Korean Job Discussion Forums

[proudman]

Hello Y'all,

I've been on this quest to teach English in Seoul for nearly six months now, and have run into a number of road blocks.

Now that I have all the necessary documentation, the problem that I seem to be running into the most is the fact that I am not 100% Caucasian.

I don't mean to come off as egotistical, but I am told by women and men all the time about how good looking I am. But I seem to be experiencing tremendous difficulty in obtaining a teaching job in Korea.

I'm a very personable, fun, and entertaining individual, but that doesn't seem to matter. I was told by different recruiters when I first started doing research that I would probably face these issues...especially with private academies.

If anyone can offer up any suggestions or guidance, I would greatly appreciate it. I'm ready to go...just need to be shown the right opportunity.

Thanks,

Mike

[andrewchon]

Tell us more about yourself:
Do you speak/read Korean?
Do you have a Korean surname?
Do you look Asian?
Is your alma mater well known?
Do you have preference for PS/hagwon?
Do you have to go to Seoul? Maybe Busan?
Do you intend for short time or maybe 3-4 years?
Do you have TESOL/Celta?
Have you been to Korea before?

[proudman]

I speak very little Korean. I can understand some, and talk some of the basics. I basically understand when I'm in trouble or when I'm being talked about. My surname is not Korean. I do look kind of Korean. I guess my eyes look the most Korean. All of my other features are Eurpoean. I'll look to see if I can post a pic, and hopefully can get some feedback. My alma mater is pretty well known. It was a Division school in the United States. I would prefer Seoul, but I guess am open to other areas. I've only been looking in Seoul. I am open to public and private schools. I guess my plan would be short term...at least to start off with. I would do the one year, and see how it works out. I am getting ready to take the test for a 100 hour online TEFL certification. And I have never been to Korea.

Sorry for answering in that manner, but I wanted to make sure I answered all of your questions.

Mike

[andrewchon]

Seoul and PS, for the rest of the year, openings go to the SMOE-waiting list. So, for short term solution, they are out. As for other areas and later times, I don't see any problem for you getting a job. Recruiters will try to steer gyopo into rural jobs. Don't buy into that. Simple answer is, you missed out because you went for Seoul jobs and so did everybody else.

I'll assume you'll have an F-4 visa (and sorted out draft problem into ROK Army).

You can wait for October round of job offers and chance getting what you want then.
You can be not-so-choosy and take what ever offer that comes now.

I think CDI hagwon prefers to hire F-4 but you'll have to do some research on them bunch before accepting an offer.

Question you have to answer for yourself is: what is your motivation? Teaching or a job?

[proudman]

I don't have any visa yet. But isn't an F4 visa for a Korean born citizen? I was born here in the States, and again am only half Korean.

Did you say that I cannot be choosy now, but can be for the October round of jobs? Wouldn't Hagwon's be hiring now for October jobs?

My motivation is a little bit of both. Obviously I need to get a job, but being in an ideal location is top priority. Also, being in a comfortable and fun environment is almost equally important.

If you were in my shoes, didn't have anything holding you back, and wanted to get to Korea sooner than later: WHAT EXACTLY WOULD YOU DO???

I'm so ready! And I cannot go through another Cleveland, OH winter. I know that the weather is somewhat comparable in Korea, but at least it will be a completely new environment. I've been living in SW Florida for the last five years, so it'll be a nice change to be in a new environment and experiencing a winter there.

[Carla]

[Ruthdes]

You can get an F4 visa if you have at least one Korean born parent. My half Korean friend had an F4 and worked as a freelancer eventually. She started off at a hagwon though.

I've never heard of ANY F4 visa holder having to do military service (maybe it happens, but I've never heard of it)

[proudman]

So if either parent is Korean, an individual could obtain an F4 visa? If so, would I be better served to get an F4 as opposed to an E2? Isn't an E2 the visa that gets obtained by the majority of US citizens that teach in Korea?

[Carla]

[proudman]

I think my mother left Korea around 1973. My dad was a US citizen. But regardless, if I am eligible, you suggest I go for the F4 opposed to the E2?

[Carla]

[andrewchon]

For lack of better word, I have to say Korean ESL teachers market is a slave trade.
F-4s are MUCH LESS exploitable, hence less desirable for employers.

Hagwons hire all year round, but they too have to go with seasonal availability of candidates. Hence the October round of offers for the fall graduates in USA.

If your mother was Korean and you're born in US I'd say you're unlikely to be in your family registry. However, if you ARE and assuming you meet the criteria for draft, then you will be drafted.

So, you are motivated by life-style, then wait for the jobs in Seoul, and Busan (close to Japan, you'll like Japan). Don't just take any job that'll put you in ... well where I am.

[Carla]

[andrewchon]

Carla:
After a brief search, I've found conflicting information. OP will just have to do what is right for himself. I don't have time now. I'm due for my daily silent treatment.

[Carla]