Korean Job Discussion Forums

[xCustomx]

I've asked my current employer to provide a reference letter so I can submit my application to both SMOE, EPIK, GEPIK, and any other public school jobs. It is also a letter that I want to be able to use in the future when I stop teaching. What kinds of information should it contain and how long should it be?

[happygirl]

Great question! I'm going thru the interview process myself with Universities and have been asked to provide those letters too. Can some of you old timers please help us?

[jay-shi]

Here's a sample that a coworker wrote. It's often the case that your employers will ask you to write up the letter of reference and just sign it. I replaced the school name and my friends name to protect his privacy. It's pretty simple and to the point, hope it helps.

March 23, 2005

To Whom it May Concern:

We highly recommend teacher as a candidate for employment. Teacher was
employed by School name as an English Teacher for one year, from April 2004 to March 2005.

Teacher was responsible for teaching English to elementary school students, middle-school students, and adults. His other duties included creating schedules and lesson plans, administering level tests for new students, writing student evaluations, writing and directing stage plays, and assisting in the selection of textbooks.

Teacher is an excellent teacher and he is very well-liked by all the students. He often spent time with the students before classes and seems to really care about them. His students have a good time in class and become better English speakers because of the work that he does. Teacher knows how to teach grammar and get students interested and participating.

He is very diligent with his preparation and paperwork. He was always at work on time. He also got along well with his co-workers, both Korean and foreign.

Overall, he is a very professional teacher and we enjoyed having him on our staff. Teacher would be a tremendous asset for any school and has my highest recommendation.

If you have any further questions, please call us.


Sincerely,





Director Vice-Director

[Aussiekimchi]

The release letter is not a reference letter.
To my knowledge, it is a document required for the sole purpose of allowing you to apply for a different E2 visa.
The release letter is usually in Korean.
The school name should be on the letter.
The school address and phone number should be visible.
It must have the institute stamp on it.
The teacher's name, alien registration number and birthday should be on the letter.
My Korean is terrible but basically this letter states that the school recognises that you are finishing a contract with them. They are confirming that your current E2 visa will be terminated. They indicate you are now free to apply for another E2 visa with a different employer.

I just called Immigration in Mokdong to varify all of this and they agreed.
So by that, the above is all wrong and will be vetoed by the geniuses at Immigration. But you never know, they might keep a policy in place more than 24 hours.

Leaving teachers should only be concerned about 3 different letters from the school.
1. The Release letter
2. A letter of verification of employment, (This may get you more $$$ in your next job)
3. A reference letter ( for you only, schools do not want this usually)

[I_Am_Wrong]

[Aussiekimchi]

oops! My bad...sorry fellas...seeing things.
Sorry OP