Korean Job Discussion Forums

[willteach4booze]

Hi! I'm new to this forum writing business.. but I NEED HELP! I have almost all my documents and I've been talking to what seems like a million recruiters and no one can seem to get me into central Seoul. I want to go around October- I'm getting so discouraged. I WANT TO TEACH SO BAD! Any advice?

[wiganer]

I'll try and help.. I hope you haven't got an email address like [email protected].

Have you been to Korea before?

Have you taught before?

What are your qualifications and are any related to teaching English?

Why central Seoul?

Are there any age groups you won't teach?

Where are you from?

How old are you?

Male or female?

What documents have you not got in your posession yet?

[willteach4booze]

No my email address is non-alcohol related.

I've never been to Korea.

I've never taught however my resume talks about different conversation classes I've led in Brazil (for English students) and in the US for Korean students and Hispanic immigrants.

I have a Bachelor's in International Business (boo!)

Central Seoul because it seems like everywhere in Seoul takes an hour to get anywhere (does that make sense? lol) and central seems to have the most going on. Plus I've got two friends there and that comforts me a bit. Seoul just seems to have it all and I want the city life.

I'll teach anyone but I'm tryin to steer clear of the split shifts!

I'm from the US, I'm female and 24 years old.

I've got all my documents except of course my background checks- state will be here in 3-4 weeks and fed will be 10-11 weeks (boo again)! If I can get my state check back and get everything together with a job offer I can get over there before I'll need the FBI check (2011). At least that's what I'm hopin for!

Thanks SO much! Cheers!

[wiganer]

[Knucklehead]

give up on central seoul.

It's not gonna happen. I know many twentysomethings with experience unable to find a job in seoul.

Be lucky if you can find anything in Korea that's not the boonies.

good luck.

[PatrickGHBusan]

You need to broaden your search.

There are other places besides central Seoul and frankly speaking, since you have never been to Korea, it is odd to insit on central Seoul only as you have no idea what you are talking about.

As another poster suggested, anywhere on the subway line could be fine.

There are also other good cities in Korea like Busan or Daegu that have their own thing going on.

[willteach4booze]

Wiganer: Those places you said sound perfect.. maybe saying "central" Seoul isnt what I mean.. And my picture is a head/shoulder shot of me wearing my business professional suit- and smiling of course- pearl earrings and all.

This document collection process is kicking me ars!!!!! I've done just about everything wrong.. on top of my university doing everything wrong as well. hah

I'm spending so much money that I don't have to see no decent jobs and then I find out I'm doing everything wrong:

my middle name is not on my transcripts but it's on my diploma;

my state (one of two out of 50) doesnt certify Fed background checks so I have to call the FBI and then fax them this paper to change it- which may or may not work and then when I finally get the background check (if theyve done it right) I have to send it and wait another 8 days for the sec of state in Wash DC to apostille it when every state except mine would do it on the same day!;

my transcripts werent stamped at all at first so i had to pay more money (not that I dont owe them US$55,000 for my lovely 'piece of paper'-er 'degree' sorry) for them to stamp it THEN my recruiter told me it doesnt look official so they may just not accept it however my university says its the only stamp they use,

I'm done venting. I feel better.



Oh and Patrick: The only advice I really get is off this website (and from a couple of friends) and everyone says Seoul. You're probably absolutely right- but I know culture shock... I know what a year from home is like.. and around that 3rd or 4th month (when it's the hardest for some- and you miss home like crazy) I feel that being in a bigger city will keep me busy. I was considering Busan as well. Since I have a couple friends in Seoul it seems a bit comforting for me to know I can run to them for a beer or coffee or something when I've had a rough day.

Thanks all!

[PatrickGHBusan]

[Steve_Rogers2008]

and use your friends! if they're on-site, they're the best tool you have... and they can vouch for you, too. let them do the digging for you!


You're an American. Getting friends and family to do the dirty work is an American tradition...

[willteach4booze]

Patrick: Not sure where one friend will be in Seoul yet (he's at orientation for EPIK atm), the other however is in Gwanak-gu.

I guess saying "central" Seoul was a huge mistake. I really mean not on the outskirts- and maybe I'm even wrong in saying that. I had an interview for a school that was in the north of Seoul and it just seemed so far from everything. (Dobong-gu).

Steve: Will do!

Any tips will help. I can't PM cuz I haven't made 25 posts yet

Thanks

[wiganer]

[JD_Tiberius]

[tdv01]

First time poster here and I'm in the same boat, I would like to be there in Oct. I have all my docs (sealed transcripts, original diploma, apostilled/notorized state CRC). I've reached out to 16 recruiters! I would like a public school, seoul location (suburb is fine). Only 5 recruiters have gotten back to me saying they'll contact me if there's a match. Any other tips on what I can do? I'm a 31 female, with a BA in Communication, no teaching experience.

[willteach4booze]

tdv: public or private? my understanding was that public only hires twice a year... private schools- hagwons- hire monthly.

[tdv01]

I would like Public but I hear mix things, I hear I missed the boat and will have to wait until Feb and I'm hearing from others that there's a chance I can get hired on mid semester.