Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Maciej]

Hey all you han gook vets,

I am finishing my BA this spring and am enrolled in a TEFL program at my University. I really want to head to Korea as soon as classes are out. My question is, Do recruiters want my B.A. and certificate papers in hand? or can I start applying for jobs while the documents are coming to me? I am still not sure how long it takes to actually get the papers from the university.

Thanks

[Howard Roark]

It will probably take a month to two months to get your diploma after finals. You can start seeing what's out there, reply to some recruiters or job ads but tell them your situation. Maybe if they don't need someone right away they will wait until you get your diploma. That way as soon as you get it you already have a job or two waiting for you.

You won't be able to do much though until you get your diploma. Most schools will want to see at least a scan or copy of your degreee before they fly you over. And in more cases they'll even need the real deal to process your visa.

Some schools may be more than happy to hire you right away and wait for your degree to come later. This means you would be working without a visa, which is illegal - it's up to you if you want to take that road.

But by all means start looking and researching as soon as possible. You'll be well prepared by the time you get your diploma. Good luck.

[dumass]

Sup

I am currently kind of in the same condition as you, except I finish in november (begining of).

I have had 1 job offer, but it was crusty (split shifts etc..) in a couple of weeks of applying, so dont count on getting too far.

This is responding to advertisments with a University-stamped & headed paper with all my grades of completed papers so far.

[sayangamber]

When I decided I wanted to come to Korea, I contacted a recruiter in the US and told her I wanted to start teaching approximately 2-3 months after graduation. (I started looking a month before graduation.)

I interviewed and signed a contract before I received my actual diploma. The only thing was that I had to send it to them as soon as I did receive it so they could process my visa paperwork. So, you can get a job without showing your actual diploma you just can't get your visa until you do.

SayangAmber

P.S. I had a good recruiter who didn't lie to me about my job so don't get too discouraged about using a recruiter. Just keep your eyes open and do lots of reading so you know what you should be looking for.