Korean Job Discussion Forums

[darrenjzy]

First of all, I would like to thank you all as I have read many of the post on here.

Hello,

I'm a 28 year old male who has recently graduated college. I am from the US and have tutored ESL in Czech Republic and Hungary as a means for extra cash and meeting people while traveling. I have no certification outside of a 3 credit hour ESL course I took my final semester.

Ideally this is what I'm looking for:

1. Southern(A bit warmer) and coastal city
2. 300k+ inhabitants
3. I would like to be able to date and have a social life
4. Good Mass transit
5. limited pollution(able to breathe)

I've done a bit of reading and am thinking of Busan.

I'm asking all this in the confines of South Korea. Thank you in advance.

[jiberish]

Just go to busan

[Old Gil]

Shanghai? kkkk

[Hightop]

OP I think you really limit yourself by saying only in Korea. I think in Korea you have one option, Busan. Of course if you would accept other East Asian nations you would thank yourself down the track. HK, Kaosheung, Okinawa, anywhere in Kyushu, Xiamen, Shenzhen.....the list is endless. But that is just my opinion, maybe you will end up in Pohang and love it.

[redaxe]

[darrenjzy]

Unfortunately, it is about the money I don't have the start up funds to go elsewhere this time around.

Thanks for the advice.

[VanIslander]

Busan was made for you

[SanchoPanza]

Remember "Cohiba's Rule" (Now better than ever!):

Think twice before you live outside of Seoul. "In Seoul" and
"outside of Seoul" are like two different countries. Seoul
is an interesting place with variety and venues for most
tastes. Outside of Seoul you will find a homogeneous Korean
culture. I don't mean this in a bad way, but you will never
find things like: French, Greek, Indian or any other ethnic
foods. Markets that sell sherry, pate, pastrami, ricotta cheese.
Specialty shops that sell Cuban cigars, European pies, cold
cuts or rye breads. Just to name a few things. Also clubs such
as photography, drama, public speaking, sailing are 99% in
the capital city. If you want to experiment with a very Korean
culture, which unfortunately means "closed", then choose the
countryside. If you want to make money and have the lifestyle
choices similar to a western country, then there is no other
choice than Seoul.

The FFF RULE: FFF=Fun For Foreigners.

If FFF in Seoul = 100, then FFF decreases at
1/distance. So 2km from Seoul FFF=1/2(100)=50;
10km from Seoul FFF=1/10(100)=10. This rule is
a rule for nightlife, food and foreign products only.
Nature etc. is on a different scale altogether.

This means you will be wasting a lot of time commuting
to Seoul. This is especially a drag if you have been
boozing on a Friday night and there are no buses or
trains.

I, unfortunately, live near Seoul where the FFF factor
is almost in the negative range. I know!

[darrenjzy]

Well Busan has a pop of about 3.6mil(wiki). I would hope it rates somewhere in the FF...?

[redaxe]

[mcviking]

Busan has a good expat community, the beaches are fun in the summer time, pleanty to do and places to drink. Access to the KTX if you want some Seoul action. Just don't get screwed by your employer.

[Old Gil]

OP do you have experience teaching ESL? Are you not decrepitly old? Private language schools in Beijing and Southern China start at 12000 RMB (2 mil) per month including housing, and that's just for beginners. These are the big adult chain 'hagwons': Wall Street English, EF English First, WEB English international just to name a few.

If you prefer kids,I have a friend teaching at an int'l school in SH making 2.5 or thereabouts, he has 2 years and a TEFL cert. Not killer money but something to consider, especially when you take cost of living into account and the fact that you'll be learning a useful language (if you so desire).

Think it about it!

Busan is not a bad place by any means but there's really no reason to limit yourself to the Hermit Kingdom of Miraculous Calm.

[darrenjzy]

The info you asked for is in my initial post.

I just assumed that Korea was the only place that would hire me with a paid flight and start-up money or an apartment.

My goal would be to teach in Korea for a year to save a bit of coin and then take a CELTA course somewhere in Europe or Latin American. Then again, a lot can change in a year:)

The schools you mentioned all require a teaching certification. EF didn't mention one and I applied.

Thanks, I'll do some more research on China.

[Oliver]

Look into Yeosu

[mcviking]

Hey Old gil I was looking to try to go to China after this contract. Where do you think I should look since you seem t know about the Chinese market more than I do. What are the requirements and how much of a pain in the ass is it to get a visa?