Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Enrico Palazzo]

This is the revised homeward bound thread. It contains Patrick's words with some revisions.

Since this is a thread for expats returning, feel free to make suggestions regarding the thread title or content of the initial post. The initial thread didn't get off on the right foot. Let's have another take at it.

The purpose of this thread is to cater to expatriates from various professional backgrounds returning with or without a spouse from Korea or another country including another Western country. It deals with issues such as immigration, finding work, going to graduate school, culture shock etc...



PatrickGHBusan



The thread is for teachers who worked in Korea for a while or who are still there and intend on going home.

This thread is for all professionals and teachers going home and would like to get advice, information or simply feedback from people who have worked in Korea and settled back in their home countries with or without a spouse from Korea or another country.


It is just a tool/resource for those who wish to use it. Some of us who have worked long-term in Korea and settled back home can share our experiences and provide help or pointers if needed about how to use your K-experience.

[PatrickGHBusan]

To start things off then:

I was in Korea from 1997 to 2008. In that time I worked Hakwons, Public Schools and Universities. I also started a consulting agency that I still manage. I married a Korean woman and went from an E-2 to a F2 and finally to a F5 visa.

We moved back to Canada in 2008 after some unforseen event and have decided to settle there for the time being. As such my Korean spouse applied and received permanent residency in Canada.

I am more than willing to share my insights and experiences with people who have questions about the transition from Korea to their home countries.

[Adventurer]

I've worked in Korea from April 2006 until July 2009. I've only worked at hagwons. I am in the US pursuing a master's degree. I haven't had much culture shock or anything. The stuff that I found was different after a long absense was there is more self-service check-in at airports, the women wear less clothing here, and being a graduate student is much harder work than being a hagwon instructor. I am also teaching part-time. I enjoy the green grass of home and the mountains.

[afsjesse]

To keep the thread moving....

I worked in Korea from October 2007 until July 2009. My first year was in a hagwon in Busan and my last year was with EPIK in Uljin County where I worked at 4 Public Schools.

I returned home near the end of July to pursue my MA TESL with high hopes of returning to Asia, probably Korea at first, in the future. My Korean experience was rocky but overall very positive. I enjoyed the kindness of the Korean people and now that I'm busy with studies and teaching Spanish as a TA, I really miss the day to day living in the country and city.

Adjusting back in the US has been pretty easy. I haven't had much culture shock other than getting accustomed to things here again.

If anyone has any questions or is around MSU-Mankato, send me a shout!

[Old Gil]

Has anyone had experience 'sexing up' an ESL resume, and maybe could shed some light on what works?

Specifically I'm looking to find a job working for an international business that would initially hire me state-side and send me off to Asia (preferably China). I've learned Korean (not much but a good base to build upon) and Mandarin (low intermediate on a good day). Besides the languages, are there any other angles that could be played?

[PatrickGHBusan]

Gil,

You can Jazz up your resume all you want but there HAS to be substance there to back it up. No company will hire you and send you to China without the qualifications to back up that resume.

You state language skills: are they backed up by certificates (courses or programs)?

You state ESL Experience: in what setting? How does it make you a good choice to work for a western corporation in China?

What position are you applying for in this or these north american companies?

What skills, experience and credentials to you have for such a position?


A resume needs to be TAILORED to the position you are targetting. Jazzing it up is fine but embelishing things can quickly backfire.

[ABC KID]

[PatrickGHBusan]

ABC...the term realistic depends on what a person brings to the table vice what their goal is.

Cryptic enough?

More clearly you can achieve such a goal but you need to have the credentials, relevant experience, education and references.

You also need to be able to sell yourself well.

[Old Gil]

^
Hella cryptic. But good advice.

[Illysook]

I've heard a lot about "reverse culture shock" and I was wondering if it included a "honeymoon" phase and how long it is supposed to last...until my savings run out? Until I find a job and feel secure again? 3 months?
Six months? Any clues out there?

For now, I'm having a great time!

[PatrickGHBusan]

I would say the reverse culture shock varies from person to person and depends on how their life was overseas....

It can include a honeymoon period and then