Korean Job Discussion Forums

hawaii4me272 · Joined: 09 Sep 2009

I was planning to get a job in Korea in August 2010. I am going thru a recruiter in the USA as we speak. I wanted a job with SMOE because I would really like to be in Seoul. I got an email from my recruiter the other day stating that beginning in August 2010 that SMOE will hire teachers through the EPIK program. She also stated I must fill out an EPIK application before being considered for a SMOE position.

Has anyone else heard this?

FYI: I was in Korea for 4 years--3 with the US Army and 1 teaching.

OculisOrbis · Joined: 17 Jul 2006

EPIK and SMOE are two different animals. SMOE is seoul only and EPIK is mostly rural in basically the rest of korea. If you apply with EPIK, you will not be in seoul. GEPIK is another and is the area directly surrounding seoul.

Aussiekimchi · Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Location: SYDNEY

EPIK will be hiring Seoul public school teachers in August, 2010.
Not sure of the percentage of total placements. But it will happen. Done deal.
SMOE could be on the way out.

miu miu · Joined: 12 Feb 2010

I believe EPIK is the governing body over SMOE, GEPIK and TALK. I'm with SMOE, but I interviewed with a coordinator with EPIK (on behalf of SMOE). It's all the same beast; just clarify that you want to apply for a SMOE position.

shostahoosier · Joined: 14 Apr 2009

true.

I'm with GEPIK but a lot of my documents (including Visa) say EPIK.

Lots of regional boards of education are doing their own thing (CEPIK, UMOE) so its really only different in name...and maybe pay.

Maybe if EPIK takes over for SMOE, they'll raise the pay to be even with the rest of ESL teachers in Korea (though I wouldnt hold my breath)

probablylauren · Joined: 18 Jul 2009 Location: Seoul

I'd consider looking for another recruiter.

I had one or two of the first ones that I contacted, tell me that SMOE was not hiring for March 2010. I thought this was absolutely bizarre, so I persevered and found my current recruiter (workNplay) who have been great.

Play the recruiters off each other for awhile, then commit once you've communicated and found a person who can meet your needs (job type, location, good response time to emails etc).

-of course there is a good chance that EPIK may do SMOE..thats the current rumour I keep reading-