Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Gruzinka]

Hello Hello,

So I need advice from the Korea veterans around here. I'm 26, female, TESOL certified, and have previous experience teaching abroad. For a couple of reasons I've decided I want to teach in Korea. My first preference is for a job at a decent school (public or private, it doesn't really matter), and one that starts sooner rather than later. I would love to be in Korea by mid October.

I've been in touch with two recruiting agencies so far. Footprints said I might be able to get a job in Korea by mid November and definitely in a haegwon. I've talked to another recruiter who said that there are still some public school positions in rural areas around Seoul and if I was quick about getting my documents together, I could be over there by October.

I know that generally public school positions are preferred but that EPIK isn't hiring again until February. Can anyone tell me if the second recruiter is BSing me? I know the job market is tighter than normal so why would there still be public school positions available? Are these jobs in such awful locations that no one in their right mind would work there? Or is there a small chance that this guy is actually really good at what he does and is telling me the truth? Any advice for the newbie is appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[cruisemonkey]

Two things you must know about K-land:
1. Recruiters lie;
2. Employers lie.

There are a multitude of EPIK jobs available. PM me and I'll put you in touch with a recruiter who lies less than most.

[Gruzinka]

I can't PM you. I haven't posted the minimum number of posts yet. Are there really a number of EPIK jobs still available? That seems run counter to what I've been hearing.

[oldtactics]

Yeah, EPIK always has spots open, especially in rural areas - People leaving, people finishing their contracts, people changing schools, plus there are still LOTS of schools that don't have a foreign teacher but have the funding for one. The program is still expanding.

If you're interested in Gangwon-do, Claire at ESLStarter specializes in EPIK in this province and I know first-hand that they have an intake and orientation in the late fall.

Keep looking!

[cruisemonkey]

Look here for Gyeongsangnam-do alone -
http://uni.nayana.com/~getscenter/location-1.htm

As far as I know, this province is unique in allowing the employee to pick his/her actual (main) school.

Never apply for an EPIK position through the national office (or a recruiter who has contracted through the national office) - they can send you virtually anywhere in the country.

[English Matt]

Or you could apply for a GEPIK position in Gyeonggi-do. Then at least you won't be stuck miles and miles away from Seoul. And yes, I agree don't go through the GEPIK office, go through a recruiter and deal with the school directly.

The nice thing about GEPIK is that you only have 1 school, so you don't have to truck around all week to different locations.

[cruisemonkey]

[D.D.]

Gyeongsangnamdo is always hiring for public schools.

[cruisemonkey]

[Gruzinka]

Why are Gyeongsangnam-do schools allowed to hire their teachers directly? Also is a public school position really that much better than working for a private one?

[oldtactics]

All schools are allowed to hire their teachers directly. Most choose to go through EPIK because the system and the contract are already in place.

[cruisemonkey]

[myugen]

cruisemonkey would u happen to know any good recruiters for hagwons/ps in seoul? i have been searching some job posting boards (korea joblink, korea herald) but its not working out so good and i need a job urgently. any help would be appreciated! btw i cant send pm's yet

[lifeinkorea]

I was searching for a school last week, and several recruiters "promised" me public school positions in November. I don't know how serious they were.

[litebear]