Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mervanm]

I want to get a public school position in Seoul. After reading many things about Hagwons, it seems that a public school position would be more secure. However, I want to work only in Seoul. Does anyone have expierence or advice that they can lend to help me. I am going to apply through EPIK soon and will request to be in Seoul, so any advice on that or good secure alternative would be great! Thank you.

[crisdean]

The easy way is to apply for one of the many 'replacement' jobs that become availible part way through school terms (That's how I got my job) generally for Seoul they seem to want one of two ends of the spectrum, someone with absolutely no experience or qualifications that they pay next to nothing, or someone who has tons of experience and qualifications. The only teachers in the middle ground I've run into are people who started in and have remained with SMOE for years, or like me that got into the system by taking a replacement position (ie. somebody quit or was fired and the school wanted a replacement ASAP)

You're right about public school being a safer option than the private hagwons, however there is no need to limit yourself to Seoul, there are plenty of cities and towns fairly close to Seoul that are good, and depending on you maybe great, options: Ilsan, Buncheon, Incheon, Anyang, Suwon, Gimpo, Guri... to name a few.

[Ukon]

Get a online TEFL
Have some experience in either hagwons or some teaching experience back home(like tutoring).

Be friendly in the phone interview

That's about it....perhaps some korean language ability and/or appreciation of the culture mentioned in your application may help...

[mervanm]

Yes, I have a B.A. and 100+hrs TEFL Certificate with a specializtion in Business English. I would like to leave this upcoming winter (February or March), so any advice on what to do this far ahead would be great. Also, those towns that you mentioned, like Ilsan, Buncheon, and Incheon, how far are they from Seoul? Would it be easy to travel there easily?

[Ukon]

If your applying for GEPIK, placement is random....if you want seoul, go for seoul....

They're far enough away that if you like clubbing, you'd wish you lived in Seoul.

[mervanm]

How would you recommend getting a good hagawon job in Seoul?

[Ukon]

Do lots of research, take good photos of yourself, and be willing to wait for a good job...your a newb and this isn't the golden days where recruiters would wake you up at night to bug you....so unless you have an IVY league degree, expect 2.2-2.3....hell , even some with IVY league degrees are working for little(not enough research)...Just don't wait past the main hiring season...and don't trust recruiters too much.

Also find korean friends back home and talk to them.....a Korean Education professor found me a nice private school gig before I left...barely knew him, but he recommended me all the way....

[mervanm]

When would the main hiring season be for this upcoming winter? I graduate in December 2010 and want to leave shortly after.