Korean Job Discussion Forums

Dan The Chainsawman · Joined: 05 May 2005

Well for yall's information I am an American who spent far to much time in the deep south. We have the purest and sweetest sounding accent of all yall mongrel nations. Nothing is more sexually charged than a southern accent on a woman with all her teeth.

Now why are we drifting off topic?

It is about Canadian Moose Humping.

Muffin · Joined: 01 Mar 2006 Location: Turkey

Okay, so we've established that my accent may or may not be a problem. I am sure your accents are all equally charming in their own way.

Can anyone give me the names of any adult academies? I only know Direct English and I turned down a job with them last October because they didn't provide accommodation.

poof · Joined: 23 May 2005

Muffin - The accent thing is nonsense. Only places that have a preference for an accent will stipulate it in the ad in the first place. I've met Glaswegians who have top teaching positions here, for example. (No offence to Glaswegians)

If I were you - with your experience and age, I would aim straight for the university positions - making sure that is IS university classes you will be teaching, not sub-franchised kids classes. Unfortunately, the current hiring session for March has just ended, but already there have been some ads from universities for the summer.

Alternatively, as your experience can tell you, often you should just apply to places directly irrespective of whether they've advertised or not if you can find a shortlist of places - there must be an easy to find list of Korean universities somewhere on the web. I know I've seen one on someone's site who compiled a black list or grey list or some list...

Some unis prefer you to be in Korea available for an interview. Others will be okay about hiring on the basis of a telephone or video interview.

You sound pretty serious about teaching - possibly Korea is not the best place for you. Is there any particular reason for you wanting to come here over other places?

poof · Joined: 23 May 2005

Muffin - The accent thing is nonsense. Only places that have a preference for an accent will stipulate it in the ad in the first place. I've met Glaswegians who have top teaching positions here, for example. (No offence to Glaswegians)

If I were you - with your experience and age, I would aim straight for the university positions - making sure that is IS university classes you will be teaching, not sub-franchised kids classes. Unfortunately, the current hiring session for March has just ended, but already there have been some ads from universities for the summer.

Alternatively, as your experience can tell you, often you should just apply to places directly irrespective of whether they've advertised or not if you can find a shortlist of places - there must be an easy to find list of Korean universities somewhere on the web. I know I've seen one on someone's site who compiled a black list or grey list or some list...

Some unis prefer you to be in Korea available for an interview. Others will be okay about hiring on the basis of a telephone or video interview.

You sound pretty serious about teaching - possibly Korea is not the best place for you. Is there any particular reason for you wanting to come here over other places?

chinook · Joined: 17 Mar 2004 Location: canada

www.flying-cows.com is a recruiter that opperates out of edinburgh. they might be worth contacting, as they will be used to placing non-north americans. (i have no idea if they are any good though!)

Muffin · Joined: 01 Mar 2006 Location: Turkey

My reasons for coming to Korea over other locations are partly financial. Teaching in British Council registered schools in the UK has kept me poor, I was earning the same money ten years ago! Teaching in English state schools would be more lucrative but it is horrible!

As Korean contracts include accommodation I would be able to save some money.

I also like teaching Koreans and have made lasting friendships with Korean students here. I like the food, I have learned the script and I also want an adventure while I have the chance, i.e. before my parents get old and before I hit forty and become less employable.

Thanks again to everyone who has replied and PMed me, I really appreciate it.

poof · Joined: 23 May 2005

Korea - lucrative? Perhaps if you do a mountain of privates on top of your regular job. Korean payscale hasn't advanced that much either.

If you have such experience, and would like a good income, howabout the Middle East, or if it has to be Asia, howabout Singapore or Hong Kong? I've heard that the latter 2 countries have Korean international schools there, so you could get your Korea fix quite easily while augmenting financially.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

Muffin · Joined: 01 Mar 2006 Location: Turkey

Of course I would like to go to the Middle East. However, while I am overqualified for Korea, I have the opposite problem with the Middle East where an MA in TEFL is usually required. I have interviewed in the past with international schools and was really messed around, the pay wasn't that great either, I remember.

Singapore or Hong Kong? They both have some appeal. Are you saying it is impossible to save money in Korea? I worked out that I would be earning the same as I do now (yes really!) and not paying my mortgage or running my car, therefore a lot of my salary would go in my pocket.

chinook · Joined: 17 Mar 2004 Location: canada

when i worked in korea for my first year, without even trying i was saving half my income (so around about £500) each month. and, i wasn't trying all that hard.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

margaret · Joined: 14 Oct 2003

Muffin, I sent you a PM so please check your box.
Margaret

Muffin · Joined: 01 Mar 2006 Location: Turkey

Margaret - I did reply to your first PM and it appears you didn't receive it, I sent a second reply yesterday so I hope you got it this time. Sorry about that.

Everyone- I have replied to all PMs so if you didn't receive it please let me know. Thanks again for all your help.

margaret · Joined: 14 Oct 2003

rapier · Joined: 16 Feb 2003

Brits have no problems getting jobs here, although many of the best jobs stipulate they want a Canadian or N. American. The Korean single- minded love affair with Canadians particularly, has to be seen to be believed.
Very few koreans want to emigrate to London ("dirty), so they don't want to learn English from them either. They would rather pay more to learn a lot of slang from a N. American redneck who can barely speak his native language properly, than from a Brit who spoke the queens english and had taken elocution lessons.

If you don't mind being constantly assumed to be a Miguk come on over. And be sure to know all about Pak Je Sung and "Beckomb-uh".