Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tremault]

Hi, I was advised to come to this forum by a kind person on the international forums.
I am looking for a way to teach in east asia, but I do not have any funds. I am subsisting on government hand outs and I will not be able to save the necessary amounts for flight or accommodation. I was told that there was a possibility that a korean school or agency might be willing to invest in me in this fashion. (fronting cost of flight, accomodation and possibly meals)

I'd like to enquire about this possibility.

I have a degree in animation. I have experience in voluntary english teaching. mostly polish people. I am an excellent problem solver, I see things that most people don't.

I was asked about weaknesses in the international forum. I am dyslexic. I have a high ability but a relative weakness in short term memory and processing speed. This makes things like forms and essays incredibly frustrating because of working from short term memory.

Back to the main focus of the topic though, I am looking for a way to arrive in Korea (or anywhere east asia) and start working, yet able to stay alive and have a roof over my head. I don't have any savings or anyone who can borrow me money. I do have debts but they are under control and not currently a problem. I may be able to raise funds in the region of a couple of hundred pounds, but not much more than that.

I think I covered everything, thanks for reading!

[newb]

Most will advice against coming to Korea or anywhere without sufficient exit plan funds in case you end up working for a free loading boss. With that said, there are some hagwon jobs that will offer you the upfront air ticket. Work with several recruiters if this is possible. Once again, bring some doe so you can survive for at least a month ($500) until your first pay check. Bring credit cards as your exit plan fund.

[andrewchon]

Can't you borrow some money from parents, friends, bank, etc?

[JustinC]

You need energy and enthusiasm, more than detail or analytical skills, for kindy and lower elementary levels. You could also look to China for posts which will pay your way out here and don't require the extra admin costs before you come.

Are you using your animation skills? If so, how? Can you link to some work, as I know someone who might be able to pay you for some.

[ttompatz]

[ghostrider]

So much for the claim that being trained in a technical skill or profession will save you from having to teach English in Korea.

[tremault]

thanks for all your replies guys

newb,
thanks, I usually spend very little on food (the equivalent of $50 per week) so I should be able to do that.

andrewchon,
unfortunately I don't have any close family, my friends are tight and the banks hate me at the moment because of my student debt.

JustinC,
while my energy is low at the moment, I am sure I can drum up some excitement if necessary. thanks for your interest in my design skills. my website is tremault.tk

ttompatz,
I've had a CRB check (uk criminal records buereau) to volunteer teaching english here. sorry to ask, what is an apositlle?

ghostrider,
he he yeah, the economy is really going down the pan ^_^; nah, actually it's just me, don't want to live in an english city.

[Son Deureo!]

If you don't understand exactly why it's dangerous to come over here with nothing in your pocket, look no further than this current thread about what can happen to a new teacher who signs on with the wrong hogwon: http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=223313

Also, keep in mind that Korean schools pay salary only once a month, so even at a school where getting paid on time and in full isn't an issue you'll still need to have enough cash on hand to live on for as long as 4-5 weeks and equip the apartment you've just moved into. When you first get here, it's also difficult to keep your expenses low as you don't know the language or the lay of the land so you can get good deals.

You wouldn't be the first teacher to come over with nothing in his pocket and managed to make it work, but it's risky.

One more thing. If you want Immigration to approve you for your work visa, make no mention of this on your health self-evaluation form:

[adzee1]

[JustinC]

Yeah a lot of paperwork is required before you get here. Not elsewhere.

When I worked in China it was really simple; just scan your stuff and email them, you're accepted for a job. I got a tourist visa to get into the country (I think this was/is illegal but lots of people do it), flight provided by the school, get there, trip to Kongers after a couple weeks to get a 'Z' visa, get your residency permit, all done tickettyboo.

And China is cheap as chips if you're outside of the biggest cities, lots of ways to save some moolah.

Tried to PM you but I think you need a minimum number of posts.

[PatrickGHBusan]

First, get all your documents ready and have them in hand before you apply.

Second, you will need some money because your first payday will be one month after you arrive since in Korea you will be paid by the month. Employers will typically provide you with an apt free of rent but you will still need to pay the utilities (after one month however). Some employers offer a "relocation allowance" that can vary from 200 000W to 350 000W. This allowance will NOT be enough to live for one month.

Airfaire is sometimes paid-up front by the employer and sometimes employers ask employees to buy their own tickets and reimburse them once they arrive in Korea.

Now, coming to Korea (or anywhere else abroad) without some money is asking for trouble. It is in fact a recipee for disaster as it puts you in ahighly vulnerable position should anything happen to you. I do not just mean employment related issues but also health issues as your employer provided health coverage does not kick in right when you get to Korea.

Employers will NOT provide meals except perhaps lunch at some schools. Some employers will charge you if you wish to eat the school lunch, some will not. That still leaves you with breakfast and dinner.

I will say that the BARE MINIMUM you should have on hand when you arrive is about 800 000W (convert that to your local currency to figure out how much). This money will pay for your meals, daily expenses, transit costs (unless you love within walking distance from your school) and for things you will inevitably have to purchase (house supplies).

So, get that 800 000W together however you can (ask friends to lend it to you, use a credit card....).

[Stan Rogers]

I did it. You can too. You'll just have to live on a tight budget for a month or so. After working a couple of weeks you could ask your employer for an advance on your salary. Mine did it for me.

[PatrickGHBusan]

[Keeper]

I had to pay 15k for the ARC card processing and 90k won for the health exam. My employer picks up all my other expenses though including food so it's definitely possible to get by very cheaply that first month.

That said if you are looking for immediate work look into China. The requirements are not as strict and you will have an easier time of finding a position. Go there, get some money going and then try Korea in a year's time.

[Stan Rogers]