Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ukon]

I happened to run into a Korean proffessor in education and was talking to him....anyway, he told me he know of some schools in seoul who could use some english teachers and asked me what salary I would like?

On the SMOE website, there is payment scale, but since I'm bypassing the recruiters should I ask for a decent bit more(like around 2.4+ mill a month?) or just stick to the payment scale salary for my level?

I just have a B.S. with no experience in teaching(aside from volunteer).

[xCustomx]

Just because you're not using a recruiter doesn't mean they're going to pay you more. Public school contracts are usually non-negotiable in terms of salary, though other fringe benefits are.

[climber159]

Most likely SMOE will not negotiate with you on salary or benefits. They are what they are. With a B.S. and no teaching experience that will put you at the bottom of their pay scale. If you're looking for more money your best bets for your first year teaching are: (1) to go in search of public schools that are doing their hiring independent of SMOE; or, (2) suck it up for your first year as you gain experience and the necessary contacts to upgrade in the following year. Keep in mind that the public school districts do offer after school programs that you can become involved with. Doing these can tack on another few hundred thousand won to your monthly income.

[Bibbitybop]

On the SMOE ETIS website:

[Ukon]

I guess I should clarify....I got the impression he would contact some of his buddies who are in charge of schools....perhaps his friends are working for SMOE and/or maybe just principals or faculty at individual schools in seoul and elsewhere.

In the event I end up with a job offer from a seoul public school coming from the individual school itself, do I have more wiggle room? Or will they defer to the SMOE contract completely.

I know some mentioned they simply dropped off their app. at the schools themselves and were hired by them(rather than apply the traditional way SMOE, GEPIK, etc. tells you).

[Bibbitybop]

SMOE gives schools a budget that goes along with the foreign teacher. Not going through SMOE means no extra money to pay you with. That would be an odd situation. You might as well apply to privately funded schools (usually in the rich districts) if you want to circumvent dealing directly with SMOE. I know a lot of SMOE teachers love their schools, but hate dealing with the SMOE office. If circumventing SMOE was readily available, a lot of people would already be doing it.

[Ukon]

[Ukon]

Crap on a pogo stick.

He says he'll send it to both(SMOE and individual schools). I just emailed him to stop sending anything to SMOE. However, since he sounded like he would be contacting friends, I don't think it would disqualify me....I'll call him up tonight.