Korean Job Discussion Forums

tanklor1 · Joined: 13 Jun 2006

Hi guys, I'm a complete newbie in this game, (I just got my B.A. about three weeks ago) and I have a rather simple question, I've been doing some research about teaching abroad, comparing different countries and what not, so right now my avenues of teaching are limited becuase I haven't gotten an ESL cerficate yet. So right now I'm just looking at my options. My question is now. How easy or hard is it for a newcomer to gain employment with a Korean School? I am planing on trying soon but I'd like to know what kind of reaction that I'll get once I start.

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

you will be snapped up no questions asked! You will most likely be working and having what you think a pretty good time....after about 5-6 months you will find out how badly your employer is ripping you off and become a bitter ESL'er and then spend years after posting on Dave's and warning others about the perils of Korea Laughing

Just dont sign any bad contracts!~

tanklor1 · Joined: 13 Jun 2006

Are there any bad situations that i should look out for?

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

look at any of the contracts people have posted up and read through the comments....there's a world of wealth in them!

Reason. · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA - for now.

I'm a newbie myself, but feel that I can offer some advice.

Echoing Grotto's words, don't jump at the first contract that you get. You may have to sift through countless contracts before you find that "one." Also, if you're going through a recruiter, don't feel obligated to sign ANYTHING. These recruiters will try to sell you on any school, and make it seem like the most prime job in Korea. Don't buy it.

Another word on recruiters is: make them work for you! Specify what you're looking for as far as location, working conditions, hours, accommodation, etc. If they send you some offer that's way off base from what you're looking for, don't feel bad rejecting it. AT ALL. They're looking to get that headhunter fee, so the least you can do is make them sweat for it a little.

Most ESL vets don't advocate the use of recruiters, but for a newbie (especially those doing their job searches from their home country), they can be beneficial. Just take your time, read the contracts and make your decisions accordingly. Don't hesistate to post a contract on here, as there are posters such as Grotto, alabamaman, and a few others that will gladly rip them apart for you. Hell, I now know what to look for when I get contracts because of them!