Korean Job Discussion Forums

bellatore · Joined: 04 Oct 2006

With my MS in TESOL and no experience teaching abroad, I stumbled on an ad in Craig's List for a teaching job on Jeju Island. I was intrigued and sent off my resume. Right away I found myself on the phone with a recruiter who told me the Jeju Island job was taken, but she had some other ones. Within a day or two I was on the phone being interviewed by a teacher in a language school. They wanted me to be there in 2 weeks! Everything was moving so fast it made my head spin. The problem was that all I had to go on for information about the job was a voice on the phone. I kept asking for a web link to the school, but although the recruiter said they had one, I never found it. I was told that there were 30 schools in this chain of language schools and I couldn't imagine how a company so large in a part of the world where Internet is so popular could have a website that was impossible for me to find. I'm not too bad at finding what I need on the Internet! Am I wrong to have this expectation? How far do I go in this job search on no more than a voice on the phone? Does anyone have any experience with this? I also never found a site for the recruiter. I have a feeling I should either stick with university jobs or use a recruiter that I've seen reviewed on this site. Any feedback?

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

CBP · Joined: 15 May 2006 Location: Korea

I'm about to work in Korea for the first time. I would feel those same concerns. With your MA I'd spend more time doing careful research and really identify the sort of school you'd like to teach in. Personally mega-chains like the one you mentioned are turn-offs for me. There are private high schools and academies that I've read good things about. The large chains seem really focused on conversation rather than a more academic approach. Ohhh ... have to rush. Sorry! Just don't feel pressured. Take your time, if you can afford the time. Learn as much as possible about contracts and whatnot. Good luck!

zappadelta · Joined: 31 Aug 2004

Yea, if you have an MS you should know better.

Mack · Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Location: korea

DELETED

Pak Yu Man · Joined: 02 Jun 2005 Location: The Ida galaxy

You have a MS in TESOL and no experience? Huh?
First thing.....you shouldn't be looking at a school that has anything to do with chain. Chain schools are usually the worst to work at. All the big chains suck major a$$ and they're they ones that will try to screw you first.

If a clown with a B.A. and no experience can get a public school gig...so can you. Wait til winter then start using recruiters (if you must).
Tell them...PUBLIC SCHOOL ONLY. They will offer you a bunch of stuff...PUBLIC JOBS ONLY.

Less chance for newbies getting screwed.

bellatore · Joined: 04 Oct 2006

Really, I appreciate hearing from you. It sounds like wise information.

Yes, I have an MS and no experience teaching abroad. I usually teach ESL in colleges in California.