Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Bbarroninsc]

I am a US citizen, and I am considering teaching English in Korea. This query is for my wife.

We live together in the US, and she has a green card, but does not yet have US citizenship. Are there any programs that she could work with to teach Russian in Korea? She is open to other work, but my understanding is that she wouldn't be legally allowed to work unless she sorts a work visa prior to going.

Thanks ahead of time for any assistance.

[waynehead]

I don't have much advice to give, but since no one else chimed in I thought I'd add my .02. There probably are Russian language programs and academies, and assuming she's a native speaker she might find work there. But from what I know of other language academies (Spanish, Japanese, German etc) the pay is usually commensurate with demand (relative to demand for English) which is quite lower. I have met Spanish, French, Japanese teachers here, but never a Russian teacher, for whatever that's worth (although I know there is a sizable Russian and Russian-speaking population).

[andrewchon]

Yeah, there are hundreds of them down in Incheon. Ajosshis have (misguided?) impression that Russian women are sexually liberated, if you know what I mean. Besides, it don't cost so much to live in Korea, so double income isn't necessary.

[Troglodyte]

I don't think there's much demand for Russian.

She COULD get an E2 visa if she has a university degree from Russia and a Russian passport. She would need to find a school willing to hire her in order to get the visa. If you work for a hagwon, ask your boss about it.

You'll probably have the most success in Seoul, maybe Busan (but less likely, I think). If you guys are here, then she could ask around at some of the Russian foreigner bars (yes, Russians have them also). There are a few in Itaewon and I recall seeing one in Suwon near the train station a few years ago. She can probably find these places online in Russian if she looks. There are a lot of migrant workers in the satellite cities around Seoul and Russians seem to be popular workers. I've occasionally seen Russian (and other Eastern Europeans) working as entertainers (some for real, some as a cover for prostitution). In the language industry, you'll quite often see them at the English villages. They are usually hired as entertainers and to work the shops. The management want people who look like they could be American but with lower salary.

She can come over on a dependent's visa and then do a visa run to Japan when she finds a job.

[Bbarroninsc]

I appreciate the responses very much. Thanks for taking the time to help.