Korean Job Discussion Forums

Kakadoodles · Joined: 01 Nov 2004

Thanks sadsak!! Love to hear some helpful advice!!

Sorry for my ignorance, but what do Hyundai employ foreigners to do? Is it possible to get other jobs instead of hagwons (a little scared by the negative statements on this forum - although, the one person in Oz I know who's taught there said to ignore all this!)

Still am relying on being there v. early next year!

Hoo Roo!

ajuma · Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Location: Anywere but Seoul!!

Check out the "human resources" section of this website. It tells the different types of jobs and other info.

http://english.hhi.co.kr/About/Social.asp

Teufelswacht · Joined: 06 Sep 2004 Location: Land Of The Not Quite Right

The wife and I came to Korea with our then 8 years old daughter in 2000. We put her into a Korean elementary school in order to make friends and learn the language. It was never our intent to have her learn much "content," if you will, from the education system. When we put her into the school, she was welcomed by the administration and was treated very well. After about 2.5 years we took her out for reasons I won't go into here. But they had nothing to do with school administration or peer problems.

Anyway, we are doing the homeschooling thing now and supplementing it with other opportunities. I would concur with the poster who advocated the online programs. The advantage you get from accredited on-line programs is that they give you a record of your childs education and level. This may be important when you return to your home country.

The wife and I got involved in, or rather developed, a homeschooling group with a Canadian familiy that have a couple of 10 year olds. My wife teaches some subjects on some days and the other family teaches other subjects on other days. That way it gives a little free time to each parent. We have also organized activities with homeschooling/expat families from other cities so the kids could play and explore together. When you move you might want to do some searching to see if there are other expat families in the area who are homeschooling. Or you can use homeschooling to supplement your on-line program.

I would also concur with the posters who are trying to point you away from the hogwan environment. Many hogwan directors are used to younger single teachers and have no appreciation of, nor interest in, teachers with kids and their problems.

Anything else, please feel free to PM me.

Teufelswacht

Hollywoodaction · Joined: 02 Jul 2004

Kakadoodles · Joined: 01 Nov 2004

chiaa · Joined: 23 Aug 2003

sadsac · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: Gwangwang

Hyundai Marine are the big employer of engineers in Ulsan and I feel certain that if you do a search and visit their website you would gather even further info. Where my wife and I live there is an American couple who have all four of their children at public schools. The reason I would not recommend attendace for educational reasons, is that the Korean system is based on the US schooling system. We only have primary and secondary schooling in Oz, here they have elementary, middle and high school. There are some good hagwons out there and there are certainly jobs for couples with families. It is important though that when you look at prospective employers, speak to their current staff and question, question and then question some more. This place can be absolutely great or it can be hell. Coming over with a ready made support network makes so many things far more bareable than if you are here on your own. As I have previously stated, the more rural and provincial areas offer some wonderful opportunities to experience Korea at its best. If you would like to see some pics of different areas please email me at [email protected] Take your time and enjoy the experience. Smile

Teufelswacht · Joined: 06 Sep 2004 Location: Land Of The Not Quite Right

Kakadoodles:

I don't know about doing the Oz based education stuff while at the school. Never thought about it. My thoughts are that your child will be too busy with their friends and what's going on around them to concentrate on their on-line work. At their age(s) I think you will be surprised how fast they will pick up Korean. This can only benefit them in the years to come - as well as being possibly used/ translated into academic credit back home.

After classes most of their classmates would start going to their hogwans. This is when your kid(s) can do their Oz based work, as they won't have many after school friend "activities" in the traditional western sense.

Oh yes, I would recommend, however, that you investigate getting your children involved in Tae Kwon Do or other activity like that. My daughter and her foreign friends really enjoy it. It's also a way to expand their circle of friends.

