Korean Job Discussion Forums

[PenName]

Hey people!

I'm new to the forum, and want to start off with a bit of an intro and a questions.

First of all, I'm Canadian, been teaching in Eastern Europe for the past 5 years. Ukraine, Russia, the Baltics. I'm looking to make a change and come over to Asia.

My motivations are varied, part of me wants to earn more money than I do now. Another part wants a cultural change, and yet a further part is looking for tasty food! No offense to Eastern Europeans, but I'm sick of the cuisine here!!!

I understand Korea and Japan will pay a lot more than China, but at the same time I think China would be a more interesting experience, and the idea of learning a bit of Mandarin appeals to me. Still, Japan and Korea are interesting too.

Also, I'm looking to teach high school or adult students. No kids!

So, tell me what you think this good Canadian boy should do! Come to Korea, go to Japan, or kick it to China!

Thanks in advance!

[lichtarbeiter]

[Sadebugo1]

China or Japan. The former is up and coming with a lot of opportunities. Both countries have amazing cultures.

Sadebugo
http://travldawrld.blogspot.com/

[reactionary]

there are quite a few jobs in Shanghai that pay as well, sometimes more than, as Korea, with a lower cost of living (unless you're gonna hit up the clubs a lot). Korea used to be the pot of gold - not so much anymore with the exchange rate and the influx of teachers.

I usually have my eyes on Shanghai for a potential move out of Korea.

[bcjinseoul]

Like reactionary said.

Plus these days, most public schools and hogwons are going for the influx of 22-25 yr old noobs coming out here in packs and droves, straight out of North America.

All the people already here, more coming, all the hassle paperwork for a visa, and a still less than perfect exchange rate makes Korea in 2010 not nearly as good as it was in 2005.

[pugwall]

Seems like Japan esl industy is dead, Taiwan dying, Korea a shadow of its former self when there were 5000 unfilled jobs at any time. When I was in China there was work coming out of my ears and nobody was struggling. East coast Chinese city, government job with visa low hours, work in academys/privates for another ten hours a week for 150 hr. No problem, cheaper cost of living and better lifestyle. Living in China is certainly challenging at times though.

[Moldy Rutabaga]

Spend a year in Korea to get the lay of the land. It is relatively more secure in terms of pay and benefits than China or SE Asia. Then consider somewhere else. Young, single, no student debt? I wouldn't stay here more than a year.

[World Traveler]

[reactionary]

[bcjinseoul]

[ttompatz]

Low startup costs = Korea. No tickets to buy, no setup costs to speak of. Get off the plane, go to your apartment, drop off your bag, go to work, finish work, go shopping for some groceries and get on with life.

I've known guys who landed here with next to nothing in their pockets and have done alright.

Japan = you need $3000-5000 to get setup before you ever see a payday. Pay can be decent but you can spend it as fast as you make it if that is your style.

Taiwan is similar but slightly lower startup / setup costs.

You can do well in China. Lots of work. Most places include free housing. Cost of living can be dirt cheap and the jingle in the jeans at the end of the month can be similar to Korea or Japan. ASsuming you have the qualifications you can hold out for jobs in the 8500-12000 RMB range.Savings can be over $1000 per month unless you spend like Daddy Warbucks.

Thailand is OK. Depending on your qualifications you can make 35-60 thousand baht per month for 20-30 classes per week. Housing is cheap and so is the cost of living (unless you require Bangkok as your only choice). Same money and fewer classes if you have a masters or better. You would need about $1000 in your pocket to get going here (rent and setup costs).

.

[World Traveler]

[Solarian]

I'm surprised Japan is winning. I'd rank it dead last. It's expensive, and the Japanese are the most fake people you're ever going to meet in your life. I'm sure if I were living there instead of Korea, I would've already gone back home.
Don't get me wrong, it's a great place to visit, but I could never even imagine spending a year or more there.

[Ukon]

Ask your self this:

If korea sucks so much, why are all the haters on this board still here?

I know folks who didn't like they're situation in China and Japan, so they came to Korea and love it here....

For the guy suggesting JET and beefing up qualifications...

HAHA...other than some small teaching experiences and displaying a good interest in the culture(non gaming/anime related), the process for hiring is random as hell.

They generally are picky on all sorts of weird things not related qualification related:
Ever been on any meds whateversoever?
Placed the forms in the wrong order?
2 days late mailing something?

I made it past the application stage with the only thing of note being I did some tutoring for a few months and one class of Japanese. Other people with much beefer qualifications consistently lost out year after year for the most minor of things....

JET's a really big crap shoot, but there are websites to help you through the process....I think I'm lost was a good site....it's a year to apply to JET and you can be disqualified at ANY stage.

[Moldy Rutabaga]

I may have been too harsh on Korea. Bad day. I look outside the window in Daegu and it's still freezing and it's almost May. I think of a Thailand beach and about a line of restaurants that doesn't serve the same thing at each one.

I think the poll is problematic because we all want different things. I'm tired of being cold. Others want more pay. Some want security. Some want girls. But I'm surprised to see Japan on top so far. Not my cup of tea.