Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Chochomein]

Hi all,

I am in my final year of Uni, predicted 2.1 degree in Maths Stats and Accounting (joint degree here in Scotland...)

So far, I have been playing with the idea with teaching in Korea...for quite a while now. I have read a lot of topics and posts on this forum, and to be honest I am still very undecided.

There seems to be a lot of horror stories regarding Hagwons and whatnot, but this isnt really bothering me. Pay is not really my concern, as what I am looking for is more of a life experience. I would love to live in another country, and getting paid in a rent free flat is really just a great bonus for me.

I am not really keen on the whole teaching aspect, but I wouldnt mind it (kinda daunting to be honest to teach a bunch of kids...) However I am more for a cultural experience, and to really live in the country.

Basically I am deciding between this and going travelling with a friend for a few months. I am not looking at teaching to be a career for me. So what I am asking, is whether or not I should do this. Are the hours and vacation days limited in such a way that I cant travel the country?

There seems to be a lot of well experienced people on this forum, and any insight would be great thanks...

[Welsh Canadian]

[withgusto]

"But then again you might actually go to Korea and end up liking teaching."

You really don't know until you try.

[Fishead soup]

[Perceptioncheck]

[Sadebugo1]

[Whitey Otez]

Based on what you've typed out, go ahead and travel around. The days of getting a paid holiday are done here. People now have to be genuinely interested in teaching to have any degree of success getting in and staying in. Unless you look like Justin Bieber, you need to sound desperate for work and strapped for cash in order to get in. Here's what counts against you:
-irrelevant degree, no certificate to speak of
-lack of interest in teaching, which is how you'd be earning your rent-free apartment
-assumed Scottish accent

Plus, a lot of people will contradict me on this, but most hagwon gigs don't exactly allow you to live in Korea. They'll expect you to be a full-time employee, and your life in the sticks will be limited to all-out sprints on weekends. If you aren't here to do the job as the centerpiece to your year, they really don't have time for you any more.

[Lunar Groove Gardener]

Travel.
You can try this later if you find it interests you.
It is a good way to try teaching if you suspect you may have
a knack for it. A TEFL certification will give you the backbone
to develop meaningful lessons, so that's an important asset.

For now, have a nice travel and see what you can learn from the
world at large. You'll NEVER regret that choice, and you will
gain valuable life experience and insight.

Best of luck.

[fiocasse]

In my opinion Korea has been an overall great experience. However I would only recomend coming if you are desperate for money. If money is not your thing go elsewhere, maybe Indonesia, South America. Your not gonna save money there but you will have a great time.

Korea can be a tough place to live, I know some people love it and some people hate it. But most people I know are here to save money and without that goal keeping you here it can get old.

[Chochomein]

Hi all,

thanks for all your replies! especially helpful.

I have been thinking a lot about what I should do. I quite like the idea of being a human tape recorder (haha), as I can imagine wont take much effort.

I figured cause im kinda young (21), I can always come back to this maybe? So travelling is looking an ideal option. While am at it actually, are there any jobs in Korea that is open to foreigners, but not in the teaching field? Never really thought of it that way...

The reason why Korea is because of the culture to be honest. My parents are from Hong Kong, so I would prefer to go to an Asian country more so than others. China does not appeal to be too be honest, and Japan I feel is quite expensive, and Korean culture has always been interesting (music and dramas I guess).

Hence why Im interested in this EPIK/TaLK programmes as it appears to be gunned towards younger folk and will offer a great experience...

[fl4mers]

Well from my experience, there are jobs other than teaching in Korea but they usually open up to those that have been there for a longer time, have good Korean language skills and/or have a solid background in relevant work experience. Feel free to contradict me, but in the case of a young person with little to no prior work experience, unless you're interested in teaching, Korea is not the best place to go looking for a job... I think travelling with a friend would be a great experience for you though and you could always travel through Korea on the way...

[mattdsoares]

Before I came I didn't like kids all that much and especially was weary of teaching kindergarten.

I'm 3 months in and I LOVE kids now. Also my hagwon has been amazing thus far in most areas. My apartment is very small, but brand new and in great condition and very secure. Pay is on time, health insurance and pension are legit, there is never any overtime or weekends. It's the perfect hagwon.

There are a lot of hagwon horror stories on here because you're more likely to come here to complain and look for help than just make a thread talking about how great your school it. The negative experiences are much more visible, but do NOT outnumber the positive experiences by a long shot.

I say come. Have an open mind, be willing to adjust to the different culture and have fun! Work hard, but have fun! It's only a year. Even if you don't like it that much, you can certainly stick it out for a year. If you're seriously considering it, you're probably the right kind of person though.

[fustiancorduroy]

[Dragoon]

[Sadebugo1]