Korean Job Discussion Forums

town1210 · Joined: 18 Nov 2009

I may be assigned to this school so I wanted to know if anyone taught there before and wanted to know their thoughts or opinions. Thanks.

Rory_Calhoun27 · Joined: 14 Feb 2009

it's a city of almost 200000, so ask the recruiter if they can put you in touch with one if there is one. It could be you're the first foreign teacher at the school- same thing happened to me in a 'burb of Seoul, with not the greatest results.

town1210 · Joined: 18 Nov 2009

Thanks Rory for the brief description! Now the only problem is that my recruiter told me that I was place there but I'm still waiting for a contract and a NOA. What's the delay? Can anyone help me figure this out?

lifeinkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Location: somewhere in China

What is NOA?

Have you tried getting contact info of the (Korean) English teacher at the school?

Rory_Calhoun27 · Joined: 14 Feb 2009

notice of appointment I believe.... The letter from the ed. dept re: your position along with your contract.....

Anyway, keep digging at the recruiter or whoever to provide those things re: getting in contact with someone.

the apprehension you can feel before going out there can eat at you, but it's also a chance to get yourself ready. the key is always to make sure your relationship with a coteacher is top. I do regret how mine came unravelled, but after talking to a prof in my state, there are some who just are so dug in, it's a dauntless proposition.

but hope springs eternal. I learned my lessons and ready to make a new go of it.

lifeinkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Location: somewhere in China

Personally, I would prefer to get the contract first before being "appointed".

passport220 · Joined: 14 Jun 2006 Location: Gyeongsangbuk-do province

I did a one year contract with the Andong Jr. High School (split time between the boy's and girl's school). I had a very good experience. I did a one day presentation at one of the elementry scools. I can anwser some questions about the town. What do you want to know?

town1210 · Joined: 18 Nov 2009

Passport: I don't have enough posts to PM you about the town. How big is the town? Am I able to get Western items there or do I need to take a train to the bigger metro. cities?

lifeinkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Location: somewhere in China

Andong has an E-Mart, but you will need to take a bus. I didn't learn the bus system until I moved to Seoul, so I never did this. Other than that, you have a small shopping area near the express bus station and that's it.

It's doable, but slim pickins. You could probably go to Daegu and get a better selection of clothes. This is what I would do if I moved back to the Andong area.

passport220 · Joined: 14 Jun 2006 Location: Gyeongsangbuk-do province

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

Andong is my favorite small city in Korea.

It's just a sleepy backwards small town with the traditional village and a yearly mask festival. They have a great man-made resevoir with water sports and it's one of the few Korean lakes stocked with bass.

You'll probably want to buy a cheap used car for conveniences. You'll be able to save money here as small towns are usually inexpensive.

You'll probably be taking the train or bus a lot to Daegu for entertainment. You're about 90 min. from the sea - Ulsan, Pohang.

Weather is quite hot in the summer down south around Daegu.

lizlemon · Joined: 05 Jan 2010

wylies99 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: I'm one cool cat!