Korean Job Discussion Forums

[micechasekittens]

Hi, I recently graduated with a TESOL and BA in Asian History, so I was looking for English teaching jobs in Korea. I have done extensive reading on this forum, but haven't posted yet.

I was looking at a public school in Pyeongtaek, but was wondering if that was a good area to live. I am not into club going and bar hopping so living in Seoul is not a priority of mine, but I do want to see cultural and scenic sites and hiking excursion while I'm over there.

Also, I have been leaning toward public schools since I have been reading that private schools can be luck of the draw. Is the public school option sensible for someone going to Korea for the first time?

Also I plan on bringing my keyboard with me to Korea since i play piano and it was a pretty expensive one, but would I have problems getting something like that on the plane (its a full size keyboard)?

[Ukon]

Ship the keyboard with your luggage....it's cheaper, even if you have to pay over weight luggage fees.


as for Pyeongtek....I hope you like soldiers!

[PigeonFart]

As soon as i saw Pyeongtek i was going to tell you not to go.

However you clearly said you're not into nightlife so that does make things different.

I'm only in Seoul for the nightlife (and the food, and maybe the convenience of having lots of things nearby, and not having people stare at me).

So if you're into the quite life then i see no reason not to go to Pyeontek. I've never been there but i'm sure its the same as any other place in Korea. Lots of places in Korea look and feel the same. Good luck in your new life in Korea!

[Fishead soup]

Camp Humphrey is located in Anjune Ri its a US military installation so the area around it is stightly more westernised than anywhere else. However it is certainly no Iteawon.
You are also close to Songtang another US army based city.

You are in the Southern tip of Gyeounggi do province. You have Subway access to Seoul. As far as locations are concerned it's in the middle. You could have done alot better but you could have also done a lot worse.

Your school and the way you are treated will either make or break your experience.

For hiking the Northern part of Gyeouggi province would be a lot better. For Cultural experiences you are a stone throw from Suwon that has a large Great Wall of China around it. Makes for a great day excursion.
You are also quite close to a traditional Korean folk Village in Youngin

[micechasekittens]

Thanks everyone ^^ I'm not too thrilled with the idea of being near the army base, because I want to experience Korean culture and not so much westernization. Though it is good to know that there are many areas nearby to see on the weekends.

I also just have been interviewed for a private school in Busan which seems nice (got to talk to the NET there).

I think landing a good school with nice coworkers is the most important thing for me now. I also recently found out that CRC's are going to require an FBI level check, not just statewide... sigh just after I got everything apostolized.

Also I am bringing over my laptop in addition so what kind of voltage convertor will i need? I was hoping to swing by radioshack before I go (they always have weird cords and plug-ins).

[Milwaukiedave]

As long as your computer is 100-220volts it is fine. I got a plug adapter here for pretty cheap. It was my clock radio that bit the dust. That thing blew up. There was a loud pop and a poof of smoke and it was gone. Thankfully it was old anyway so I just threw it away.

If your laptop battery is old, I'd advice buying a second one. That's one of the more expensive things to replace here.