Korean Job Discussion Forums

nationals10 · Joined: 27 May 2009

I've been hired by SMOE through BOP Korea to start working in Sept 2009. After I sent my 2nd round documents, it took my recruiter Soojung 3 weeks to tell me that I'm missing addenda, and another week to tell me that I need another document that states that I've compelted 100 hours of TESL.

I've sent the addenda asap, but for the 100 hour document, the school said it's so far back that it will take at least 2 weeks to find my records.

SMOE will only issue NOA once they have both documents and I don't even have NOA. I'm scheduled to leave on August 21st, but if things continue at this pace, chances are I won't make it for the Sept 2009, let alone the orientation.

In this case, do agencies transfer my case to March 2010, do they reimburse all my money for documents - over $200 - , what will happen to me if I got hired but don't make it on time? It may even take me another month to get E2 Visa.

Any words of wisdom?

t1m1ty · Joined: 24 May 2009 Location: Bundang

All I can say to you is good luck. I was drop-kicked by SMOE at the last minute (after sending my contract and addenda) and now have to find other jobs at the last minute.

iggyb · Joined: 29 Oct 2003

I think it is safe to say you can forget about getting any money back.

I'm in a somewhat similar boat with SMOE now asking for proof of teaching experience in the specific form letter from each school - but the last one I worked for was in 1999. There is little to no chance I can meet their demands. Maybe they will drop my pay scale. Maybe they will drop me.

If they severely overbooked, as seems to be the case, the 2nd is probably closer to the truth. So - fall back - regroup - move forward starting again...

If you don't trust the recruiter you had, but you still want to teach in Korea even if it is not in a public school, then look for one or two new recruiters, look at the job ads, post a resume....and so on...

In the Korean ESL industry, you have to be able to handle being like a pinball at times. Just try to keep your feet under you and moving forward...

amoonbot · Joined: 29 Jul 2009

Don't want to get your hopes up but Footprints Recruiting just posted a job ad saying that SMOE is still looking to hire 20-30 applicants with certification or teaching experience. I'm sure if you get the documents in asap, your chances shouldn't be too bad. You should ask your recruiter how many spots are available. My recruiter would update me regularly on the number of vacancies until they finally issued me a NOA.