Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jason85]

I will try to keep this short (no need for a life story) In the past I have lived in SK with an E2 (terrible experiences), and also as a student on a D2 (much better, much more flexibility).

I can imagine the obvious benefits of having an F6 visa, for instance: being able to search for work on the ground, being able to start work on request, and alleviating the burden of the visa process from the company. But there are certain areas I am unsure about and would like some advice:

1. Whilst overseas, it is almost impossible to find jobs outside of the ESL industry. It is also difficult to find diversified jobs within the ESL industry, for instance in research and development and curriculum design. Would having a marriage visa make this process any easier? Would it make it any more viable to find jobs such as: in-house editor, tour guide, journalist, NGO/International development worker etc.

To get employed in these industries, I guess a company would have to be willing to get you on an E7 visa I believe? This is logistically difficult, and many companies do not need to do this when there are already natives with marriage visas to employ, or gyopos who are bilingual to employ instantly also. So, would these companies be more willing to hire if you can start work immediately?

Any insight from people who have first-hand experience would be great.

Just to add: I have a masters degree in Education, however my Korean skills are poor. (Just for context)

[PRagic]

Depends on the work, the company, and the individual's background. I know people working as financial editors who've had no problem obtaining and maintaining an E7. Some of the foreigners doing the same job have F5/F6 (spousal) visas. If you have the background (usually business and/or journalism), and they want you, you'll get the visa.

In general, jobs in ESL curriculum design, editing, recording, and text book development aren't that great to begin with and the pay is substandard given the amount of work they require. Given decent contacts, you'd be better served working as a freelancer with the F5/F6.

With an MA in education, you'd be better of teaching at university and then suplementing your income with other work (editing, writing, etc...). Sometimes you can do this right at the university, and sometimes you have to look outside the university. You're kind of rolling the dice in the latter case, though, as most university's, at least officially, discourage outside work. It's a lot easier, and a lot less of a worry, if you have the F5/F6 in this case.

[jason85]

Thank you for this input. I have a couple of follow-up questions if you don't mind.

As for working as financial editors, would you say that one could find this kind of job in advance (whilst overseas), and in addition find a company willing to sponsor an E7? If so, do you have any advice on where to search for this kind of thing, or for contracted non ESL related jobs in general?

Having explored I can see what you mean about the curriculum design and editing aspect (long hours and marginal pay comparatively indeed). That said, my concern was that without 2 years certifiable experience, I could not receive the E1 professor visa. Therefore I would not be able to find a job subject teaching at university. Does this mean that the best I could hope for (without experience or a doctoral), would be to work as an English teacher at a university willing to employ me on an E2?

Thank you again.

[PRagic]

Financial editor jobs are few and far between, and they recruit from in-country as a rule. Also, not all of these jobs are the same; some pay quite well, while others, well, not so much.

Universities outside major cities might relax the 2 year experience rule. Just apply everywhere. Some hire late, so they have to go with who's left when they get around to making a decision. The people with a ton of experience and great qualifications will gravitate to the better jobs and make their decisions quicker. Don't worry about what kind of visa they're providing, just get the job.