Korean Job Discussion Forums

[idodaegu]

It has been a month since I started searching for a teaching position in Daegu (I am currently in the UK), and my hopes of finding one seem very dim at the moment.

Let me tell you a little about myself, I am a 26 year old, Chinese-British, born and raised in the UK (I know that I'm not the most preferred). I have all the qualifications needed to teach legally in Korea. I am a newbie to teaching.

I have tried a handful of recruiters and the response I usually get is, "we can't help you" or no response whatsoever. I have posted my resume on various job boards, and so far I've only got one possible lead at the moment. I've applied to postings on the job boards, but I usually never hear from them (not even a telephone interview). I have tired to apply directly to schools, but usually the only ones I can find on the internet are the blacklisted ones.

Since I haven't been able to find a job, I have lowered the expectations of my 'job conditions', not that they were that unreasonable in the first place. The only non-negotiable condition being location, since I want to be in the same city as my friend.

What are my chances of ever finding a teaching position in Daegu? I'd appreciate if anyone could give me some advice on my situation.

[Ya-ta Boy]

Hmmm. You have several strikes against you. You are ethnically Asian, you speak with a British accent and you only want to work in Daegu.

Do you emphasize that you are a native speaker on your resume? That is essential.

The only thing I can suggest is go to Korea and search for a job after you get there. Is that possible?

Good luck.

[schwa]

Ya-ta's right. Youve got 2 strikes against you already as just one anonymous applicant among many. If flying over on your own isnt on, maybe your friend could do you the big favor of dropping off your application here & there & vouching for you. The personal touch might bear dividends.

Remember, you're allowed 3 strikes! Your situation involves extra perseverance but you can still find something decent. Best luck.

[idodaegu]

Thanks for the advice so far guys.

I was thinking about physically flying over to Korea and go looking for jobs in person, but I think that would be the real, real last resort. I think I may do this after a certain time trying in the UK.

I think I'll also try what Schwa suggested, and get my friend to vouch for me.

I know that Daegu must have hundreds of hakwons, but what are the areas that have a large concentration of them?

[margaret]

I'm curious. Why Daegu and why Korea? I wonder if your Chinese background would be an asset in China.
Good luck.
Margaret

[chronicpride]

[idodaegu]

Thanks for the advice and I appreciate it for telling it as it is, as honesty, no matter how harsh, is better than not knowing where you stand.

My reasons for choosing Korea and Daegu is because Daegu is the home-city of a good Korean friend of mine. Also I like the Korean culture, although I know that it has its differences with western culture, but since I come from a Asian upbringing, I can understand certain aspects of it.

Eventually, I wouldn't mind teaching in Hong Kong because that's where my family is from. But for the time being, I would really like to teach in Korea for 2 years or so.

[chronicpride]

Oh, your friend in Daegu is Korean? I thought he may have been the avg teacher. Well, that changes things, then. If he's a really good friend, he'll let you stay at his place and help ease costs of living for you for the first little bit. Once you're in Daegu and if he's really willing to put some effort and legwork into helping you find work, tell him go to a site like http://tel.paran.com/ and get all the numbers he can find of hagwons and public schools in Daegu and start working the phones and lining up appointments. And make sure that you 'forget' to email your picture along with the resume, if they ask for it prior to the meeting, because its much easier for them to blow smoke and say 'no' in an email, than in person.

[idodaegu]

Thanks everyone, you've all been wonderfully helpful.

[Grotto]

Try checking out a public school job in Daegu...they are not quite so picky as hogwans and often the conditions are better and safer.

[visviva]

Daegu's greatest concentration of hagwons is in the Beommul-dong/Jisan-dong area (southeastern Daegu), near the Suseong Dong-A department store. Other notable Hagwon Row districts are Seongseo (in the west) and Chilgok (in the north). Gosi hagwons are concentrated in the downtown.

[turtlepi1]

[Babayaga]

Re:jobs in Daegu---- DON'T accept a position at EWHA ALS in the SEONGSEO area of Daegu. Director's name is Hilary No ,and she's a b*tch! For more detailed info,refer to my article "Advice re: EWHA ALS..." a little further down on this forum.


As someone has said before : don't limit yourself to just Daegu. It's not such a great city.Because of the textile industries there,it's very polluted.When I lived there,I was always tired and depressed! Not many museums there,or any beautiful sights! The transportation system is horrible!


There are nicer cities such as Daejeon or Seoul. Lots of nice sights in Seoul! I didn't find Seoul too polluted,either!

[idodaegu]

I'd like to thank everyone for their advice. A hogwan took interest in my resume on one of the boards. After conversing with the school they offered me a position. I did my homework and decided to accept their offer. I start at the beginning of July. I'm glad to work at a place where I'm not totally judged upon appearance. Maybe I'll see some of you guys around in Daegu (that is, those that teach there)!! Thanks again.

[Ya-ta Boy]

Congratulations on landing a job. Hope it goes well.