you, they'll pay for both.

Trevor · Joined: 16 Nov 2005

My first job was a five week contract for a camp. It was the smartest thing I ever did. (Okay, so I'm not too smart). From there, I interviewed in person and found a great job. The summer camps are hiring now. Time for a resume blast.

Aussiekimchi · Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Location: SYDNEY

You can only come over here without a visa if you have had an E2 visa in the past.
If this is your first time visa, you MUST MUST MUST get your visa in your home country.
Even if you are a returnee with a previous E2, you will have to do a Japan visa run.
Many schools will not pay for your roundtrip flight PLUS the Japan visa run.
Some will, but many won't.
This is the reason why people do not come over here visaless at the start.

Big Pun Lives · Joined: 12 Oct 2008 Location: Seoul, South Korea

princess · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: soul of Asia

cruisemonkey · Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 7:50 am Post subject:

cruisemonkey · Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 7:57 am Post subject:

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

VanIslander · Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 4:19 pm Post subject:

cruisemonkey · Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 4:32 pm Post subject: