Korean Job Discussion Forums

[seagoose]

A couple of weeks ago I decided to try ESL. Since then I have been reading posts here, and applying to schools and recruiters. At this point I have an offer and I am trying to decide. The school is supposedly established, but not as an English school. I would be the first teacher. This means I can't talk to a foreign teacher- something I had considered was essential for my own peace of mind.

According to the recruiter, they particularly want me, and this may be due to the fact I'm a little older, sent a pic with a tie on, am married, have an advanced degree, etc. Originally, the job was listed as ASAP, but she says they are so interested they will give me as much time as I need to come there. I at first objected to a proposed visa run to Japan (which would have apparently had me working illegally for two weeks or so), and they now say I can take my time, get things done here, etc. They are offering me a large 2-bedroom apartment, pay is 2.0, contract otherwise is pretty standard.

I am going to talk to one of their Korean teachers. My question is, if everything sounds fine, can I reasonably give it a try? I'm a little hesitant not being able to talk to a foreign teacher. The job is in an area that appears to be what I'm looking for. So far, it seems like talking to a foreign teacher isn't easy. I've been given e-mail addresses by other recruiters, but there's no reply. I don't want to lose out on a good prospect by insisting on that which is unlikely to happen. Do you think talking to a foreign teacher is mandatory?

Any advice would help me a lot. I know from reading the forums that many of you have years of experience.

[schwa]

On the basis of what youve written, it sounds like it might be a reasonable situation. Pay & housing sound fair. Some might find being the only foreigner on staff a bit isolating, but as a married person that will be less of an issue. As first native speaker at the school, you'll likely have a good deal of input into setting up your program -- that can be a good thing. Their flexibility regarding your timing & visa concerns sounds positive. If I were in your boots & my dealings with someone at the school (not just the recruiter) seemed aboveboard, I'd probably run with it.

Given their willingness to wait on you, I think it would be courteous on your part to think & act quickly.

[Tony Danza's Houseguest]

I was the first foreign teacher at my school, and they've been great. One of the hardest things, however, is that at first we had small cultural differences that it took a few weeks for us to get used to. Nothing major--in fact, I can't even think of a specific example--but difficulties nonetheless. If you can talk to the Korean teachers, do that. Then you will at least know how well they can speak English, which is pretty important when you're the only native speaker.

Just my experience.

[paul]

If indeed the school will give you time to settle in, then it sounds like a good thing. However, be very careful. Tell them you will sign the contract only after you have seen the school and met the staff...especially the boss. Signing blindly is the single biggest mistake most people make and there have been several horror stories.

It will be difficult being the only foreign teacher, but you never know. It does take a unique personality to survive in that situation, although many people prefer it that way.

On the other hand, if speaking with other foreign teachers is what you really want, then look around because there's lots of places with 6 or more teachers and it's a lot more interesting.

Don't sell yourself short simply because the first school you talked to sounds like a good thing.

[freesolo]

hey seagoose, if this is about the job in yeosu, i got some answers back to my questions. send me you email address and i'll fwd them to you. paul

[sistersarah]

i'm the only foreign teacher at my school and i enjoy it. i have a lot more flexibility in what i teach, i teach whatever books i want. it may not be like that everywhere. you'll probably have a lot of organizational difficulties to begin with. it sounds like a good position.