Korean Job Discussion Forums

foullows · Joined: 08 Jun 2012 Location: Salt Lake City

I have a weird situation that I doubt few, if any, potential ESL teachers have. I'm currently in the Air National Guard and my enlistment is up in November. I've talked to my superiors about my desire to stay in the Guard and also my desire to leave for a year to teach English in Korea, and it seems like that they are willing to let me go for a year to do so (the Air Guard is a LOT more flexible than active duty Air Force).

There are still a few little details to work out with my unit before I get the official go-ahead to teach in Korea, but it seems 95% sure that they'll let me do it. I'm wondering if this would at all conflict with any of my employers in Korea. Would they frown on me being in the military? Would it prevent me from being a teacher in Korea? Should I not even mention it? Would they care?

This might be a moot point in a few months, because if there is no reenlistment bonus (which is like $10-$15K) when my time to reenlist comes up, I probably won't reenlist. Also, if I end up enjoying my time in Korea and want to sign on for another year, then I would just have to get out of the military all together.

Any advice or insight would be much appreciated.

JustinC · Joined: 10 Mar 2012 Location: We Are The World!

I've met several ex-military who are now EFL teachers, in Korea and elsewhere. They've all been hard working and diligent, and had good relationships with their employers. I can only speak from anecdotal evidence but I see no obvious problems in your situation, maybe a (good, bigger company) recruiter will be able to offer you more help.

andrewchon · Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 5:59 pm Post subject:

I was on active reserve from Australian Army when I started.
Some did have reservations about hiring a soldier.
I came with good and bad:
yes, my manners were blunt as expected, but
I also had experience giving lessons in the army,
so in the end they badly needed a teacher and hired me.

Who's Your Daddy? · Joined: 30 May 2010 Location: Victoria, Canada.

If you are applying to a boys school, mention it. Also you might want to look for jobs teaching Korean soldiers ESL. I've seen some posts for the Korean Navy that look pretty good.

foullows · Joined: 08 Jun 2012 Location: Salt Lake City

Cool, thanks for the replies. So far it sounds like it won't prevent me from being a teacher, which is awesome. Thanks again.