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Korean Job Discussion Forums "The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!"
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Mister

Joined: 05 Jan 2007
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Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 12:20 am Post subject: Salary: How much Should I ask for? |
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I checking out the recruiter sites for a fist time teaching job in Korea.
I have:
BA
TEFL Certificate
Started a Master's in Education EFL but didn't finish (cost too high back in US)
9 years experience with kids, teens, adults, TOEFL, TOEIC.
Age 40, but I look like I'm in my early 30s (according to what people say)
On the recruiter online apps it asks for "salary Desired." I want to be in the right range. Not too high, and not too low.
Thanks. |
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ttompatz

Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea
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Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 12:34 am Post subject: Re: Salary: How much Should I ask for? |
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Mister wrote: |
I checking out the recruiter sites for a fist time teaching job in Korea.
I have:
BA
TEFL Certificate
Started a Master's in Education EFL but didn't finish (cost too high back in US)
9 years experience with kids, teens, adults, TOEFL, TOEIC.
Age 40, but I look like I'm in my early 30s (according to what people say)
On the recruiter online apps it asks for "salary Desired." I want to be in the right range. Not too high, and not too low.
Thanks. |
Public school scales are set based on verifiable education and experience.
Hakwon salaries are what you can get but with little or no ESL experience in Korea you will be at the low-mid end of the scale (2.2-2.4 million won).
With the flood of new blood into the market (due to recent grads with no job prospects) you are facing an uphill battle against cheaper talent in the edutainment arena.
IF you can find a school that specializes in TOEFL or TOEIC you MAY be able to command a bit more but you will be hard pressed from abroad and getting your first E2 almost requires that you get it done in your home country because of the initial consular interview.
Good luck to you. You might actually find a better deal (in terms of salary and savings) in south east Asia since you have better than entry level qualifications. (as an example, a position paying ~50k baht in Thailand (about 1.9 million krw) will still allow you savings of about $1000 per month due to the far lower cost of living.
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wesharris
Joined: 10 Oct 2008
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Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 12:40 am Post subject: |
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I'd suggest checking your spelling out first mate.
Secondly concentrate on finding a job, with which you would be most comfortable teaching, be that children, kindies, teens, the walking dead, and etc. |
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Mister

Joined: 05 Jan 2007
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Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 12:50 am Post subject: Re: Salary: How much Should I ask for? |
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ttompatz wrote: |
Mister wrote: |
I checking out the recruiter sites for a fist time teaching job in Korea.
I have:
BA
TEFL Certificate
Started a Master's in Education EFL but didn't finish (cost too high back in US)
9 years experience with kids, teens, adults, TOEFL, TOEIC.
Age 40, but I look like I'm in my early 30s (according to what people say)
On the recruiter online apps it asks for "salary Desired." I want to be in the right range. Not too high, and not too low.
Thanks. |
Public school scales are set based on verifiable education and experience.
Hakwon salaries are what you can get but with little or no ESL experience in Korea you will be at the low-mid end of the scale (2.2-2.4 million won).
With the flood of new blood into the market (due to recent grads with no job prospects) you are facing an uphill battle against cheaper talent in the edutainment arena.
IF you can find a school that specializes in TOEFL or TOEIC you MAY be able to command a bit more but you will be hard pressed from abroad and getting your first E2 almost requires that you get it done in your home country because of the initial consular interview.
Good luck to you. You might actually find a better deal (in terms of salary and savings) in south east Asia since you have better than entry level qualifications. (as an example, a position paying ~50k baht in Thailand (about 1.9 million krw) will still allow you savings of about $1000 per month due to the far lower cost of living.
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I can verify all my education documents and I've notarized them at the US embassy, and I can appostille them again. I also have letters from previous schools with contact info.
Thanks for the info, ttompatz.
Yes, I do realize I have to cut my teeth as a first timer in RoK. Yes, there seem to be a lot more recent grads coming to Korea and Seoul in particular.
I am applying at Hogwans, and I don't want to ask for too much. Best to come to Korea, get started, learn the ropes, and then proceed after completing a year.
wesharris: I like teaching both kids and adults, as a mix, but not doing 100% of adults or 100% of children.
I hope this can be possible. Maybe it isn't.
As for TOEFL, I have been doing it for several years, and I am in demand, as apparently schools prefer me doing it (I actually like it).
I am now in South East Asia, and will be leaving SEA shortly.
My op had bad spelling because sometimes when I'm in a hurry I type faster than I should, and I make typos.
Thanks for the help.
I think I'll try to ask for 2.4 and (privately) I'll take less to get started in Seoul. |
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ttompatz

Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea
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Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 1:15 am Post subject: Re: Salary: How much Should I ask for? |
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Mister wrote: |
ttompatz wrote: |
Mister wrote: |
I checking out the recruiter sites for a fist time teaching job in Korea.
I have:
BA
TEFL Certificate
Started a Master's in Education EFL but didn't finish (cost too high back in US)
9 years experience with kids, teens, adults, TOEFL, TOEIC.
Age 40, but I look like I'm in my early 30s (according to what people say)
On the recruiter online apps it asks for "salary Desired." I want to be in the right range. Not too high, and not too low.
Thanks. |
Public school scales are set based on verifiable education and experience.
Hakwon salaries are what you can get but with little or no ESL experience in Korea you will be at the low-mid end of the scale (2.2-2.4 million won).
With the flood of new blood into the market (due to recent grads with no job prospects) you are facing an uphill battle against cheaper talent in the edutainment arena.
IF you can find a school that specializes in TOEFL or TOEIC you MAY be able to command a bit more but you will be hard pressed from abroad and getting your first E2 almost requires that you get it done in your home country because of the initial consular interview.
Good luck to you. You might actually find a better deal (in terms of salary and savings) in south east Asia since you have better than entry level qualifications. (as an example, a position paying ~50k baht in Thailand (about 1.9 million krw) will still allow you savings of about $1000 per month due to the far lower cost of living.
. |
I can verify all my education documents and I've notarized them at the US embassy, and I can appostille them again. I also have letters from previous schools with contact info.
Thanks for the info, ttompatz.
Yes, I do realize I have to cut my teeth as a first timer in RoK. Yes, there seem to be a lot more recent grads coming to Korea and Seoul in particular.
I am applying at Hogwans, and I don't want to ask for too much. Best to come to Korea, get started, learn the ropes, and then proceed after completing a year.
wesharris: I like teaching both kids and adults, as a mix, but not doing 100% of adults or 100% of children.
I hope this can be possible. Maybe it isn't.
As for TOEFL, I have been doing it for several years, and I am in demand, as apparently schools prefer me doing it (I actually like it).
I am now in South East Asia, and will be leaving SEA shortly.
My op had bad spelling because sometimes when I'm in a hurry I type faster than I should, and I make typos.
Thanks for the help.
I think I'll try to ask for 2.4 and (privately) I'll take less to get started in Seoul. |
side issue: If you have NOT previously held an E2 in Korea you may be REQUIRED to have a consular interview in your HOME COUNTRY prior to the issuance of your 1st E2.
There is a process of degree verification that you can do in Korea but it is convoluted and takes time (after you get here) and most hakwons have no clue about the process.
You may be doing your visa run to your home country (Guam if you are lucky enough to be American) and quite possibly at your own expense.
. |
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fustiancorduroy
Joined: 12 Jan 2007
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Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 2:55 am Post subject: |
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If you have TOEFL experience and do well at interviews and mock teaching, perhaps you should come to Korea and look for a job. Most TOEFL hagwons pay way, way more than 2.4 million a month. You could easily make 3, 4, or even 5 million a month at a decent school. If you speak Korean at an intermediate level or higher, then you could quite conceivably make even more than this. |
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BoholDiver
Joined: 03 Oct 2009 Location: Canada
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Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 3:34 am Post subject: |
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I think 2.4 is a reasonable goal for a first year. |
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Mister

