Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ambvalent]

So it's been a couple months since I've asked questions about preparing for / being in Korea, I think mostly because I found answers to my ponderings in stickies et al right here in the forums. It was nice to get a few "did you make it over yet?" PMs from the community here

I am indeed very close to my departure for Suwon in the end of July; and now I do have a couple more questions. While I was still living in Seattle (currently I'm in St. Louis), I made friends with a Korean who was currently studying there. Next month (july) he'll be back in Suwon where he and his family have extended the invitation to me to stay with them until I find employment and aquire my own concrete abode (they even converted the father's "golf room" into a bedroom for me!). He also came here to St. Louis for a few days, so it's been something of a cultural exchange. When I dropped him off at the airport he thanked me for showing him "real america". St. Louis is definitely real....something.

So, given that my resume / diploma et al are in order, and I can start interviewing as soon as I hit soil, how long can I expect it to take until I get moved into my own space? I'd hate to overstay my welcome with this kind family, and I haven't heard anyone say too much about how long it takes to get situated using the "get there first" approach.

I have to say I'm kind of nervous about flying in with a tourist visa and no job on the other side, but the best long-term wisdom from you guys seems to say this is the right way to do it. And I'm all about finding a job with 20-25 hours a week, if possible, so that I can get right to learning Korean and getting aquainted with what will be a very different life for me.

Lastly, if any of you in the area would like to help me out with general "cultural adjustment" things or just like to meet me and let me buy you coffee, I'd be assuredly grateful. Like I said I'll be in Suwon, and looking for employment in Seoul.

It'd be nice to meet some of you. Well, except maybe the one or two bitter people out there

[eamo]

[ambvalent]

[Cedar]

Since you'll interview face to face, bring an unsealed version and about 10 sealed ones (they have no shelf-life you can use them for your next job, if you don't need them all now). You can show the unsealed one, and give the sealed ones only to a job you really think you might take.

[eamo]

[Paji eh Wong]

[sheba]

You should be able to find a job no problem... Im not sure how long it would take to 'outstay' your welcome with the family, but because you have helped a family member in the past it will make it a lot easier.

I hope all goes well, I didnt have an enjoyable homestay experience, and my family was asking why I hadnt started looking for a job from day 2!!

Yep transcripts are important. An online resume with photos as well. It would probably be better to have copies of your degree notorised bfore you come over to save you sending your original out. Plus you can send it to several job prospects or agencies. Contact your nearest Korean Consulate for info... its relatively simple and cheap.

[Ya-ta Boy]

About time...

You are looking for 20-25 hours a week. I think that eliminates hakwons which normally require 6 hours a day. So you must be looking for public school or university jobs. Is that right?

I'd think you need to be prepared to wait for about 2 months. You can pick up a hakwon job in a matter of days, but that doesn't sound like what you are looking for. The good news is that public schools are looking for people to start Sept. 1 (or late August) right now.

If you go the public school route...a couple of weeks to locate the job, do the interview, think it over, compare to any other offers...do the paper work, go to Japan for a visa...1 month minimum.

[Cedar]

I stand by what I said, many jobs will require you to submit the package of info before you can even interview, including the transcripts. Some very uptight schools are requiring them to be mailed directly from your alma mater, but generally a sealed and signed envelope is enough.

[ambvalent]