Korean Job Discussion Forums

Yesterday · Posted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 9:05 pm Post subject:

Just asking because I also have a SMOE interview on Saturday....

Let me explain about myself...

I have been teaching/living here for 6 years - without EVER going home (have not seen my family for 6 years) - the only countries I went to during the last 6 years - is my yearly trip to Japan for 1~2 days...

My first 2 years were spent teaching in 2 Hagwons..

My last 4 years I taught at Public Schools (mainly elementary)...

**However - all of my public school jobs I got through a korean friend helping me to get the jobs DIRECTLY from the school - not from a recruiter or agency/office..

**This is my VERY FIRST time I have applied for a Public school through an agency/office such as SMOE... it has me a little nervous.....***

(Just on a secondary note - I applied for an "elementary" school position - but they also have me coming to their office to the "Department of Secondary Education Office... is this just where they do the interviews - or do they only want middle/high school teachers?)

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

just say what you posted and you'll have no problem Cool

xCustomx · Joined: 06 Jan 2006

I had my interview a few weeks ago and it was really easy. I accepted the job offer they gave me. Anyways, here are some things which were asked:

Why do you want to work for SMOE? Are you aware of the differences between hagwons and public schools? Why do you like Korea? How do you think you will like living in such a large city? Will it be ok that you are the only foreigner at your school? (The interviewer explained that some teachers don't like all the attention they receive, and sometimes feel alienated from the korean staff) Can you speak Korean? How long do you plan on living here? I wasn't asked anything specific regarding how I teach at all. She did ask what subjects and ages I currently teach and gave me a brief rundown as far as how classes are conducted. Overall it was pretty easy. Just be honest, be yourself, and you'll have no problem.

Give yourself plenty of time to get to the office. I was running a little late, so after I got off the subway I ran for about 5 minutes as fast as I could in my suit. By the time I finally got to the office, my face was drenched in sweat. I continued to sweat for about 10 minutes. It was embarassing, but at least I got the position. Good luck~