Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Omkara]

I understand that the korean uni system begins in March, so when do they begin actively searching?

Presently, I teach writing in a community college and in an intensive English program (teaching international students). Consequently, I'll be bound to contracts until mid-December.

I have a year of experience in Korea, and a year in Russia (both teaching children.)

So, would you begin your search from abroad, or land in Korea and begin the search there? And, when?

[PRagic]

You can probably dig up a ton of threads on this using the search function, but...

1) Interviews and hiring will probably start around Dec/Jan, although some schools do advertise earlier. Most seasons run all the way through to mid Feb.

2) It is usually better to be here to interview for university positions. However, if you have a Ph.D. or a related MA (linguistics/TESL/Ed.), they might take you sight unseen.

3) Your experience in Korea won't count for much as it is not with adults and not at the university level. Still, it shows that you have handled a year in Korea, which is good on you. Your current job should help you out a lot.

[RobinH]

Keep looking at the Korean Job Board here on Dave's. You could also try The Chronicle of Higher Education website.

When I was doing the hiring for my last uni, I started posting ads in October for March positions. However, most unis sit on their collective hands until Dec/Jan or even later.

[Zark]

I agree with RobinH - the better schools will start looking in Oct/Nov as they will know that it might be harder to find the best candidates over the winter vacation.

The best schools rarely have to advertise. Many schools hate to do lots of interviews and will just ask their current instructors to recommend someone. My last two university jobs in Korea - I was the only candidate.

I would try to search which universities have the working conditions and benefits you might like - and BLANKET them with resumes/CVs in Sept/Oct. The key is to beat others to the punch (so to speak).

But, frankly, Korea is a very personal-contact oriented place and you will have difficulty landing the better jobs without being on the scene to shake a few hands and letting people see you - and know that you are friendly, clean, well-groomed, and not crazy. You might want to promise a personal visit in December or a fast fly-in for Thanksgiving weekend.

With your experience, you SHOULD be in a university setting. And - experienced writing teachers are always a bonus.