Korean Job Discussion Forums

Saxiif · Joined: 15 May 2003 Location: Seongnam

A question for international school teachers: right now my son is one and a half and my (Korean, teaches English at a hagwon) wife and I are thinking of possibly having a second kid. I've been playing to get my US teacher certification by the time my son is ready for pre-k so that we could go to school together.

When I was a kid my parents taught international school and they've told me that most schools don't want to hire families that have more than one kid/teacher. So, would there by any way swing something like this in Korea? Hell, I'd be willing to pay the tuition of the second kid out of pocket, with an F-2 visa, it's easy to make money and I'm fine with working a lot, but I just don't know much at all about how International schools operate in Korea these days.

Thanks!

climber159 · Joined: 02 Sep 2007

Looks like Korea International School provides a waiver for up to two kids; Seoul International School doesn't specify the number.

http://www.kis.or.kr/hr/empolyment/empolyment.asp

http://siskorea.org/employment/benefits/

Edit: Also, keep in mind that many international schools look to hire teachers who have several years of teaching experience in their home country.

Lynns · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Location: Korea

From what I've seen, intl schools love to hire teacher couples, and the kids go free. Also, they hire non-teacher spouses to fill positions that don't require a teaching certificate (for example classroom aides, library aides, IT, etc.). I agree with previous poster, the best internatl schools will want you to have experience teaching in your home country, but there are always exceptions. If you can teach higher level math, science, or any IB courses you're golden for finding work at a great school.

Saxiif · Joined: 15 May 2003 Location: Seongnam

Yeah I realize that I'm not going to get hired by one of the big-name international schools right out of the gate, but it's good to hear that they hire non-teaching spouses for various jobs (didn't even think about that) and that some give waivers for up to two kids.

What I'm thinking of going for is one of the lower-tier international schools or a military school, get some experience there and move on up the line. My old neighbors used to teach at one and one of them didn't even have teaching certification. So I guess for me:

Pro:
-Lots of experience at high-end hagwons, for example about half of my students are international school kids at KIS, SIS, SFS, BIS, etc. I love this work but the hours will mean that I'll be working when my kid is home from school and he'll been in school when I'm free, which would really suck.
-My school is high enough up the US News & World Report college ranking to impress Koreans (which is what I've always used to get jobs in the past).
-I've done a lot of AP history tutoring if that's worth anything...
-Nice shiny F-2 visa.

Con:
-History Major. Big ouch here.
-No teaching experience outside Korea.
-One (possibly two kids later) and wife w/o teaching cert. Ouch.
-Atheist: some church-affiliated schools don't want to hire non-Christians.

Hopefully that'll balance out somehow. With the US army making Korea an accompanied tour that'll be a lot of teaching slots opening for army schools (especially if the Yongsan Garrison ever gets moved to near where I am).

warmachinenkorea · Joined: 12 Oct 2008

Unless you're certified you're not gonna get hired. They usually(99% of the time to keep their accredidation) need a certified teacher and they like 2 yrs experince or living or teaching abroad. They also like ppl with an MA but it's not a deal breaker.

If you're not certified it's probably not gonna happen.

Saxiif · Joined: 15 May 2003 Location: Seongnam

warmachinenkorea · Joined: 12 Oct 2008

Most of the big international schools offer free or very discounted rates for children. If a school says they are international and are hiring non-certified teachers they aren't really international and are most likley a glorified hagwon.

Where are you gonna do you ST? IF the DODEA or a big international school allowed this it would be a great way to get your foot in the door with either.

If you just want the same schedule go for an EPIK job. I'm a certified teacher in The States and my wife and I are starting our third year with EPIK. I have no idea how much you make now but EPIK pay isn't bad plus you get housing, and airfare. DODEA or an international school would be better but...

Saxiif · Joined: 15 May 2003 Location: Seongnam

warmachinenkorea · Joined: 12 Oct 2008

So your goal is to get you kid into an international school? I would get my cert. apply for all the schools in Korea and the DODEA and go from there. With your wifes salary plus your EPIK salary and housing you could swing it and be fine. IMHO.

After our student loan debt is paid(my wife is not certified so we both work now to pay debt off faster) I'm going for international schools and the DODEA.

Mr. Pink · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: China

Just so you guys know, DOD schools pay peanuts. The only benefit of those I can see in Korea is you are on the SOFA, get access to everything on base, and thus can live an American lifestyle cheaply while in Korea.

International schools pay almost twice what DoD pays, as you aren't living your home country lifestyle and they need to offer $$$ to entice people away from their comfort zones.

Mr. Pink · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: China

Just so you guys know, DOD schools pay peanuts. The only benefit of those I can see in Korea is you are on the SOFA, get access to everything on base, and thus can live an American lifestyle cheaply while in Korea.

International schools pay almost twice what DoD pays, as you aren't living your home country lifestyle and they need to offer $$$ to entice people away from their comfort zones.