Korean Job Discussion Forums

[proudman]

Can anyone please shed some light regarding the F4 Visa and it's pros and cons?

I've seen some postings that are looking only for folks with an F4 Visa. I don't understand this because I've been told numerous times by recruiters that it's VERY difficult to get a job with a private academy regardless if you're Korean or half Korean.

Now why would a school specify an F4 Visa? Do they have the expectation that you speak fluent Korean, and are able to communicate in Korean as well?

I'm a very attractive, athletic, well built half Korean male, but I've been told that doesn't matter since the schools are trying to sell the 100% caucasian image to the parents that are spending top dollar for their child's education.

I'm just trying to get an understanding of what my options are in the event that things do not go through with GEPIK.

My F4 Visa should be arriving in the mail any day now. I appreciate any and all insight and suggestions.

Thanks,

Mike

[ThingsComeAround]

F4 pros:
less paperwork
Korean blood

[jyoo24]

I also have a F-4 visa, but I didn't have much trouble finding a job at a fairly prestigious academy in Seoul. It's a plus to be able to speak and understand Korean, but it's not an absolute necessity. Now being on a F-4 visa and working at an academy usually means that you'll be paid fairly nicely, but you will be expected to work like a "native Korean." For example, Monday-Friday 2-10pm and Saturday 2-8:00pm.

Hope this helps.

[proudman]

that's good to hear. am i correct in assuming that you have some teaching experience whether it be in the U.S. or have taught in Korea prior to starting at that academy? Or do you speak good Korean, and that helped your cause?

So you work Monday thru Saturday? I don't think I'd be willing to work six days a week.

Thanks for your input. And look forward to more.

[jyoo24]

Actually, no I did not have any prior teaching experience. But I did tutor elementary school students once a week for two hours in high school through a YWCA program. Also, my Korean isn't very good... I can read it and understand most of it, but I truly stink at speaking it.

In my opinion, it's all about the interview. Just be yourself and if you make a good impression on the interviewer, you won't have any problems.

Yeah, working Monday-Saturday is tough, but I do get paid more than most "newbies" starting out in Korea. Keep in mind that not all academies require you to work six days a week.

[jyoo24]

By the way, the recruiter I used was Bonnie from OK Recruiting. She usually posts positions for gyopos.

http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/korea/index.cgi?read=40717

They start from #64.

[ayxcho]

I can give some info

F-4 Visa

Pros:

-Have more rights, almost similar to Korean citizen (able to legally private tutor, own real estate, and others that i dont remember)
-Not tied down to a specific job, you can quit and find another job without having to renew your visa (as opposed to an E-2 where you receive work sponsorship)
-Mine allows me to stay for 2 years without renewal, not sure about others'
-Some hakwons look only for F-4 Visa holders (less paperwork, may be looking for a bilingual speaker)
-You can work any part time job, without having to inform immigration

Cons:

-From my experience a lot of Hakwons in Seoul prefer E-2 Visa holders (western looking teachers) and not F-4 Visa holders (gyopos), but there are still good jobs out there for gyopos, just gotta look for them

Good luck on your job hunt, I would recommend studying Korean more, it definitely help you later on (as there are jobs that require bilingual speakers as well). Hope this helped.