Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Mike H]

Hi,

I have visited South Korea twice as a tourist and recently completed a TEFL course online. I want to go to Korea to teach English. Unfortunately, I have a commitment that I cannot get out of in May 2014.I would need to return to my home country for about a week and a half and I have heard that it is difficult to take holidays when you want in Korea. All the roles I have seen are for one year.

Are the private schools very strict when it comes to contracts i.e would they be willing to give a 10 month contract instead of a one year contract?

Do you have any advice? Are there any other ways round this dilemma? Perhaps I should just pursue the teaching next year

Thanks

[Waygeek]

6 month contracts are rare-ish, but they do exist. Ask some recruiters and see what they say.

[faeriehazel]

I have never heard of anywhere allowing a 10 month contract. You could sign a 1 year contract and then quit before it's over by giving notice.

There are jobs that allow for 1-2 week holidays, but they are pretty rare. The last place I worked at was very flexible and understanding when it came to taking time off, so you could get lucky and find a hakwon that will hire you under the understanding that you need that week and a half off in May.

[Mike H]

Thanks for the responses.

Maybe I should apply for jobs then and mention it during the skype interviews that I would need a week and a half off in May or would it be best to let the recruiters know same?

[faeriehazel]

If I were you, I wouldn't mention it until after you were made an offer and it's time to start negotiating the contract.

Although the fact that you are not even in Korea at the moment AND you want a guaranteed week and a half off in May, during your first year there, is a bad combination. Hakwons prefer that you take your time off during school exams, when many middle school students are absent anyway (April, June, September, December).

[ttompatz]