Korean Job Discussion Forums

robrodjr · Joined: 01 Mar 2008 Location: Gyeongsangnam-do Korea

Hello to all. I'm currently working as an esl teacher in Korea and my current job and contract ends soon. I'm looking for a new job. I've been applying to private hagwons and public schools from levels elementary to high school. So far I've come up snake eyes. I'm thinking of looking for an esl job at a Korean college or university. Outside of Dave's esl cafe (of course), what are good websites and recruiters to find these jobs? I appreciate the help.

3DR · Joined: 24 May 2009

Apparently your luck will get worse trying to find one of those jobs.

robrodjr · Joined: 01 Mar 2008 Location: Gyeongsangnam-do Korea

Look, I'm not the type of person who goes into chat rooms and message boards in order to make an ass of himself with snide remarks. I show people respect, so I demand the same. That's all, nothing more or less.

3DR · Joined: 24 May 2009

NYC_Gal · Joined: 08 Dec 2009

It will be harder to find a uni job than it is for PS or hagwon jobs. This is true. Keep on truckin'.

languistic · Joined: 25 Nov 2009

Many universities advertise on their webpages, so you can check there. Most however hire internally, which is why networking (having the right circle of friends, going to the right professional functions) is critical to finding work in the universities.

Not to beat a dead horse, but if you are seen as a non-hire by the hagwons and public schools, you will be seen perhaps even less so by a university.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

How many years of experience do you have in Korea? Other countries?

Do you have your MA in a related dicipline?

Competition for univerisity positions has been heating up over the past few years. Some smaller colleges and universities, including 2-year schools, still hire BA holders, but they tend to be in the sticks.

Then again, even if a university will pick you up with just a BA, odds are the that employment terms aren't all that great. I do know a few people with only their BAs who have been employed VERY long term at smaller universities in Seoul, but they tend to be the exception, not the norm.

liveinkorea316 · Joined: 20 Aug 2010 Location: South Korea

It is still possible to get a uni job with a BA.

What I did was find an online list of the universities in Korea - i.e. a top 200 ranking. It is simple on a google search.

Then go to each webpage and find an email address to send something to and send them your cover letter and resume.

I sent about 50 emails and got about 25 replies, 6 bites, 4 interviews by phone and one job.

Timing is crucial though. The hiring season for September just passed so you may have ti wait till November till they are looking again.

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

You will be much likely to find a job with just a BA in a rural university. As someone else said, the competition for university positions is getting really fierce and most are looking for a MA plus experience. Not that I'm saying it's impossible (I actually just was at camp with someone who only has a BA and teaches uni), but you will have to work your butt off to get a position.

Also as liveinkorea said, the window for September is almost closed. There maybe a few universities still hiring, but the pickings are going to be slim to none. The next major hiring date is for March and that starts as early as October in terms of applications.

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2010 6:18 am Post subject:

OP,

First of all this is the worst possible time of the year to look for College or University positions. The high hiring season is late November to late January.

Secondly, unless you have a MA you are out of luck for most good University or College jobs in larger cities.

So that leaves rural colleges and even then, it is likely those jobs are filled.

At this time of the year, your best bet is Hakwons or hoping a PS needs to fill a spot because a teacher backed out at the last minute.