Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Dr.Caligari]

Hi all,
I searched around for something that dealt directly with this and came up short, so I apologize if it's been covered heavily.
Basically:
What are the average hiring times and job starting times of hagwons and uni's?
I ask because-
I'm in the states now finishing up my grad school. I don't mind putting down on my resume that I have/am receiving my MA when I still have 2 months to go if its necessary for me to apply now for the good jobs. But I'm aware that job apps require a copy of the diploma, and if a job hires me before the end of May I can only provide my BA. There's also all the passport/visa crap to apply for. I can't leave until at least August anyways because I have a uni job lined up this summer, but obviously application times are far in advance of start times. You get the gist.
There are many things I must do in advance, and I like to have things plotted out and lined up.
Thanks,
Cal

[Real Reality]

According to weatherman,
"If you are talking about University jobs, they hire November through January and sometimes in the summer."
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=15644&highlight=hiring

According to sadsac,
"The majority of schools and universities advertise in January for their March commencements. Private intitutions can be any time."
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=15707&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=hiring

From Corky,
"Our university is going to start adverstising in late April/early May. From what I've seen, most universities start around May/June and go until the end of July."
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=15897&highlight=hiring

[The Man known as The Man]

Its more advisable to be the only foreigner in the sticks countryside in a hogwan that just opened up last month.

[crazylemongirl]

public schools also hire about the same time as unis.

[Dr.Caligari]

OK, Thanks for your help.
Cal

[Zark]

What people haven't mentioned to you so far, is that Korean universities and schools are off-cycle from the USA/Canada systems. The school year starts around March 1st (or a week earlier) each year - and the second semester starts around Sept 1st (or a little earlier).

The bigger hiring season then, will be Nov/Dec for the March start. Nov/Dec because the universities are pretty much closed during Jan/Feb. There will be a hiring bump also before the second semester, but smaller. Using the same logic, it will be April/May, as schools are pretty much closed for the summer during July/Aug.

This off cycle stuff makes it a little harder to coordinate things with the rest of the world - but can give you an advantage if you do.

All that said, some schools just don't plan ahead and there are always a few fairly decent jobs at the very last minute for immediate start when schools find out Mr. Z has not returned, or refused to sign the new contract two weeks after school had already started. For example there was a great job at a medium-sized university in a smallish town on the coast just a few weeks ago. They wanted someone - yesterday. It could also be he result of a surprise bump in enrollment.

Hold out for decent university job with that M.A. - don't even think about a hogwan job. But, being a newbie, don't be too pissy for the first round. There is some competition about for the better positions - and flexibility can be what lands it for you. Be prepared for a lot of good and bad surprises.

With the right attitude, you'll have a ball.