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).

.

[danxtptrnrth]

My girlfriend and I have the same deal as you and it was no problem. I have a DUI in Ohio, but live in Oregon. My Oregon background check was clean as a whistle and got my E-2 visa no problem.
My girlfrind has an arrest on her record in Oregon, but where her family lives in Rhode Island she is clean. She got a Rhode Island background check, eventhough we live in Oregon. Once again no problem with the visa. Have fun wherever you go, but I would say Korea is the easiest to get set up in because they pay airfare and housing.

[cincynate]

Each state is different. So if something turns up on your Carolina bg check, just go to Virginia, Tennessee, or Georgia and get background checks.. Nothing will show up. Damn Ohio.. I live there.. know all about the DUI's.

[lukas]

[Radius]

[nautilus]

[tgrear2008]

Update:

I just received my state level check from North Carolina.
No criminal record has been found.

Good to go I imagine?