Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kimchipig]

[seansmith]

Markness:

Kimchipig is the same type of guy I was talking about who builds up the web of connections over a few years and is steadily employed - except he's not doing it in Seoul but in Shanghai. I've met a few like him and his is one route to take. But keep in mind guys like him who are making the serious money possess 3 key qualities: they're reliable, professional teachers, they work their ass off, and they're business savvy. Kimchipig is a building an empire. My route is different: I obtained the required degrees (which kimchipig may also have) work at international school teaching high school IB and work as an IELTS examiner. I have a fairly structured work life, receive professional development, and also make good money.

It takes years to get where both us of are. If you think you've got the business chops to go Kimchipig's route then go for it. But if you want to teach beyond language school level in a formal classroom setting in professional environment with good conditions, then you're going to need a lot more than a 120 TESOL Certificate. Anyway if you're just 23 or 24 years old, don't panic - just choose Shanghai or Seoul and spend a couple of years getting the lay of the land.

[seansmith]

deleted repeat message

[firbaderb]

I moved from a hagwon position in Gyeonggi-do to China.

I have some negatives to say first.

My partner and I were interviewed overseas and told we would be getting 15,000 RMB. Cool. So we showed up in Shenzhen. Upon arriving the company wanted a sample lesson. They told us the students only knew the alphabet. Ok, fine. We prepared and walked in to our separate classes. The students had been studying English for 5+ years each and were able to write essays/ discussions/ etc. We had been set up! We scrambled and did our best to challenge the students. Anyway- the company told us that we were not what they expected. They would offer us 8,000 RMB. No way!

So we were trapped in Shenzhen without a job. We couldn't find any work that wanted us for more than 12,000 RMB. So with funds dwindling we hopped on a train and went to Shanghai. Within a week we found a job. We were making about 15,000 RMB a month. The job turned out to be cool at first- but within a month they were turning foul. They changed our contracts 4 times within the course of 9 months without us signing anything. They would deduct from our paychecks for ridiculous things- like a staff party that we hadn't been told about. My campus had renovations for two months so we didn't have bathrooms. My preschool students had to use buckets. The list goes on.

All I am getting at is business wise, we felt screwed a lot in China. Our contracts were just a piece of paper. We had friends and fantastic jobs and because we had been stranded we had to settle for junk. If moving to Shanghai make sure you are being hired at a reputable company.

Now for living in Shanghai- I LOVED IT.

My partner and I had a giant two bedroom place, near the French Concession for only 1200 a month. We could have had a roommate but we chose not to. We ate local food most of the time, and I spent about 20 RMB a day. There are foreign markets/ restaurants/ people everywhere, and not only English speakers. It was a diverse, vibrant city that always had something to do. Beer is cheap. It is only expensive if you live the high life- just like here in Seoul. The locals are very relaxed and friendly, though business is always the priority even then. Getting out was easy and cheap.

The only reason we left was that we were sick and tired of our job and I was offered a position back in Korea. I still think fondly of our time in China.

[dairyairy]

Looks like a bad time to teach in China
http://chinadailymail.com/2013/07/08/chinas-new-visa-laws-target-expats/

[Nolos]

[Weigookin74]

[byrddogs]