Joined: 05 Jan 2007
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Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 4:34 am Post subject: Re: Salary: How much Should I ask for? |
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[quote="ttompatz"]
Mister wrote: |
ttompatz wrote: |
Mister wrote: |
I checking out the recruiter sites for a fist time teaching job in Korea.
I have:
BA
TEFL Certificate
Started a Master's in Education EFL but didn't finish (cost too high back in US)
9 years experience with kids, teens, adults, TOEFL, TOEIC.
Age 40, but I look like I'm in my early 30s (according to what people say)
On the recruiter online apps it asks for "salary Desired." I want to be in the right range. Not too high, and not too low.
Thanks. |
Public school scales are set based on verifiable education and experience.
Hakwon salaries are what you can get but with little or no ESL experience in Korea you will be at the low-mid end of the scale (2.2-2.4 million won).
With the flood of new blood into the market (due to recent grads with no job prospects) you are facing an uphill battle against cheaper talent in the edutainment arena.
IF you can find a school that specializes in TOEFL or TOEIC you MAY be able to command a bit more but you will be hard pressed from abroad and getting your first E2 almost requires that you get it done in your home country because of the initial consular interview.
Good luck to you. You might actually find a better deal (in terms of salary and savings) in south east Asia since you have better than entry level qualifications. (as an example, a position paying ~50k baht in Thailand (about 1.9 million krw) will still allow you savings of about $1000 per month due to the far lower cost of living.
. |
I can verify all my education documents and I've notarized them at the US embassy, and I can appostille them again. I also have letters from previous schools with contact info.
Thanks for the info, ttompatz.
Yes, I do realize I have to cut my teeth as a first timer in RoK. Yes, there seem to be a lot more recent grads coming to Korea and Seoul in particular.
I am applying at Hogwans, and I don't want to ask for too much. Best to come to Korea, get started, learn the ropes, and then proceed after completing a year.
wesharris: I like teaching both kids and adults, as a mix, but not doing 100% of adults or 100% of children.
I hope this can be possible. Maybe it isn't.
As for TOEFL, I have been doing it for several years, and I am in demand, as apparently schools prefer me doing it (I actually like it).
I am now in South East Asia, and will be leaving SEA shortly.
My op had bad spelling because sometimes when I'm in a hurry I type faster than I should, and I make typos.
Thanks for the help.
I think I'll try to ask for 2.4 and (privately) I'll take less to get started in Seoul. |
Quote: |
side issue: If you have NOT previously held an E2 in Korea you may be REQUIRED to have a consular interview in your HOME COUNTRY prior to the issuance of your 1st E2. |
ttompatz,
I am completely aware of this. (I've been lurking for quite some time here and have benefited from your and others info a lot in others' posts.
I am returning to the US next week. While back in the US, I'll get started with recruiters, apostille my degrees, get my Criminal background check (I prefer FBI check because it's easier) and I'll do the Consulate interview in the US.
Yes, this is my first E-2.
Quote: |
There is a process of degree verification that you can do in Korea but it is convoluted and takes time (after you get here) and most hakwons have no clue about the process. |
Yeah, that's why I want to do 100% of everything stateside.
Quote: |
You may be doing your visa run to your home country (Guam if you are lucky enough to be American) and quite possibly at your own expense. |
I'll be in the US to dot all of the "i"s and cross the "t"s. |
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Mister

Joined: 05 Jan 2007
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Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 4:39 am Post subject: |
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fustiancorduroy wrote: |
If you have TOEFL experience and do well at interviews and mock teaching, perhaps you should come to Korea and look for a job. Most TOEFL hagwons pay way, way more than 2.4 million a month. You could easily make 3, 4, or even 5 million a month at a decent school. If you speak Korean at an intermediate level or higher, then you could quite conceivably make even more than this. |
Thanks for the info.
I don't speak any Korean, except for about 20 words, as I taught Korean children and adults one-on-one for several years outside of Korea.
Thanks for the advice.
My dilemma is not being able to come to Korea before landing a job.
Is there any way for me to request TOEFL classes at hogwans or "TOEFL Academies" with recruiters?
I can scour the web for TOEFL jobs only, but being out of country, they won't know how to judge me and whether I can deliver qualify TOEFL instruction. I have a ton of supplemental material and have taught low level to very high level TOEFL for years. |
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Justsurfin12
Joined: 05 Jul 2009 Location: Sitting in front of a computer
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Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 3:40 pm Post subject: |
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Since you're from the US....
If I remember correctly, you have to have a signed contract first... then send copies of that contract with all your supporting documents (apostilled diplomas, etc) to Korean immigration to be issued a visa #. That takes a week or two.
AFTER YOU HAVE YOUR VISA NUMBER, you are required to have an interview at a Korean consulate in the US and after that interview is when the visa will actually be issued. ( I was required to leave my passport at the consulate for 24 hours for processing/having the visa added.) |
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kiwipenny
Joined: 22 Mar 2010 Location: South Korea
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Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 5:32 pm Post subject: work |
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Try to get a public school that has an afterschool program and you can take home at least 3mill plus housing money~
It would be easier to get a ps job through a recruiter ...try www.korealinx.com they were super helpful and have a guy based in North America to do phone interviews etc.
( note their public school jobs are in gyeonggi but not far from seoul...
I am 15 mins by bus and 10 mins by subway ..depends on where they find you a school.. but personally after 6 years here it is very relaxing out of Seoul ^^) |
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Mister

