Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ed4444]

I am busy searching for a job as a Uni Professor at the moment. I have my PhD now so some of the ones I am going for are tenure-track and others aren't.

I was thinking that the hoops they make applicants jump through are completely over the top.

Here is an example:

I applied for one recently in a University in Mapo-Gu in Seoul. Obviously, this is an neighborhood that most expats would cut off a testicle to live in (or the equivalent) so you would think the competition would be fierce.

Their first stage (pre-interview) requirements:
1. Original Degree Scrolls and Transcripts presented in person (post or email not allowed)
2. A 12 page application form
3. Employment certificate from everywhere you every worked
4. 3 references sealed and unopened.
5. Digital copy of PhD thesis

All of this was expected in a 10 day application window before the deadline.

So I went to visit them. Upon arrival at the academic affairs office, I asked very politely who decides on the requirements. The girl told me the Dean of Academic Affairs and the President of the Uni decide together.

So I pointed out that getting sealed references from past employers would involve paying 1,500USD on flights and travelling 8,000km. I gave them references in the end but obviously not sealed ones. I said will this put me at a disadvantage or possibly disqualify me. They said.... yes!

They had advertised for 47 Professors (but they were willing to hire native english speaking level koreans). I asked them how many foreign professors managed to jump through all the hoops needed in order to just apply. They said..... 10!

[ed4444]

This email from a job I applied to recently also made me laugh

[YTMND]

This is all normal. While you might not be ready yet, other teachers are.

[ed4444]

I'm not sure it is a case of being ready. Is your university willing to fax on copies of your degree to any job you apply for? I don't think mine is.

[PigeonFart]

That is ridiculous.

[YTMND]

[Hoost]

[I'm With You]

Yes, I've also wondered about this, becuase Koreans ask for Certificates of Employment.

Well, if you've worked in Thailand, Indonesia, China, Taiwan, and Japan - how in the f*ck are you going to be able to obtain these certificates of employment without going there.

Many of these schools ignore emails and not speaking the local language well will only result in useless telephone calls.

Certificates of employment is a serious requirement for Korean employers but not practical for people who are applying from outside of Korea.

[I'm With You]

[I'm With You]

What this proves is that Koreans are now super paranoid about foreign qualifications.

They just do not trust us anymore.

Fake degrees used by foreign EFL teachers are as common as fake Louis Vuitton handbags and wallets used by Koreans these days.

And I know several Canadians who obtained their CELTA / DELTA and even B.A. degrees from Kao San Road!

[ed4444]

[ed4444]

I used to work for a famous uni in Korea. I remember 4 years ago they were preparing to hire their first ever non-Korean Professor on tenure. My office was beside the academic affairs office so I often popped in and out.

One day when I went it I could see they were very flustered. I asked them what was up and they were trying to figure out a way authenticate the experience and qualifications of their incoming professor before finalising his contract. They were talking about notarisations, seals, stamped letters and all sorts of hoops.

I said I have an idea. They said ok. I picked up the phone, called the admin of his previous dept, verified he worked there and was academically qualified, and asked for a simple official confirmation letter. Took about two minutes.

[YTMND]

[drcrazy]

[YTMND]