Korean Job Discussion Forums

[englishada]

So, here is my dilemma.

I am 25 year old African American female. I am definitely coming to Seoul, no later than this summer. The problem is I do not know what kind of jobs to apply for.

I have a BS in advertising and am currently obtaining a MA in English.
Here's the problem. I technically will not have officially graduated until August. On top of that my school is notorious for not sending diplomas in a timely manner (making it hard to get it apostilled). AND the only real teaching experience I have is being a after school tutor at public schools.

I see certain websites and even posters on here say that if you have a Masters you can easily get a Uni job. Of course that is what I want, but I want to be realistic about it.

So honestly folks....what jobs should I apply for?

Also, its important to note that the only place I will consider is Seoul for personal reasons.

[RMNC]

Given that you're African American, it's going to be pretty hard to get a job in Korea. Universities tend to want white people working for them, so prepare yourself for a lot of indiscriminate racism. Being Black in Korea is NOT easy.

That said, with your qualifications your best bet is to wait until the hiring season (August-September, January-February) and apply to as many schools as you can find directly. There are also a few blog posts about universities that are hiring. If you start having trouble, you could always start looking at university-run hagwon programs "unigwons" and try to see what might be out there. Really, when it comes to universities, it's mostly about connections, networking and referral by current and former employees. Some people do get interviews from cold calling, but I would say for the most part those jobs are taken by people living in Korea who know someone at the university.

[minos]

[davemon]

I'm pretty sure getting your masters diploma, actually in-hand, late will not affect your opportunities. Getting degrees apostilled is a visa requirement, not a job offer requirement. So I would imagine you'll need some proof of your master degree for your employer that doesn't necessarily have to meet the visa requirements, which are satisfied by having your BA apostilled.

[englishada]

[Draz]

[brento1138]

Many people in this country believe what they see on TV. Luckily a larger and larger percentage of what they see on TV is a black man in a business suit leading the world's most powerful / successful country. So, Obama has possibly done some good for the average Korean's view of black people. Things are changing, so don't worry about racism. Don't let the possibility of failure stop you.

[ttompatz]

[marsavalanche]

Seoul? No.

Rural area? Yes.

[ThingsComeAround]

listen to ttompatz.

You will not find a uni position in Seoul. Not because of racism, but because of availability.

If you really want to work here, (and don't mind waiting for a uni position) I'd recommend working at a high school for a year or two and get to know the system. When you get here, join KOTESOL, and network, network, network!

[minos]

Uni job from overseas? Not likely

They want in person interviews usually.....at least decent ones near or in Seoul.

Problem with getting a Seoul Uni job is that not all of them are great....quite a few suck ass or have short terms(resign every 3-4 months).

Unless your from an IVY league school, getting a good Seoul Uni. job is gonna be tough.

I'd just aim at higher end hagwons.

[Son Deureo!]

It's very difficult to get a uni job from overseas, Master's or no, black, white, or purple. Almost all Korean unis insist on an in-person interview.

Uni job or not, Immigration has no interest in seeing an apostilled copy of your Master's, just your BA as that's what qualifies you for your E2 work visa. Unis will want to see your Master's degree and transcripts, generally as part of the application package, but the apostille is unnecessary.

[englishada]

Thank you all for your help!! I had the feeling about the Uni situation, so I felt I should ask to make sure.
I am currently in the process of applying to SMOE with my fingers crossed...
What exactly is a higher end hagwon and how can you tell?

[PatrickGHBusan]

What do you mean by a high end Hakwon englishada?

Define that a bit and maybe you will get some clearer responses.

As for your overal question, arriving in the summer means you should aim for SMOE or EPIK jobs. Universities will not be hiring much then.

Peak hiring season is late fall (November) to early winter (early Feb).

Your best bet would be to sign a contract with a PS, do your one year to get some in-country teaching experience. While doing that, start networking and and making contacts for NEXT YEARS University hiring drive. You would end your PS contract in August. You could then concievable take a vacation and come back to Korea as a tourist while you apply and interview for jobs.

The other option is to get a Hakwon job that starts in December or November.

This would mean you finish your first contract in October or November so right in prime hiring season.

Being in Korea dramatically increases your chances of finding a University job. Even then, you will need to broaden you search to areas other than Seoul as those positions are the most competitive.

You could try to work for a unikwon (a hakwon run by the university) as this would put you on the "inside".

Good luck.

[minos]

Higher end:

TOEFL/test prep hagwon or hagwons that like people with fancy master degrees and/or IVY league degrees. Mainly, they pay more...

There are some higher end kindy schools that only hire females with adv. degrees or edu. degrees that pay 2.7+ mil in Seoul.


SMOE is good, you might get accepted in Gangnam public schools with a masters....they pay a bit more, but same job more or less(better rent money too!).


I wouldn't go work at a starter hagwon like Avalon, CDI, GnB, etc. if I had a masters.