Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Flash Ipanema]

I like the idea of doing my job search after I arrive in Korea so I can see what I'm getting into before signing any contracts (I'm thinking of starting at a hagwon), but I have several concerns. My biggest problem is not knowing how to start looking. Do I see who is offering jobs online and go visit the school? Go through the yellow pages and cold-call to see who's hiring? I've also thought about getting referrals from people who liked their job, so if anyone had suggestions I'd love to hear them (I'm planning on coming around March, but I'm completely flexible).

Also, I know there is debate over whether a school will reimburse me for airfare if I'm already there. Does anyone know if instead of paying my airfare I could get a higher salary? Would they still pay for a return flight home upon completion of my contract? In general, do people get paid airfare even when they re-sign a contract so they can go home to visit?

Thanks for any advice.

[ttompatz]

[Hotpants]

If it's your first time teaching and your first time in Korea, I don't think you necessarily need to take the trouble of coming here - after all, you might have to fund up to 3 months of expense to base yourself here and may not be guaranteed a position at the end. What about time it takes for example to get your sealed transcripts over? As you said yourself, you are 'only' expecting a Hagwon job. There are literally 1000's of these.

Just go through the online job boards, find a job which doesn't have any vague terms in the contract, and apply from overseas. Make sure you agree to all the terms before you sign. Call the school and speak to current teachers. Also, just don't start a job until you have the E2 in your passport. If the job turns out bad, then you can always switch to another one once you are here. A bit of hassle, but I don't think there has been any fatality, yet!

If you are not paid for airfare over, you just simply often get offered payment for the visa run to Japan instead.

[rhinocharge64]

Shell out the airfare and take a look whilst you are. Yes, it is more costly but you will have piece of mind and you can see for yourself what the school is like and even take a peek at the accomadation. You can speak to the teachers and get a feel for the place, i feel this is difficult over the phone and in another country.

I speak from experience and wish i would have done this. You will have an hassle in getting released and it can become stressful if things don't work out. I worked at the Dang and would not advise anyone to work for this chain, however, others will say that they had a good experience. It's pot luck, a lottery in many respects, you can reduce the risk greatly by being here in person with reasons already discussed. I think you could find a job quickly, perhaps a week maybe two, it all depends on how proactive you are. Remember bring a c.v., your degree, transcripts, which need to be sealed and signed by the regristar (from the institute you graduated from) and be no more than three months old. Also i would suggest you have a couple of thosand dollars, at the very least a thousand. If you are planning to teach in a public school then you need to bring your criminal record check, you can get this from your local Bobby station.

Good luck in what ever you decide to do.

[jewelz]

DO NOT WORK FOR A HAKWON... People should have been way clearer about the state of a hakwon work environment. You are basically subjected to any kind of rules outside of your contract and you can be helpless. I came here with my daughter and an agent placed me in a hakwon that is ridiculous. I am leaving, a public school job or university(not ahgwon style) job will be a step up from this scene. I have given notice after one month of working here, thanks god!!