Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Gareth_SA]

Hi everyone

My girlfriend and I are moving to Korea (we have our eyes on Wonju region) to teach.

We have both been teaching in Thailand for the last two years (She was teaching high school level, I've been teaching lower primary and kindergarten)

I'm South African and have an Engineering Degree. I have been teaching English, Math and Science.

My girlfriend is American with a English degree, with a concentration on writing and was teaching High school kids, but is looking to change to teaching 8-10 year old kids.

Our current school year in Thailand is coming to an end in the next few weeks and then we're both going home to visit our respective families for a bit of a holiday. We are flying to Korea near the end of July (24th)

We do not even know where to start!?

We're both going to get new police clearances, we've both got out TEFL certificates and we've got teaching experience. In Thailand I had to do a TOEIC test, even though English is my home language (but this is because the majority of South Africans will have English as their Second Language). So perhaps I'd have to do a similar thing in Korea?

We would like to work at the same school, but its not crucial. And we're looking at Wonju region as its close to Seoul, but also close to great scenery/mountain/trails/lakes and forests, but we're not set on it and will go where the jobs are.

I apologize if this is an open-ended post, with no direct question, but any advice on how to go forward would be great.

My girlfriend, being American gets a 3 month visa on arrival, I only get a 1 month visa on arrival (will this be long enough?) or is it possible to get job interviews over video calls and contracts before we arrive and get a work permit before we arrive?

Thanks for your patience and understanding, we're very excited.

Gareth.

[PRagic]

Take a few hours to go through the FAQs and Stickies. Big help there right off.

You'd probably be better off applying from your respective countries and having your employers fly you over. Many places these days do not pay for your visa run flights if you're hired from within Korea.

You're not married, so the odds of working at the same place are reduced. Work with SEVERAL recruiters, though, and tell them that you'd like to work at the same place or, in the even that you can't, at least in proximity to each other.

You'll need to start getting your documents in order. Again, see the FAQs for that. If you both get your docs in order, you could work with recruiters from within one of your home countries. At least that way you wouldn't be separated over the time you look for a position.

She's more marketable, especially for positions teaching kids. They're always looking for experienced female teachers with related degrees.

For public school jobs, you'll need TESOL certification. You can do that on-line or at a B&M place.

Best of luck. I'm sure others on the board with more recent experience will be able to chime in with more and better advice.