Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Adam J]

Hello,

Currently I am teaching high school in the U.S., but am seriously considering moving to Seoul this summer to teach at an international high school. I have a BA in English and a two-year teaching credential. I like my current job, but after necessary living expenses it is really quite difficult to save money. Anyhow, I'd appreciate any perspectives about this tentative job offer. Mostly I'm trying to come up with a list of positives and negatives about this job compared to a decent hagwon job.

Also, I have the option of applying for international school jobs in other countries. Thanks!

Details:

Two-year renewable contract

Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. schedule

185 teaching days per year (holidays at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring, and summer vacations typical at American public schools)

Five classes per day, with one prep period

Students are all high school age kids who were previously enrolled in public schools in the U.S., but whose families have moved back to Korea - sounds like most are bilingual.

Base salary is $29,000 U.S. yearly, or 2.5 million won per month

Stipends for supervising extracurricular activities

Single furnished apartment owned by the school

Choice of annual airfare back to the U.S., or $1,000

$1,000 relocation stipend and a mailing allowance

Health insurance and pension is provided, but unclear about details

Korean taxes paid for by the school

It's about a $15,000 pay cut from what I make now in the U.S., but I think I would actually save about $1,000 more a month taking this job in Korea.

[phaedrus]

Dude, that's a great job for Korea.

It's pretty good for anywhere, especially if you're young.

[J.B. Clamence]

I agree. It sounds like a great job. Good money, good hours, great vacation! Especially considering that you're trying to land a job before coming (ie- not available for interviews), that's a great opportunity. If you're sure about Korea, then I'd take it. Applying from overseas, I think you'd be hard-pressed to land something better.

[Adam J]

Thanks for the encouraging replies, fellas. I accepted the job this morning and will be moving to Seoul at the beginning of August. I'm just shy of 30 years old and don't have a wife or kids, so it's pretty decent for a single guy. The international school system is top notch, too, with schools all over the world, so I'm not only excited about the time I'll spend in Korea, but possibilities after this contract is completed.

[Grotto]

sounds pretty good the only thing I would have asked for would be clarification of hours...time....2-8.....1-7.....6-midnight.

[marista99]