Korean Job Discussion Forums

[aeb123$]

I have an interview scheduled with the Korean Consulate in Chicago next week. What kinds of questions will they be asking me? This is the final step in getting an E-2 visa. I really appreciate any information!
Thanks!

[conbon78]

I had my interview in Chicago. It was a joke. They basically ask nothing. From what I remember, they asked why I was going? and if I used a recruiter to find the position. I think they want to see if you A) really speak English and B) are a real person

Its no big deal...I wonder if anyone actually fails them.

[aeb123$]

conbon78 -

Thank you so much - now all I have to dread is the 5+ hour drive up there and back! Hope the weather is good!

[sketcha]

someone failing the consulate interview, actually, yes, I think I've read one before, here on Dave ESL

the interview questions may be a joke, but at least look professional

try to see things from their perspective, what type of person you would want to hire as a teacher in your country

[aeb123$]

sketcha -
good point, i agree with you. i was a little worried they might want a teaching demonstration or something more involved like that. but, yes, i will try to look and sound professional! thanks for the reminder!

[buckeye101]

hey Im going to Chicago in a week or so, too! i live in Ohio. What part of Korea are you moving to?

[aeb123$]

buckeye101 -

i'll be teaching in an area south of daegu and north of busan. my start date is feb.1, i don't know when my flight over will be or where i'll fly out of - i'm hoping indianapolis....you?

[buckeye101]

Oh, Ill be in Seoul. I have a plane ticket for Jan 2nd and teaching starting Jan 4th. talk about getting thrown in the fire!

[aeb123$]

buckeye - wow! how long a flight is it? can you tell from the ticket? i think i don't get my ticket until i get my visa back from chicago - i have to notify my employer in korea when i get it and then he'll buy the ticket.

[buckeye101]

hey the flight should be non-stop 12-13 hours. . . and around $1,500 eeekkk

[Lorilou]

I had my interview in Seattle, and they asked me 3 questions:

What makes you happy?
What makes you sad?
Do you promise to be a very good teacher while you are in Korea? (Not sure if this really counts as a question)

Overall, it was a piece of cake. The worst part was sitting in the waiting room for an hour listening to the guy behind the counter complain to me about what a pain all the American teachers going to Korea are.

[Khenan]

I did mine in Seattle originally, but we just had a short chat, basically, kind of like the guy was taking a break to interview me. In hind sight, I'm surprised the guy didn't break out some cigarettes.

[nena]

I did mine in Chicago as well. I live over 8 hours away and my contract starting date was only 3 weeks from the time I got my Visa number, so, when I called them to schedule an interview, they let me do it online. THrough MSN chat.

The questions they asked me, word for word:
1. Have you ever been to Korea?
2. Have you been reading and learning things about Korea?
3. What have you learned? (Just give an example of something historical or cultural, I talked about New Year traditions)
4. Do you have any teaching experience?
5. How long (in your experience) does it take for children to gain a working knowledge of English?
6. Why did you choose Korea to teach english?

The 5th question is probably only because I have experience tutoring ESL here in the states.

Anyway, I fly out to Incheon in less than a week. (My job is also in Incheon, I don't just mean the airport-- it's a short trip for me once my plane touches down!)

[sadida31]

-aeb123$

this is a bit off topic from the thread, but i am new and cannot PM yet...

Question on the CBC, I live in Corydon, a little north of Louisville Kentucky. when you got your CBC did you have to go to the Sheriff's Dept in Seymour?

(It takes about 5 hrs to get to Chi-town from where I am, are you also from the southern side?)

thanks in advance