Korean Job Discussion Forums

[naturegirl321]

So kimmi is changing immigration rules. . . again and the topic has come up again at my university about visas. We teach credit course, don't teach convo classes, but are E2s, and at one of the best unis in Korea (sigh). Catch 22 is that for us to get an E1, according to the admin, we'd have to quit, leave the country and get an E1. We've also been told that universities usually get English teachers E2s, somehow it's easier, maybe for them, but more paperwork for us.

So those of you who ARE at a uni and not on an F2 or F4, or F5, are you an E1 or an E2?

If you're an E1, how hard was it to get the visa? And do you know if there's anyway to stay at the same uni and change from an E2 to an E1?
Thanks

[mm]

From my understanding it is extremely difficult to get an E-1 visa unless you are teaching a non language course.

[naturegirl321]

[edwardcatflap]

So what's the big deal about getting an E1? Can you go through passport control quicker or something?

[ttompatz]

[naturegirl321]

I think it's more prestigious. If you ever transfer universities, you'll see that some prefer E1s, F2s, and F5s. It also makes paperwork easier, no background checks. Basically, you get the recognisition that you deserve. YOu're not a hagwon teacher, you're a university professor. Just like our contracts say.

[ThingsComeAround]

Damn shame.

Unfortunately to Koreans we are all just English teachers BUT if you were to teach a different subject taught in English (international law/mgmt, science, sociology, etc) would that work?

[naturegirl321]

I highly doubt it since that's what we currently do now

[ThingsComeAround]

[naturegirl321]

Hm, I guess if presentation, writing and culture don't count then we are out of luck. BUt my culture class is world culture, not English speaking culture. Sigh, I guess I'll always be an E2.

[edwardcatflap]

In my experience conversations usually go like this

What do you do?
I'm a teacher
What do you teach?
I teach English, culture, science, whatever
Where do you work?
I work at ..............university, hagwan etc...

Not

What do you do?
I'm a teacher
What visa are you on?

So the person you want to make it clear you're not just a boring old English teacher to will usually already know before the time when you might start talking about visas.

[naturegirl321]

I know. I understand. It's not for conversations and making friends and trying to impress them, it's for future job opps. those they say E1s are preferred. And for making my life easier by not having to get an FBI check every year

Anyways, I can see that I'm fighting an uphill battle , so I'll just have to grin and bare it. thanks for all the feedback. I appreciate it.

[edwardcatflap]

[offtheoche]

E1.

[liveinkorea316]

Edwardcatflap the FBI requirement came in this year. There are no exceptions. I am surprised you dont know.