Korean Job Discussion Forums

starryblu · Joined: 06 Jun 2006

I am a Gyopo with Permanent Resident status (lived in the U.S for 25 years). I am interested in teaching English in Korea for the summer, possibly a sumer camp.

What are my prospects for a summer camp job considering that the employer doesn't need to sponsor a visa, or does that even make a difference. Or do they usually prefer to hire teachers already in Korea?

Will i experience some negative sterotyping b/c i don't have a u.s citizenship? I have never been to korea since i left at age 5. Educated entirely in U.S.

I don't think i can consider a one year contract since I may jeopardize the possiblity of obtaining a u.s citizenship, which i am currently in the process of obtaining.

some basic stats:
Female gyopo, some Korean but not fluent
B.S UCSD, also M.A counseling
several years experience working with kids (running program&teaching)

Any helpful comments appreciated!

thanks

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

ursus_rex · Joined: 20 Mar 2004 Location: Seoul, ROK

Make certain you are not eligible for the army before you come. Some Kyopo from other countries have found out, upon arriving, that they must do mandatory service in the armed forced based upon requirements of Korean citizenships. Be very careful, if you are male.

Roch · Joined: 24 Apr 2003 Location: Seoul

denverdeath · Joined: 21 May 2005 Location: Boo-sahn

She won't have any mandatory military service to worry about as she is a she.

Some places might make you jump through some extra hoops, like EPIK, requiring you to provide proof of ed'n from middle and high schools, but you should qualify for the better pay, esp with a master's.

I think I'm correct in saying this. From what I know of other kyopos I've worked with here, you will not jeopardize your green card or permanent residency status or citizenship applicatiion in America as long as you return to America sometime during the year. A summer camp shouldn't be an issue. If you plan on teaching somewhere for a year, take a week vacation sometime during the year back home and you should be fine. Better make sure you check on the American side just to be safe though.

With regards to your main question about the summer camp, I think it'll depend on the place and how desperate they may or may not be. As a Korean passport holder, the workplace won't have to bother with the C-3 visa, or whatever it is. That could be good as some places have a bad rep of taking out very high taxes for these camps, not having told the teachers of this beforehand. Honestly, they'll be looking for whitey first. Probably they'll also be looking for in-country applicants first as they can save on airfare. If I were you, I'd skip the camp and just get a year contract or do your own private teaching, but I guess it all depends on what you have planned for the fall.

starryblu · Joined: 06 Jun 2006

Thanks for all the comments!

"If you plan on teaching somewhere for a year, take a week vacation sometime during the year back home and you should be fine."

It seems that most of the posting for one year contracts would not be willing to give you one week vacation time. I would probably need 2 separate one week vacation time off in order to maintain my citizenship eligibility.

I wish i had taken care of that years earlier.

Hater Depot · Joined: 29 Mar 2005

Uh, if a place doesn't offer at least 14 days vacation in a year, pass over them like the Angel of Death.