Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cadburys]

I applied to work in korea 2 days ago, received an email today:

I regret to inform you that we�ve already filled all of our available positions this year that accept first time teachers. We do have a number of positions remaining; however, these schools are only interested in education majors and certified teachers.

The thing is I have a highly recognised TEFL cert (ACELS) from Ireland, and have experience working in a Summer School. I am also a qualified Primary School teacher... I really thought I'd have a good chance of getting a job... considering they don't look for TEFL qualifications in Korea... or so I've heard....

I was hoping to work in Busan.. is it a really popular spot for TEFL teachers?

Can anyone help me here............. I really don't want to wait until February............

Thanks

[toadhjo]

Solution: Use a different recruiter.

[pie eater]

I've just had an email from a very well known recruiter stating the same and to apply in March - they were very knd and prompt. Another recruiter has told me that all the jobs in the southern part of Korea have gone to B.eds - they have also been pretty good. It looks like the recession is biting all us non americans on the arse. No matter, the recession or the keeness of the yanks to come here won't last - the 54% rate of teachers quitting and going home will still be maintained!

When the recessionis over - Korea and teaching English will still be here!

[okayden223]

Definitely try other recruiters. I've recommended a few in other posts so have a look if you like. Also, yes maybe the American thing is working against you at the moment, but you also have to consider that any time of year Seoul and Busan are going to get the most requests. If you're a first timer then I'd say consider all reasonable offers. There are plenty of other good sized cities to choose from in the surrounding provinces. If you're a little more open you should have no problem.

[cadburys]

that's some consolation pie, the only thing is i wanted to get going asap. ru irish? i have a h dip in primary education, pretty much the same as a b.ed, maybe they don't recognize that?

i think i will try some other recommended recruiters, if i could be there by September i'd be happy out.

thanks guys

[Karea]

Sign up with more recruiters. I've only been job searching for just a few weeks and already I've noticed a big difference between them.

For example, I got an interview within 2 days with one of them, another totally ignores any questions and real-life interaction and just posts a standard reply "where are documents, let me know when documents come, I get you nice job, cheaper than Asda price".

[cadburys]

ok i'm looking up other recruiters at the moment so fingers crossed..........!
I'm still hoping for Busan at moment but if nothing comes up I'll consider other areas!

Thanks for advice

[oskinny1]

If an H dip is the same as a B of Ed then explain that to recruiters. They are not always the smartest bunch.

[Escomike]

Pie eater,

The stat of 54% teachers leaving...I did not realize it was that high.
I am curious to know where that came from?
I have heard from my co-teacher that many leave after a couple months.

Thanks,
Mike

[pie eater]

[bassexpander]

Just a note... the recruiters regularly use the words, "Full" year after year in an attempt to get you to take a crappy hagwon job now. It just means the date for recruiting new teachers for the next semester has passed. Wait around a month or three, and jobs will magically open up again. Your timing is just off.

We know this because within weeks after recruiters start telling everyone the public school jobs are full, we see articles in local newspapers talking about how the gov't fell short of their recruiting goal again. Happens year after year. Don't believe the recruiter hype. They're selling you a car. Seriously.

Cheers.

[Elvis Gratton]

China's hiring.

[Karea]

[bassexpander]

I'm not up to speed on current dates.

By the way, a few years ago, recruiters were only allowed a certain number of positions they could recruit for, and after they ran out, they told everyone that there was no longer any positions open.

Again, the name of the game is just to wait if they start telling you everything is full. Ask around at other recruiters and keep hunting. Never send a recruiter your documents unless they promise you a job.

[Tycho Brahe]

I'm having a similar problem.

I'm being pretty open minded about the whole business - I just don't want to be anywhere too rural is all. And I've tried a few different recruiters.

I haven't really been told that anywhere's full ... but all the offers right now seem a bit dodgy; people talking dress codes and safety deposits ...

There does seem to be alot opening up for 2010 but I can't really afford to stay in ireland past october and still have this move as a viable option.