Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Loza]

What are my chances of getting a GWANGJU Metropolitan City, Jeolla-Do Public Elementary job? I missed EPIK deadline sadly. (My Korean partner is based in Gwangju). My job search keeps leading to dead ends! (I get excited about jobs recruiter's offers and the contracts end up being awful!)

Is it likely I can find something in August/Sept? Am I wrong to think new foreign teachers to Gwangju may do runners, or maybe new jobs could turn up as POE's may wrongly estimate positions avaialble. I've used lots of recruiters and there just don't seem to be be many jobs in that area!

I appreciate any advice!
FYI- I worked for over 2 years with GEPIK 2006-08.

[jenesis]

Have you gone through the recruiter Canadian Connection? They do a lot of the hiring for the Jeollanamdo Language Program (JLP) and there are elementary jobs all around Gwangju. I don't know if you're able/willing to work outside of Gwangju in a rural district but it's an option. There are a lot of elementary schools outside of the city limits and I think the contracts are a bit more generous than in Gwangju itself. You don't need to go through EPIK. Worth a look. A large group of teachers in the JLP program come in late August for orientation and start in September.

[Smee]

Last year both Gwangju and Jeollanam-do had trouble filling all their positions, so I'm sure you can get one. Run a google search and see what's available (it'll turn up a bunch of recruiters). Just keep in mind all the stuff you have to get together this month, including requesting academic transcripts, getting a criminal background check, and perhaps even an embassy interview.

I've heard Canadian Connections has been bad with getting back to people on time lately, so while it's nice to deal with native English speakers, don't get stuck on them, and send your resume out to as many as you can.

[Loza]

Thanks for the replies and advice, OK I'll contact the suggested recruiter along with lots of others. I'd never heard of Canadian connections- great!

Smee, great that gives me hope! I kind of assumed that area might not be so popular as it's so far from Seoul. BTW- your blog is really informative and funny!

[keobuk2]

Word from Canadian Connections is that most teachers have renewed so there are only one or two schools left. Places like islands and deepest Gurye. Nothing wrong with Gurye..just a little closer to Suncheon than Gwangju. If you are open to middle school more options will appear as well.
Of course, a lot of schools will wait till the last minute..so apply for everything and cross your fingers.

[thoreau]

<<<deleted>>>

[andrewchon]

grab the teacher teaching. they are motivated and also paid to be there.