Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Car0lina]

Do all criminal Background checks need to be Apostilled? Is that the only document that requires it? Will I need it for my Transcript as well? Is it better to do that before I leave the US? Service here charges $200 USD... surely there is a cheaper way?

I've gotten conflicting responses (imagine that) to my questions about bring a small pet. Is it a problem to have a small dog in your apartment? I know about dog on the menus in some areas.. Should I be worried about this??

What are differences should I know about regarding public vs. private schools?

Thanks so much!

[andrewchon]

$200 sounds a little steep but do it if the employer wants it done. I had my copy of degree apostilled as well. Transcripts are to be in sealed envelope (2 copies) with school stamp over the seal.

I don't know specifics about bringing pets. Many people in Korea keep pets in apartments. Yes, Koreans eat dog meat. Not small dogs. There are special dog farms for that. Pet dog require chip implantation in Korea. Don't have to worry about your pet getting butchered.

Public school vs private: where do I begin? PS is more conservative, likes to go by the book, student standard is lower, hours are short and hence pay is pretty much set. Privates are unstable, student standard is higher, hours can be long but the pay goes up accordingly (if you get paid that is). There plenty to read about them on Dave's.

[afsjesse]

PS used to be the best place to be. Lately they have really gone down the water drain in a lot of places. However I still say that it's the safer bet because you still get paid on time and only have to teach 22 hours per week.

However, and it's a big however. You should be prepared to fight tooth and nail for your vacation and when you can take it. Be prepared to do a lot of desk warming and English camps with or without pay, depending on the time/hours worked. Don't expect to be treate equally like the Korean teachers, because in the end most of us are talking tape recorders.

If you can handle those stipulations, you will have little trouble here in K Land.

I did the Hagwon gig, I will never go back.... this coming after being in a PS where I sat for 5 weeks/8 hours a day with nothing to do during winter break. Hardly any overtime, and not being treated the best at my main school...

Suerte,

Jesse

[Car0lina]

Really appreciate it!