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Phil88
Joined: 31 Jan 2012
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 Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 2:57 am Post subject: First time working in Korea - need a bit of advice! |
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Hey guys, im just finishing off my first semester teaching in Thailand which has been fantastic and im currently looking for a job teaching in S. Korea. What are the main teaching agencies people here go with? There seems to be so many in Korea that it seems to be a bit of a gamble! Also are there any areas that are better than other to work in? Any places i should avoid?
Thanks! |
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YTMND
Joined: 16 Jan 2012
Location: You're the man now dog!!
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| Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 3:07 am Post subject: |
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| What are the main teaching agencies |
You only need 1. It doesn't need to be "main", whatever image you have of that word.
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| Also are there any areas that are better than other to work in? Any places i should avoid? |
Seoul is the biggy, then Busan. After that, look at areas bordering those cities. You don't need to avoid the east, but I found the west to be better. Look into the Gyeonggido area, Incheon, Daejeon, and some like Gwangju. |
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Phil88
Joined: 31 Jan 2012
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| Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 3:10 am Post subject: |
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| YTMND wrote: |
You only need 1. It doesn't need to be "main", whatever image you have of that word. |
by that i wanted to know if theres maybe a few big time reputable and reliable agencies that are a safe bet |
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morrisonhotel
Joined: 18 Jul 2009
Location: Gyeonggi-do
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| Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 3:13 am Post subject: |
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| Phil88 wrote: |
| YTMND wrote: |
You only need 1. It doesn't need to be "main", whatever image you have of that word. |
by that i wanted to know if theres maybe a few big time reputable and reliable agencies that are a safe bet |
Search for Ttompatz's advice on recruiters. That'll tell you everything you need to know. |
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ttompatz
Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Location: Kwangju, South Korea
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| Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 3:35 am Post subject: |
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| ttompatz wrote: |
The good one is the one who gets you a "DECENT" job.
They are all good and they are all bad. They all have some proponents and they all have some complaints.
Search yourself and you have access to perhaps 20-50 potential employers who may be able to actually READ your resume and perhaps can get you through the visa confirmation process (not always easy for 1st time applicants).
Use 20 recruiters and that number jumps up into the many hundreds or potentially over 1000 jobs, even if the employer himself doesn't speak English (lots of hagwan jobs, MOST private placement PS jobs and virtually ALL private K-12 jobs fall into this category).
The problem lies in the fact that most people do NOT understand the role of the recruiter.
They are an introduction to a potential employer that you yourself would not otherwise be able to find. Then, if they are any good at their job, they guide you through the placement and assist with the paperwork necessary to get you as far as the employer.
They are NOT your friend.
They do NOT work for you (they are paid for and work for the employer).
They are like a used car salesman.
You walk onto their car-lot (website), peruse the cars (available jobs), if you see one you like you inquire about it.
After you listen to the sales pitch you let YOUR mechanic have a look at it (due diligence checking out the school).
If it is all good then you make the offer (accept the contract) and complete the sale (begin the paperwork for your visa application).
A good salesman will ensure that the paperwork is in order to make the sale and allow you to register the car. (A good recruiter will make sure your paperwork is in order and help get you through the paperwork to get your visa.)
I have no problem with using a recruiter or telling anyone else to use one (or more the case, many). They are your best option for fining the BEST fit when it comes to a job in Korea (or most of Asia for that matter).
For someone who is abroad, no connections and no ability to communicate in Korean then recruiters are a necessary evil.
That doesn't mean it is a crap shoot.
ALL recruiters are good. All recruiters are bad.
BUT they are a bridge to a job that you would not otherwise find.
The trick is in understanding what they are and what they do.
| ttompatz wrote: |
Really, when it comes to a recruiter, who cares where they are from or where they are based?
A recruiter is nothing more than an introduction to an employer.
Unless you have an extensive network of friends and/or colleagues in your target country OR can read/write and speak the local language and can apply directly they are a necessary evil.
REPEAT: A recruiter is nothing more than an introduction to an employer.
Hello Mr. English speaker this is Mr Hakwon owner.
Mr. hakwon owner, this is Mr. English speaker.
Mr. English speaker, here is the contract. Please read and sign.
School, here is the signed contract. Pay me.
Good bye.
-You are not paying them anything (or you shouldn't be).
-THEY DO NOT WORK FOR YOU! - They work for the school.
-They owe you nothing once you get here.
-They are not your friend.
-They are not your baby sitter.
-They cannot help you if things go to *beep* after you get here.
Beyond that it is YOUR responsibility to check the school out.
Do NOT trust ANY recruiter. They are like used car salesmen. They will lie and sell their soul to get the signature on the contract.
Do your own DUE DILLIGENCE in regards to the school or get burned.
Use the recruiters for what they are. Use more than one and keep going until you get what you want. There is no rush and there is certainly no shortage of jobs.
When it comes to the school - again - repeat - Do your own DUE DILLIGENCE.
1st - READ the contract over very carefully. If that doesn't scare you away then...
The best you can do is minimize the risk by talking to MORE THAN ONE of the foreign staff and ask POINTED AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS (*when the boss is NOT listening over their shoulder). Don't accept non-specific answers and broad generalizations.
No foreign staff references to talk (directly and via e-mail) to = walk away now.
Accept NO EXCUSES for any reason.
ONE CAVEAT: if it is a public school there may not be a Native English Speaker to talk to but there is a chain of command OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL (your POE liaison) if you have problems and they are more strict in following the terms of the contract.
7777 |
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