Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tgrear2008]

Hello everyone!

After researching and getting excited about working in Korea, I stumble upon the Criminal Background Check requirement for the E-2 visa. I have a DUI conviction from 2007.

I am currently finishing my 2nd year teaching in public schools in North Carolina. I have done quite a bit of post reading but I still have some questions please.

1. I'm still going to try to get a Statewide Background Check and see if that turns up clean. My DUI is from Ohio. Does anyone have experience with this strategy and was it successful?

I want to get my start in Asia. Here are my priorities- I want to save money, but my savings do not need to be at the Korea level of savings. I want to live a peaceful healthy life (who doesn't). I am more nature minded vs. city slicker. I need to make a couple payments back to the states ($200 total). I don't want to scrape by, because that's what I'm doing here in Carolina, teaching in the U.S. 9th poorest city. The working conditions are atrocious and I have been successful. The city I live in is awful so anywhere I go would probably be an improvement.

2. Currently, I do not have an EFL certificate however I am willing to throw down for a CELTA, (or maybe another program is better?)

3. Could you recommend a country so I can do intensive research? I'm all over the place doing internet searches. (preferably somewhere DUI friendly)

[fergalreid]

DUI friendly?

Drop Footprints Recruiting an email, would be my recommendation. I've heard great things about how diligent they are.

[sesyeux]

sorry mate, last i heard, DUI means a straight no. surely it'll turn up on any background check?

[Colorado]

A DUI from Ohio will not show up on a State Background check from North Carolina. No worries. You're in.

[tgrear2008]

Well, it sounds like it is possible. I just got an email from a recruiting company that gave me the same info as above (background check from a different state).

Now, to test it out! I will post results.

If anyone else would like to respond to my other questions in case this does not work, I'd be much obliged.

[hapigokelli]

[Scotticus]

Anyone else find it ironic that a country that doesn't acknowledge alcoholism and doesn't consider drunk driving to be particularly bad would deny waegs visas due to a DUI?

[air76]

[ttompatz]

With a bachelors degree and a state teaching certificate you can land a decent job anywhere in Asia.

Japan, China, Thailand, and Indonesia are all options for you (even with a DUI).

Comparisons at a quick glance:

Japan - high startup-cost (housing is not usually included) but salaries are decent (275-300,000 Y per month / $3000-3300). You would need about $3-5000 to carry you over till you find something decent. Best job hunting is IN Japan - not abroad.

Thailand - cheap startup and you CAN save money but you have to pick and choose to find a good job. www.ajarn.com is a good start for information. 40-60,000 baht per month is common for qualified subject teachers. ($1250-1850 with living expenses in the $600 range)

Indonesia - Similar to Thailand.

China is China. The money can be bad (3-4000 rmb, good 6-8000 RMB or very good 9000+. Look for a job as a teacher in English rather than an English teacher. Salaries in the 8-12,000 RMB range + free housing and airfare/travel/completion bonuses at the end of the contract are available for those with teaching licenses / state certification.

Except in the major cities like Beijing or Shanghai you can expect living expenses in the 2000 rmb range.
salary ranges:
ESL 4000-6000 ($600-900)
mid range teacher 6000-8000 ($900-1200)
Top end 8000 + ($1200-1800)

Living expenses (2000-3000rmb = $300-$450).

.