Korean Job Discussion Forums

[AdamH]

Hi everyone,

A few queries from a newbie with no previous experience of either teaching or Korea, BUT who *is* willing to learn!

1) I keep reading bad things about recruiters, but can anyone recommend the best way to get a decent teaching job in, say, Busan?

2)Are the job boards on this site as good a place as any? I don't have the money to just turn up and visit schools, I will need to organise this as much as possible before I leave my home country.

3) I've had a reply back from a recruiter called Esljobkorea, but they seem either unwilling or unable to discuss any details of schools, terms and conditions etc. until I email them a scan of my Diploma. (Mine was lost by a former employer and a new one should arrive within two weeks). They say that this is because they need it to apply for a visa, but what if they do not offer any positions that I feel are suitable? Will I then have problems getting another visa? Is this just them being careful not to waste time on someone with no qualifications, or should I be wary?

4) Is it standard practice for employers to pay air fare and provide accommodation, and help you with visas and alien registration matters? At what stage should a recruiter and/or school send me a copy of their contract?

<whoo!> OK, I guess that will do for now...I know this may appear hopelessly naive to the more experienced of you out there, but better to look silly on here than to be made a fool of in a country far, far away... mian hamida!

Many thanks (gamsa hamnida? - how do I pronounce this?) in advance for any replies.

AdamH

[Dalton]

"Is it standard practice for employers to pay air fare and provide accommodation, and help you with visas and alien registration matters? At what stage should a recruiter and/or school send me a copy of their contract?"- Absolutely yes.

"I've had a reply back from a recruiter called Esljobkorea, but they seem either unwilling or unable to discuss any details of schools, terms and conditions etc. until I email them a scan of my Diploma. (Mine was lost by a former employer and a new one should arrive within two weeks). They say that this is because they need it to apply for a visa,"- This is BS. Don't send anyone anything except your resume and a picture.

Here is a copy of a post of mine with links for you.

Here's some links for you. Don't worry about the perfect job. At this time a job with KG may be necessary. Maybe the school offers lots of support in the classroom including a curriculum. You may have to do paperwork. Supervise lunch while eating. This is not terrible. I've met lots of people here who love that stuff. That is their perfect job.

Use your instincts and try to get into a place with a good environment. Maybe other foreigners that you can party with or just get some support from. I like being the only teacher because they really need you but then I'm married.

Here are useful links about Korea generally and teaching English.
Koreabridge Has links to websites for some cities in Korea including Pusanweb with job links in Pusan.
EFL Law Has contract advice but remember that Koreans respect verbal agreements way more than written contracts. Other links.
Hogwon.com has a page with a huge number of links to job boards.
Korea Links
Korea.com

I think the following blacklist links are useful in an unobvious way. They can help you gain some insight and hopefully get some perspective about jobs here. If they make you paranoid stop reading them because you're getting the wrong message.

Here are three links to blacklists. The last one isn't updated any more.
The Hogwon Blacklist
Jon's ESL Page
The Greylist

These links are for Seoul people who don't have them.
And two great links to maps for Seoul:
Map of Seoul including subway stations:
Seoul Map
Seoul Subway Map

Good luck. There are a lot of jobs. Always check the schedule. Talk to other teachers at the school or previous teachers that worked for the school. Get their e-mail address or home phone to call them there. Post here if you're unsure. If you're paid on time and the boss treats you with respect then you're half way to the perfect job. Don't sweat the smalll stuff.