Korean Job Discussion Forums

[OMGtrev]

Physical fitness is my hobby and I have some good experience leading PT groups and training people (in the gym and the lacrosse field) personally. I was wondering if it is possible to turn two things I like, teaching English in Korea and helping people become fit, into a job in Korea. I'm thinking it would be something like being a personal trainer at a gym and serve as a regular personal trainer for any foreigners who want it, or as a personal trainer and English conversation coach for Koreans who want to kill two birds with one stone. I know it's a good idea, but I just don't know how to go about working towards it. Would I need to go back to the US and become a certified trainer there, then come back? Or is it possible to get certified here? Or is it even necessary to get certified?

Any insight or advice on this matter would be greatly appreciated!

[coralreefer_1]

I think you can do it, depending on your visa status and whether or not you can get the visa extension to do so.

If someone is willing to give you a job doing it, I do not believe certification of ANY kind in necessary other than what the immigration may require to do that kind of work.

I say this because I originally came to Korea with a Taekwondo scholarship at a university, and after all of the classes in that department and graduation from that university, the degree came with certificates in children's physical education, general physical education, sports massage, coaching...etc. (all with their respective Korean organizations)

However, immigration is not concerned so much with "certification" as it is concerned with degrees that relate to that kind of work (visa extension) you wish to pursue. Depending on your highest attained degree, they also want to see work experience in those fields.

If you can show that you have a degree or other work experience related to that work (I believe the minimum is 5 years experience if your degree is not related) and someone willing to give you that job under contract, I believe you can do it

[OMGtrev]

Thanks for the info. I definitely don't have 5 years of experience and I have no idea how I could get that without already having a degree, which I don't have.

I suppose I could just do private sessions just like people do private English lessons and just have it be under the table. That would probably be the easiest. Perhaps if I find a gym with friendly staff I can ask them if they'd spread the word about my plan and just kinda do everything unofficially.

[coralreefer_1]

Well..i hope I did not discourage you. What I meant was...depending on your level of degree, BA, or Masters, or PhD..they waive the experience.

If you have NO degree at all..the minimum is 5 years experience in the field you wish to get the extension. I assume if you are already here then you have at least a BA. I think in the case of BA degree (regardless of subject) they require 2-3 of experience in the field you with to get extension...In the case of MA/MS degree. (again regardless of subject) require 1 year of experience in subject..and in the case of PhD...no experience may be required.

Not sure of your situation, but the kind of visa permission you are trying to get would fall under E-9 (special occupations) I know navigating the site is a bit difficult, but that is really the best source for finding the information you need about obtaining "legal" permission to engage in activities beyond your current status of sojourn. There you will find the type of work you wish to do, and what is required by you as far as qualifications in regards to where immigration is concerned. Beyond that..any other qualifications would be up to the employer.

http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/index.html

[sirius black]

Just my guess but I think it could be very lucrative. The ajumas are all at the gym I go to in the mornings. I'm the only foreigner and they came over to me at first because of the oddity. They do aerobics as well and I would imagine they'd love taking a class by a foreigner and see it as an opportunity to combine exercising with a free english lesson.

I think there are tons of things (coaching kids soccer, taekwondo, etc.) that would be a huge hit with parents and kids if it was done by a NET.

[Yaya]

Are you a certified personal trainer? If so, I might have a friend who would be interested in your services.

[mattdemers]

I thought about doing the same thing. Great idea. One thing about gyms in Korea is that they have hired staff that are paid to show people the right way to workout. That's all they do is walk around and show people technique and help people spot. Just thought I'd let u know so u can factor that in.

[Vagabundo]

I had the same idea years ago in Latin America. for the client, Kill 2 birds with one stone, work out properly with someone who knows what he's doing plus speak/learn english at the same time (and my Spanish is good enough so that I could always bridge and or explain anything that needed it)

Never gave it a full try/go but it makes sense, and especially so in a country with a high desire to learn English and people with money, such as Korea.

now that I think about it.. Sao Paulo would be a much better and more fun place to try it in (although it's an overcrowded cement laden ddonghole)

[Ck10n3]

I've recently been considering this as well. Went to my gym today to ask them, but they were unexpectedly closed. Bummer.

Anyways, I can get my F4 visa, and should have it within the next two weeks. It might be interesting to try and start some sort of business etc...