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Korean Job Discussion Forums
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Kissmykimchi
Joined: 25 May 2010
Location: Seoul
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jzrossef
Joined: 05 Nov 2010
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 Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2010 7:53 pm Post subject: |
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I'd like to add to this, the one about a position in university.
The very concept of high school and university in Korea is, in a sense, opposite of what we'd expect in much of western education. In Korea, your grade in the final year of high school will be the biggest deciding factor to your job career. (And obviously, the most difficult and stressful year) In a way, this is like university for western standards.
Once Koreans get to university/college, however, it's much more relaxed. It's like high school for western standards... they just need to make sure they pass and don't screw themselves up, and they'll graduate with a degree. It's rare, especially nowadays, to meet a Korean with some kind of college degree. Drinking party is a general trend in colleges whereas in high schools, Koreans study to the point where they forget the meaning of sleep. There may be some exceptions in prestigious universities like Seoul University, but that was the trend upto the early 2000s. (It's possible that it might be different in the midst of recession, but Koreans rarely change... at least in social aspect anyway)
So while some may think universities/colleges are the ideal places for English teachers because of highly educated and motivated students from reasonably well-off background in general, that's not always the case. This is actually worse for students who just need a degree to keep up with social reputation as their jobs are already waiting... mostly from personal networking and despotism.
My 2cents. |
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ecuebl
Joined: 02 Nov 2010
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2010 1:59 pm Post subject: |
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| tottenhamtaipeinick wrote: |
Well the course says 100hrs but you can skip through content. I print out the tests and do them on lunch breaks etc but because I am working a stressful fulltime position it is hard to complete in my downtime after work as I also play golf and soccer. I would say you need 3 mths to complete it if you work fulltime! if you have no job you could finish it in 2weeks easy. I am not applying yet, just checked out how long it takes to process my VISA etc which is only 1 mth for sum1 in Australia. Also job private job boards wants ppl for End Nov/Dec atm so a bit to early to apply. Don't be tricked by the beaches in Busan they are not good! I want private hagwons because they start later (so this means can go out at night time which I haven�t been able to do here for ages) and the kids have already been in school before hagwons start so you are more a babysitter and easy to play games etc which is fun, though the kids are tired of sitting still and like to race round. I used to help my gf at a buxiban(hagwon) in Taiwan when I was studying there and the kids were so much fun. If you don�t want a career change and don�t mind being taken advantage of for a good experience away from home I am sure hagwons will do the trick.
You like Korean food? cause there isn�t much else in Korea.... This I am going to find hard, I love Korean food but living in a multicultural society I love a mix of everything Thai, Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Japanese, Malaysian etc! The only aspect I expect from living in Korea to bring me down is the food which hopefully won�t constantly make me want to return home. |
My job is ok most of the time so would have time from what you're saying, but I enjoy my downtime so I only want to do a long course if it makes a significant difference to job prospects. Was this the impression you got? Would like to do a week/weekend course for experience but I've heard that it's barely recognised. I think I'll start sending my CV to recruiters and see if they advise a course, and what course they advise.
Gutted, beaches and the big city had me sold on Busan! Have you been? I'm not that fussy, just a beach to chill on and sea to swim in tick my boxes. Sounds like we've got similar motivations for heading to Korea. It's about the experience of living in a completely new place and culture for me but from my limited teaching experience, if you have responsive kids it can be fun and fulfilling. Quite a change from my current job! I'm not a morning person and I like going out at night so late starts are high priority. I considered Taiwan, how was it? What made you choose Korea?
I like all food, got an easily satisfied stomach. I've read, especially in the big cities, that there are a diverse range of food places to eat so I think you should be ok - you might even get shrimp on the barbie (terrible joke)!
Thanks Kissmykimchi, useful advice and the site looks awesome. It's been favourited, keep up the good work!
Thanks jzrossef, hadn't read that on here. I'm learning by the day! |
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jzrossef
Joined: 05 Nov 2010
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| Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2010 10:53 pm Post subject: |
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Most of the Korean restaurants are operated by many lower class (at least financially... nothing personal here, just stating the facts) people doing it to make additional income without needing college/technical skills and heavy investments. This is one major reason why there are so many small restaurants in Korea. They like introducing familiar and traditional Korean cuisine (for whatever reasons ranging from lazy and apathetic to learn new cuisines to their pride in home-cooking) which explains why so many restaurants aren't diversified. (Living in homogenous society doesn't really help)
There are some other options that are readily available. There are many Chinese (albeit in Korean fashion, like how Chinese food in the West are extra sweet / sweet&sour compared to traditional Chinese cuisine) restaurants available as Koreans have been eating some Chinese-based food long enough to the point where it became part of their tradition. (ex. Jiah-jang-mun... black/brownish noodle with peas and pork meat) There are Japanese restaurants too, not as readily available as Chinese... but I hear they're generally a little more expensive. And of course, they are fast-food chains like McDonald's and Lotte. (Warning, fast-food chain run by Lotte allows refill for coke and spirit, but not other drinks like ice tea) In big bai-ka-jum or other megastores, they are food courts with more diverse food options such as Vietnamese and Thai food.
