Korean Job Discussion Forums

[stevieg4ever]

I want to come back over to Korea on a basic public school contract. But during the spring intake (just gone) I found it difficult with recruiters. They would constantly put me forward for schools and I would hear nothing after. At one stage I was told a position was “99.9% mine, all we need is the rubber seal” only to be let down later. I was offered one public school GEPIK position but the salary was 2.1m, that was early in December, but I turned it down as both me and the recruiters were sure I would get another placement. They asked for numerous videos and were always very cagey. Some were better than others but some were really aggressive and just wanted me to send my documents over with a signed blank contract (for GEPIK) without the salary grade or school name filled in in order to match me up from the UK. A lot of the time I would receive job specs which had incorrect information especially in regards to location. So I kept passing job specs over or ones I wanted to go for would reject me.

Because I have been and left with EPIK and SMOE that precludes me from reapplying. Also I left my last contract early (for reasons unrelated to teaching / work, one of my reference letters are from them) which some recruiters claim has been a problem. I am eligible for GEPIK jobs but the problem I had is that, by in large, metropolitan areas like Suwon and Anyang all want in person interviews, a couple don’t and are willing to front the airfare but these are few and far in between (I even said I would front the airfare at my expense but was told that this wouldn’t make a difference). Being overseas I have mainly been sent rural GEPIK placements (Gimpo, Paju etc) and these are too far out so I declined them.

I have had numerous hagwons sent to my email address, was close to accepting one but am worried things will go south very easily especially in regards to salary. I am toying with the idea of a hagwon even now. My docs are with a recruiter now who is trying to slowly push me into a hagwon position, he is very persistent and very unprofessional.

I am wondering what to do, I really don’t want to be in a position where I am relying on recruiters constantly so I am thinking of coming over on a tourist visa because at least then I can go for in person interviews even if I have to work with the same recruiters. I have friends who will put me up so accommodation shouldn’t be an issue. I may also be eligible for afterschool positions as well. What worries me is the visa run but hopefully I could work something out.

I have all the required paperwork (references, employment certificates, apostilled documents, TEFL certificate). I have over 4 years’ experience in Korean schools, I am TOPIK level 3 and my Korean is good enough to basically not require English throughout the school day including in the classroom (I can take interviews in Korean), early 30s, know my way around Korea and generally presentable.

Any opinions and words of advice would be appreciated.
Thanks, sorry if it is a bit long winded

[edwardcatflap]

Get better qualified if you plan to stay in TEFL. You don't want to be applying for all those young North American female required type jobs

[stevieg4ever]

Thanks for the reply. The amount of mentions that 'young, female, North American' teachers get mentioned relative to how many you see in Korea is totally disproportionate.

I was going to do a masters part time when I get back, that is one of the reasons why I am insistent on a public school job because the cap on teaching hours and amount of free time.

[edwardcatflap]

[JohnML]

The demand for NA female types is undeniable, even then NA males always get preference over everyone in the low end jobs unless they are old. Easiest way out of that is to get better qualified or teach something else. You could go for a sex change op on the NHS and get accent lessons.