Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sugarloaf82]

Hey. I have a few questions and would appreciate any beneficial input anyone could give me. I am currently living in a very small village (2,000 people, literally) in Gyeonggi-do working at a small public high school (GEPIK). My current contract finishes in the middle of November and I�m waging my options. My school has asked me to renew my contract but I�m torn because I do really like my school yet I am bored out of my mind here and would love to move into Seoul.
So, here are my questions:

1. What is the chance of getting a public SMOE or GEPIK job (preferably MS or HS) in Seoul proper or its surrounding satellite cities starting in the beginning of December?

2. Do public schools ever extend contracts for a month or two? Could I extend my contract until the middle of January and then head home and come back in the middle of February for the major intake? (I do NOT want to go home for three months)

3. I�ve also debated staying at my school but moving to a small city about 20 minutes away by train and commuting everyday and therefore being a little closer to Seoul in my off time, but that small city still doesn�t offer much in the form of entertainment or many other foreigners�. For any of you that commute, is it that much of a hassle?

Any recommendations? Advice? I�ve emailed a few recruiting agencies with similar questions yet none have got back to me�. Guessing because this is a busy time for them and December is still a ways away. I guess I just don�t want to turn down my current school�s offer and then be stuck with nothing come November. And Hagwons are out of the question.

[lifeinkorea]

1. Very low I think
2. Ask them
3. If I liked the area and I was developing the teaching skills I wanted, then I might stay. If you are going to go during the week back and forth, back and forth, it will not only cost you but also tire you out. Do you really want that? In the end number 3 is 100% your decision. None of us can know your situation.