A word of caution, if I may, you and your kids will be going through culture shock and other problems. It helps if your kids have a tough skin. My own daughter had some problems initially until I told her it was O.K. to kick the *&^% out of any little boys that were teasing her. After that she became very popular! I would also explore the possibility of getting a Korean friend as quickly as possible to help you communicate with the school officials. There are a number of sites on the web for Koreans looking for foreign friends to e-mail/chat. If you know the area you are going to look for Koreans in that area to begin "chatting" with on a regular basis. I would recommend you look for Koreans with kids to chat with, it helps if parents talk with parents.

I don't know about things to bring with you for the kids, but I have kept Amazon.com, YesAsia, and other places busy buying English language materials/DVDs novels etc. for my daughter. You may want to also bring a stock of childrens cold remedies they have become used to in Oz. I found such things here to be hit and miss as far as being effective for my daughter. The Korean doctors like to give kids antibiotics at the drop of a hat over here. This kind of bothered me, especially when all she had was a little sniffle.

Anyways, best of luck to you and yours. If there are any questions please don't hesitate to ask the people on the board. Many of us have been in the same boat as you, and are happy to answer any questions you may have. Sorry it took me so long to reply.

Teufelswacht

rosewood · Joined: 15 Mar 2003 Location: Wonju

I came to Korea with my 14 year old son two and a half years ago. I have opted to home school him. This year the math went beyond me and I hired a tutor. He also has a Korean language teacher. He speaks, writes and types in Korean. (I don't.)
One of the best aspects of having your children schooled (even home schooled) here is the remarkable respect for education in this country. Kids are full time learners in this country. It rubs off; my son's point of view on learning has improved tremendously since we've moved here.

As for taking your kids to school. I don't know about that. It's hard to be a parent and a teacher at the same time.
Rosewood

skindleshanks · Joined: 10 May 2004

Sleep on the floor like the Koreans do (heated floors--cozy in the winter cool in the summer) and then you can sleep anywhere. And no shaking bed (!!)

Also, why not do the homescholing route--you could hire a full-time helper (Korean) for about 1 million a month, I think.

I know of a European Doctor who is homeschooling his kids here in Sokcho, but he doesn't have a job. However, he said he only teaches them in the mornings, and then sends them to Korean school (if I remember correctly) A lot of hagwon jobs run from 2pm, when the kids get home from school. You could hire a sitter for that time.

I'd recommend a small town--it's much nicer for families away from the city.

If you're open to religious-based education, there are homeschooling groups in Seoul that share the teaching duties.

Kakadoodles · Joined: 01 Nov 2004

Thank you!!!!
I know this sounds soft, but I can't believe how helpful everyone has been given we're all just strangers!!!! I feel so much more confident about the children's experience now, and just can't wait to get there!

Thanks especially to Teufelswacht, sadsac, chiaa, ersatzproffessor and peemil (to name a few)! Not only giving helpful advice once, but responding again to my dilemma!!

Hope to bump into you in country!!!

peemil · Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Location: Koowoompa

No worries...

We'll see you soon.

Teufelswacht · Joined: 06 Sep 2004 Location: Land Of The Not Quite Right

Good Luck! If you ever get down to Jeju maybe our families can get together. I'm sure my daughter would love to meet your children. Keep us posted on your progress!

Teufelswacht

lastat06513 · Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 10:17 pm Post subject:

I don't if this can help you....but,

I have heard that the Seoul American School (YongSan US Army Garrison) allows some foreign nationals' children from off-post to go there, if the space is available and for a marginable fee.

Try checking it out, maybe
The number is 0505-736-5319

here is a link to give you info about the guidelines for enrollment:

http://www.korea.pac.dodea.edu/Parents/registration/EnrollmentProcedures.pdf

logan2003 · Joined: 20 May 2003

Hi i can understand it can be difficult we have a son, actually he was born here. He is only 2 and your children are older, but i believe it can be done.
They can learn Korean really fast then teach you! LOL.

Our son is doing that now. Soon i will NEED to take him around!

Anyways best wishes! I think it will be ok, Korea is very family oriented.