Korean Job Discussion Forums

[deadhead]

Hello everyone.

I started looking for ESL teaching jobs in Korea and decided to sign up with ESL Planet after reading the positive reviews this agency had. However, I noticed that when I look for jobs most read....

"INCHEON POE is looking for native English speakers to apply for the EPIK PUBLIC SCHOOL SEPT intake. Salaries are determined by qualifications and experience. "

It does not give me an actual school to look up to see how it treats ESL teachers. So basically I am confused about EPIK. I heard that it isn't a great agency to go through.

By signing up with ESL Planet, will I be put into the EPIK agency? As you can tell from this post I am very confused. Thank you in advance

[yeremy]

Most recruiters are the same. Recruiting is a big business in Korea. They're trying to place people so they can get paid. But some are better, but not necessarily more honest, than the others. It helps to get to know them and then you can work with them more closely. When it comes to going through a recruiter to get a public school position, they will all say they have these jobs for you to take, but there are about a half a dozen official recruiters who work with EPIK for example. Don't let them fool you into thinking they have an exclusive arrangement, when it is usually semi-exclusive at best.

If you apply directly to EPIK, you are not able to choose your school as a newcomer, but you certainly may be able to choose the place you wish to teach in. What school and what level in the public school system here in Korea you teach in is determined largely by the POE in charge of that area.

[n�fara]

If you don't wish to work for EPIK in the public school systems around Korea (excluding Seoul and Gyeonggi), no worries.
Just tell your recruiter that you aren't interested in those types of positions, and let them know what you are interested in, and where you want to work.
If they don't have what you're looking for, shop around with someone else.


I don't think that ESL Planet would but you in the Incheon position against your will, or if that's even possible?


And just for the record, I'm with EPIK, and while it's not perfect, it's going well for me so far.

[the dakota kid]

Deadhead,

I am going to SK in March through ESL Planet. I have received quite a bit of info regarding this whole procedure through them. If you sign up with EPIK, you will be able to choose your region/city, but not much else. Most of the positions are determined by the POE (Provincial Office of Education), based on your skills and the needs of the schools.

The following link lists the payscale and qualifications: http://epik.knue.ac.kr/sub2/sub2_3_1.asp
http://epik.knue.ac.kr/sub2/sub2_2_1.asp

Here is a link for there application: http://epik.knue.ac.kr/file/EPIK%20Application%20Form.doc

If you want to see the average contract for each of the POE's check out the link located on ESL Planet's website here: http://esl-planet.com/FAQ.aspx It is the 10th or 11th one from the bottom.

I cannot find the split between the Gov office and recruiters for applicants. Some are allotted to both.

FWIW,
tdk

[chris_J2]

Incheon is just outside Gyeonggido. GEPIK look after Gyeonggido region. EPIK looks after most of southern / eastern Sth Korea. So you are not restricted to Incheon, by any means.

http://www.trekearth.com/map.php?ctr=South_Korea

If possible, ask your potential school, if you can speak with the native speaker of English, already at the school (ask for an email address). I'm with EPIK, & have been placed in 2 schools by ESL Planet in 2006/07. So far, so good. No complaints with either.

[marckot]

I made use of ESL planet to find my current job. I did not want to work for one of the programs like EPIK so I found a job through them at a private high school. Now I deal directly with the school and it is a sweet deal.

I know if you tell the guys at ESL planet what you want they will make an effort to find it for you.

[yeremy]

FYI: I asked someone, because I wasn't sure myself, but Incheon is in Gyonggi-do.

[chris_J2]

Actually Incheon is NOT in Gyeonggi. Did you look at the map in the link? It's a metropolitan city, the same as Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju & Daejeon.

[Draz]