Korean Job Discussion Forums

raiden · Joined: 08 May 2004

I am currently in the middle of searching for my first teaching job in South Korea, and I am finding the process very frustrating. I have been trying to do as much research as possible when a job offer comes up, but the recurring theme seems to be that recruiters are bad, and a lot of schools are bad. Unfortunately I have to go through a recruiter at this point because I can't afford to go to Korea before finding a job. As for the schools, most of the ones contacting me have somewhat shady reps (according to a variety of blacklists, and this message board). So my question I guess is: do good schools/franchises exist? And how can I find them? If anyone knows of places with a good rep, I would really appreciate hearing about it.

Thanks for your help,

Raiden

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

If anyone had a concrete answer to your questions then all our lives would be a lot easier.

I've heard people say they had a nightmare at a school where I was perfectly happy for a year.

After checking out schools as best as you can just sign a contract and come. Take the chance. Everybody does when they sign a new contract.

marista99 · Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Location: Incheon

By no means do you need to use a recruiter, especially one that seems shady. Look for schools that are advertising open positions (schools mind you, not recruiters) and apply directly to the schools that you find have decent reputations. I've gotten several offers directly from schools with no recruiter involved, and I'm thousands of miles from Korea.

saw6436 · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Daejeon, ROK

Been at my school for nearly 6 years. No problems ever with the Director or his wife (she is really the boss). ALWAYS paid on time. Extra vacation days allowed without penalty. Director backs me up if need be. Not a perfect school (it is a hagwon), but I feel lucky to be working here. Other 5 former foreigner teachers felt the same.
I am leaving my comfy job in about 4 months. Fell free to e-mail me about my school, or Korea in general.
Good luck in your search. I'm starting my search now.

Flex Bulkchest · Posted: Fri Jun 18, 2004 7:21 pm Post subject:

speaking for our humble little city, there are only, i'd guess, about 40 english teachers here...then out of that 40, there are only 3 who have had bad experiences....and the funny party is the replacements to 2 of those people have been entirely happy.

we did have a couple situations where hagwon directors really cleaned up their act and went over and above to be on good terms with the new foreigners.

and then again, out of that 40, maybe 5 to 10 had jobs that they were very happy at. so that means that the remaining majority had ok, decent jobs, they weren't going to sign up for a second year, but they weren't going to take off early, either.

so there's my guess at a ration

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

VanIslander · Posted: Fri Jun 18, 2004 8:09 pm Post subject:

You could check out the postions in the classifieds of www.pusanweb.com and ensure you speak with other foreigners, past or present, from the institute. Insist on it.

That's how I got my job and I'm pleased as punch!

ghostshadow · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Location: Seoul

Don't get too down with all the negative statements on the boards. It is not all true and even if it is, it's not always the full truth. A good advice would be to stick with talking to schools directly then going through a head hunter as they have other objectives. Find a school with a big name such as Pagoda, YBM, SLP, and so forth. If the school is a franchise then the name doesn't mean anything since it's just as if it was a private owner. Try to stick to the company schools. If the school has a website it's even better so that you can see more information.

LK · Joined: 28 Jul 2003

My school is looking to hire a teacher to start on September 1. Very decent academy, honest director, no problems at all (so far!). I can't advertise here, so PM me for details. We need to pretty much wrap it up - choose the candidates - in the next few days, so hurry. It's near Busan.

PEIGUY · Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Location: Omokgyo

like ghostshadow mentioned you don' thave to use recruiters the bigger schools allow you to apply directly to them. I didn't use a recruiter and i have a contract signed for the end of August. Just keep looking and posting queries on this board.