Korean Job Discussion Forums

wygbsm · Joined: 11 Oct 2012

Couple of days ago I found out that I passed all my class and officially graduated with a Bachelors in Applied Mathematics. I've made up my mind and want to teach in Korea. My question is how can I get there the fastest? Here is my situation.

It takes my university 6-8 weeks to send diplomas. Middle of February at the earliest. How will this affect me?
Do I go ahead and get an FBI CBC now? Or is it something that I have to wait until I have found a job? These take a couple of months right?

Male. 22. USA. Have my Passport. AVID Tutor right now. Will continue my tutoring job and also start substituting next semester until I leave for Korea.

I want to teach in Seoul. I want to teach in public schools. I plan on using a recruiter because I feel this will be quicker/easier.

Also, should I get my TEFL certification? Is it really worth it?

From what I understand is that I can get my FBI CBC now. Wait until early February. Contact a recruiter explain that my diploma should arrive soon. Wait for diploma, get all the paperwork done and hopefully I end up leaving by late March. Does this seem like a reasonable timeline? Or am I being too optimistic?

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

Relax.

NOTHING can happen until you have the actual parchment in your hot little hands (visa pre-application requirement is a certified true copy of your parchment with an apostille affixed to it).

The largest intake in Seoul is for August starts with applications beginning in April.

.

modernseoul · Joined: 11 Sep 2011 Location: Seoul

Public Schools roles in Seoul are limited and the hiring times are Feb and Aug. With applications for the Spring intake now closed.

You might get lucky and find someone drops out at the last moment or is fired within their first month, or you could try a for a ploy school or hagwon role.

However, the best advice is to take your time and get the right job at the right school in the best location for you. If you rush, you may end up in a bad situation and your Korean dream will quickly become a nightmare.

Good Luck.

Weigookin74 · Joined: 26 Oct 2009

Get your documents and let Korea know you've got them in hand. As a first timer, don't be fussy about location. There's lot of competition for jobs. Take anywhere to get into the country. After a year, you have Korean teaching experience, then you can go to Seoul son. (But, if you have a sweet deal great job, hang onto it for dear life no matter where you're living and don't let go until this economy recovers.)