Joined: 05 Jan 2007
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Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 9:52 pm Post subject: Re: work |
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kiwipenny wrote: |
Try to get a public school that has an afterschool program and you can take home at least 3mill plus housing money~
It would be easier to get a ps job through a recruiter ...try www.korealinx.com they were super helpful and have a guy based in North America to do phone interviews etc.
( note their public school jobs are in gyeonggi but not far from seoul...
I am 15 mins by bus and 10 mins by subway ..depends on where they find you a school.. but personally after 6 years here it is very relaxing out of Seoul ^^) |
^^ Thanks, justursin,
kiwipenny,
I was considering hogwans, but perhaps I should re-evaluate and think of a PS (SMOE, or Gepik) because of the hours.
I hope they'll take 40 year old who looks like he's in his early 30s. |
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byrddogs

Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Location: Shanghai
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Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2010 12:13 am Post subject: Re: work |
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Mister wrote: |
I hope they'll take 40 year old who looks like he's in his early 30s. |
I can personally say that I don't see that being an issue with public school. |
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ontheway
Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Location: Somewhere under the rainbow...
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Posted: Sat Jul 03, 2010 10:37 pm Post subject: Re: Salary: How much Should I ask for? |
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Mister wrote: |
ttompatz wrote: |
Mister wrote: |
I checking out the recruiter sites for a fist time teaching job in Korea.
I have:
BA
TEFL Certificate
Started a Master's in Education EFL but didn't finish (cost too high back in US)
9 years experience with kids, teens, adults, TOEFL, TOEIC.
Age 40, but I look like I'm in my early 30s (according to what people say)
On the recruiter online apps it asks for "salary Desired." I want to be in the right range. Not too high, and not too low.
Thanks. |
Public school scales are set based on verifiable education and experience.
Hakwon salaries are what you can get but with little or no ESL experience in Korea you will be at the low-mid end of the scale (2.2-2.4 million won).
With the flood of new blood into the market (due to recent grads with no job prospects) you are facing an uphill battle against cheaper talent in the edutainment arena.
IF you can find a school that specializes in TOEFL or TOEIC you MAY be able to command a bit more but you will be hard pressed from abroad and getting your first E2 almost requires that you get it done in your home country because of the initial consular interview.
Good luck to you. You might actually find a better deal (in terms of salary and savings) in south east Asia since you have better than entry level qualifications. (as an example, a position paying ~50k baht in Thailand (about 1.9 million krw) will still allow you savings of about $1000 per month due to the far lower cost of living.
. |
I can verify all my education documents and I've notarized them at the US embassy, and I can appostille them again. I also have letters from previous schools with contact info.
Thanks for the info, ttompatz.
Yes, I do realize I have to cut my teeth as a first timer in RoK. Yes, there seem to be a lot more recent grads coming to Korea and Seoul in particular.
I am applying at Hogwans, and I don't want to ask for too much. Best to come to Korea, get started, learn the ropes, and then proceed after completing a year.
wesharris: I like teaching both kids and adults, as a mix, but not doing 100% of adults or 100% of children.
I hope this can be possible. Maybe it isn't.
As for TOEFL, I have been doing it for several years, and I am in demand, as apparently schools prefer me doing it (I actually like it).
I am now in South East Asia, and will be leaving SEA shortly.
My op had bad spelling because sometimes when I'm in a hurry I type faster than I should, and I make typos.
Thanks for the help.
I think I'll try to ask for 2.4 and (privately) I'll take less to get started in Seoul. |
If you want to get a job relatively fast, you should ask for 2.2 million won per month. If you have to wait a month to get 2.4 it will take the next 11 months to catch up to your total pay with the 2.2 job. The longer you wait, the further behind you get. In the end, you may never catch up.
Get a job. Get to Korea. Learn the ropes. Then network, visit schools, and look for greener pastures for your next contract. |
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PatrickGHBusan
Joined: 24 Jun 2008 Location: Busan (1997-2008) Canada 2008 -
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Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2010 2:37 am Post subject: |
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Quote: |
Get a job. Get to Korea. Learn the ropes. Then network, visit schools, and look for greener pastures for your next contract. |
A sensible approach. Well said. |
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