I don't get sick in the stomach if I don't have diverse food so long as I get my vitamin supplements. It might cost you, and you might have to look around and travel a bit more... but they are out there. |
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ecuebl
Joined: 02 Nov 2010
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2010 12:28 pm Post subject: |
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| jzrossef wrote: |
Most of the Korean restaurants are operated by many lower class (at least financially... nothing personal here, just stating the facts) people doing it to make additional income without needing college/technical skills and heavy investments. This is one major reason why there are so many small restaurants in Korea. They like introducing familiar and traditional Korean cuisine (for whatever reasons ranging from lazy and apathetic to learn new cuisines to their pride in home-cooking) which explains why so many restaurants aren't diversified. (Living in homogenous society doesn't really help)
There are some other options that are readily available. There are many Chinese (albeit in Korean fashion, like how Chinese food in the West are extra sweet / sweet&sour compared to traditional Chinese cuisine) restaurants available as Koreans have been eating some Chinese-based food long enough to the point where it became part of their tradition. (ex. Jiah-jang-mun... black/brownish noodle with peas and pork meat) There are Japanese restaurants too, not as readily available as Chinese... but I hear they're generally a little more expensive. And of course, they are fast-food chains like McDonald's and Lotte. (Warning, fast-food chain run by Lotte allows refill for coke and spirit, but not other drinks like ice tea) In big bai-ka-jum or other megastores, they are food courts with more diverse food options such as Vietnamese and Thai food.
I don't get sick in the stomach if I don't have diverse food so long as I get my vitamin supplements. It might cost you, and you might have to look around and travel a bit more... but they are out there. |
I'm half Malaysian so have been there quite a few times and find that while I'm there my stomach is all over the place. Haven't stayed for long enough to see how I adjust, so was wondering how you find your stomach is with the food over the longer term there, assuming you tend to eat local cuisine? No need for specifics! |
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mdsb87
Joined: 16 Aug 2010
Location: Gyeongsangnam do
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| Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2010 5:11 pm Post subject: |
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Hi,
My girlfriend and I are set to head over in the coming weeks.
I have a couple of pieces of advice to get sorted:
Research your job offers very thoroughly. Ask for an email address and phone number of a current native english speaking employee or previous employee. If they deny it says alot about your employer! We have refused a lot of jobs based on this even though we are really eager to get going asap!
also google your prospective schools name looking for blacklists.
Also try to be flexible enough on location as the market is fairly saturated right now. We as an Irish couple had no idea of the demand for American English speakers and originally only wanted Seoul. This proved impossible and we then broadened our options and got sort with something that seems to be looking pretty good !
Also get numerous copies of all docs in case of emergency after arrival !
Best of luck. |
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ecuebl
Joined: 02 Nov 2010
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 12:52 pm Post subject: |
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| mdsb87 wrote: |
Hi,
My girlfriend and I are set to head over in the coming weeks.
I have a couple of pieces of advice to get sorted:
Research your job offers very thoroughly. Ask for an email address and phone number of a current native english speaking employee or previous employee. If they deny it says alot about your employer! We have refused a lot of jobs based on this even though we are really eager to get going asap!
also google your prospective schools name looking for blacklists.
Also try to be flexible enough on location as the market is fairly saturated right now. We as an Irish couple had no idea of the demand for American English speakers and originally only wanted Seoul. This proved impossible and we then broadened our options and got sort with something that seems to be looking pretty good !
Also get numerous copies of all docs in case of emergency after arrival !
Best of luck. |
Hi mdsb87
Thanks for your insight.
In a brief look for job specs, I did notice that Seoul tended to want Americans and mainly females, of which I'm 0 for 2 but I thought when I looked more there would be some availble. What was you experience from trying to get a job in Seoul? Do you think there is a market for non-americans, and would it be only for more experienced teachers?
So, where are you and your girlfriend heading? I originally thought Seoul or Busan but having read more on here it sounds like the big cities are more similar than I expected. Maybe start a bit smaller than the big two and hopefully get there with some experience. Sounds like the school and contract are more important, can always hop a train for Seoul on the weekends.
Good luck with the move, hope it all goes well, you guys sound well prepared! |
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