Korean Job Discussion Forums

[funkyj]

HI Everyone,

I recently was re-inspired to seek a position for teaching in Korea for August/September. Now, I know I waited until the last minute to rethink this. SO, my question is, is it too late for the "good" positions? I am specifically seeking a position that 1) is in Seoul, and 2) in a PUBLIC school, 3) in a secondary school, and 4) "normal" hours

I been looking through the job adverts and it seems only private schools or the rural area public schools are the only choices. I suck for waiting until NOW to seriously reconsider this. I started looking back in February and I dropped the ball in hope and belief that I would obtain a teaching position here in NY for September, but that went out the window. UGh, I SUCK.

Hopefully something that meets my requirements will appear...

[sulperman]

PS jobs do pop up at random times, so keep checking the ads. And some people do quit pretty soon into their contract so if you keep in contact with SMOE maybe they could get you into one of those....

But to answer your question, yes, you waited WAY WAY WAY WAY too late. But your timing is perfect for the March 2011 intake.

[gogophoto]

[toph]

Well, realistically? Yeah...you're way late. However, this doesn't make it impossible. Like, I've heard that GEPIK hires monthly (although I'm not sure how true this is), so I would try applying with them--ask a recruiter to make sure. Also, independent public school might hire in the off-season, but you need to apply through a recruiter/apply directly with those.

Hmmm...about getting in Seoul? Well, if you want to get in Korea THIS September, you might wanna open up your options. There are a lot of cities outside of Seoul that are perfectly fine (some, in my opinion, are better).

[furtakk]

if you can concede one or more of your preferences you should be able to find something.

if you must work in seoul then you'll have to give up a few things. first, look outside of public schools. even if you're a certified teacher, it's really competitive. and most of the positions would have been filled by now. second, if you're not working public you'll also have to concede on hours if you want to teach a specific age. if you want elementary/middle school students you'll have to work afternoons. if you don't mind kindergarten, you can still have normal hours.

if you don't mind working outside of seoul, you might be able to find a public job in a decent sized city. maybe even one of the satellite cities outside of seoul. i was applying for a job a couple weeks ago and i was getting offers for public schools in bundang, bucheon, etc. i didn't really want to work public nor did i want to work outside the city so i passed. however, they are not too far outside of seoul and they may suit you if you can find still find a position there.

if you're not willing to budge, keep trying, but you may have to wait until something randomly pops up or even until the next big hiring season.

[funkyj]

Hey Everyone,

Thanks so much for all the replies!!! The cliche of "timing is everything" remains. I know, a fatal flaw is procrastination and I am working on it...

THE MAJOR/primary reason I waited was because I was lacking the funds to start up (airfare, basic relocation costs, etc) and was afraid to commit to anything/start the process if I couldn't afford to go. Now, I think waiting until March is an even better idea (instead of freaking out and rushing) because I can get some financial security going.

Yes, I am a teacher, NYS certified Secondary English education. I have been in the teaching industry for 7 years in various positions but only have about 2 years combined of real full time teaching. The rest is substitute teaching, teacher assistant, night-school teaching, etc. I had done a few temporary leave-replacement gigs and had worked for a full year in the ghetto and had nearly left the profession all together. The NY metro area is nearly impossible to secure a position in ELA. Hence why I am ready to try something new and get the hell out finally (been wanting to get out for what seems like forever but was engaged and would have had to sacrifice either my relationship or desire to live and travel abroad-- guess what won!).

I am definitely ready now mentally but need to just save up more cash to go so I am not completely destitute when I arrive.

I have hear that I am pretty qualified for some of the "better" positions as well. Yes, I am seeking to work with older pupils (teens-adults) and not in a private school. Moreover, I am looking for the highest paid position that I am actually qualified for (MASSIVE student loan debt completely drains my bank account each month-- I do not live lavishly, in fact, moved back home a few months ago).

I have a B.A. in English Education (gr 7-12), a M.S. in Literacy Education (gr 5-12), and a New York teaching certification (English 7-12), so with this, I think I can find something to fit my needs so long as I apply early for the next hiring season.

Thanks again everyone, here I go off to find some work for this coing school year....

Happy weekend.

[ttompatz]

With those qualifications...

Look for a good private school (NOT hagwan) or an international school where you will be a subject teacher instead of just an ESL "teaching assistant".

Pay is much better too.

.

[pamjane]

I agree with ttompatz. With your qualifications, you should DEFINITELY look into International School jobs. Unless there's a specific reason you want to come to Korea, you could go practically anywhere in the world and make good money with great benefits at an American or International school.

Check out:
http://www.overseasdigest.com/odsamples/ambrose.html
http://www.state.gov/m/a/os/c1684.htm

[funkyj]

Thanks again for the replies...
AS for international or American schools jobs, believe me--- a LIFE GOAL AND DREAM of mine is to live and teach abroad (specifically somewhere in Europe for a couple of years, then move on elsewhere), and the International schools are pretty much impossible to land a job in these days. I mean, it was always hard even when the economy was better and fewer people decided to become teachers. What seems like the biggest obstacle is that the EU is now an entity that Americans cannot penetrate. Getting a work permit as an American is virtually impossible these days as EU countries seek EU citizens to fill such positions. I am registered with recruiting agencies all around and have deeply researched this. My hopes are pretty much CRUSHED unless I go and teach in the Middle East which is not even a thought for me. Being I am ELA certified, I am part of the dime a dozen crew. Seems like everyone and their mothers are seeking such positions. I even looked into DOD positions.

There are other Asian countries I am much more drawn to (Korea does not really appeal to me in general---- but am ABSOLUTELY OPEN to it and keen for such an opportunity) but I am aware the jobs just aren't there or they pay total shit. If I didn't have my absolutely outrageous student loan bills, I would be doing TEFL somewhere for pennies and bouncing around the globe simply because I LOVE TEACHING and want to spread myself all around, learn in other teaching environments, grow as a professional educator, etc.

I was also told of tying to teach at the university level abroad, it seems slightly easier to teach at a UNI overseas than here in NY.

Who would have thought that teaching would be the most sought after career that people would practically kill for.

Anyway enough rambling about that! Basically I am where I feared I would be a year ago-- still, sitting here in NY, JOBLESS with degrees and certifications worth shit. Practically destitute and desperate for an opportunity to teach..... Yeah, I am slightly frustrated.

OK, well thanks for the tips. I am still looking and hoping I can be useful somewhere soon.

AL the best to everyone! Happy Monday.