Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bombenhagen]

As you probably guessed, I'm a rookie at this whole thing. I'm seriously thinking about heading to SK to teach English. The problem is I have read and heard many horror stories about people signing bad contracts and living in hell for the duration of the year only to be sacked during month eleven. I'd like to try and avoid this. If I showed up in Korea without a job, what are the odds I will be on a plane back to St. John's Canada within three weeks without finding work? Is this a good idea or should I just take my chances with the agents? What sort of visa stuff would I have to go through to do this? If I find an apartment on my own would a potential employer help pay for it or pay for all of it. I'm 100% green, any help would be appreciated, thanks.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

If you've never been to Korea before, it will be quite a challenge, but it is do-able. Make sure that you have multiple copies of all necessary documents, especially pre-notarised copies of your uni degree. Then, get in touch with numerous agents before you arrive, telling them what types of places you'd like to visit. Make it clear that you want to visit the schools before you decide.

[some waygug-in]

You can find a job easily, what kind of job depends on where you go and how hard you are willing to look. (and of course your qualifications)

I personally found it harder to find a job here because so many schools assume that since you are already in Korea they can be cheap arses and
not pay for things like a visa trip to Japan etc.

The one advantage to being here is that you can go to the school and check it out in person.

But if you are new to Korea, just finding your way around is challenge enough.

Make sure you have enough cash to survive for a month or so and you should be fine.

[ttompatz]

[ScottyG]

depending on how experienced you are as a traveller, or how street smart you are, i would totally suggest it. i do it like this all the time. but i dont know if i could have handled it as well the first time no knowing anything about korea. but i had never been anywhere previously outside of NA. but if i had been to europe or something i would have felt totally comfortable coming to korea as long as i did my research and had a lonely planet guide with me. i find seoul to be one of the easiest cities in the world to figure out despite the language barriers. the subway system is easy enough after a few trial runs.

all in all, just plan to get to a hostel. i lived for a month in a now defunct hostel while i was looking for work and i met a lot of people who helped me out. four things you need - people who will show you around, access to a phone, internet access, and shelter. you can get these at a hostel.

a korean friend of mine was actually planning to open a hostel geared toward english teachers looking for work. he was going to join forces with one of the more reliable recruiters and set up a system and website where the agency would have a van with several job seekers touring seoul. needless to say it didn't pan out. some good ideas just dont seem to fly in korea for some reason.

[ella]

How did you store your suitcases in the hostel while you were out looking for work?

[bombenhagen]