Korean Job Discussion Forums

[TBirdMG]

OK, a couple of related questions, and thanks in advance to current SMOEs for the valuable comments...

1) From SMOE's perspective, is there any qualitative difference in the contracted recruiters? I strongly prefer a HS in the greater Bundang area.
2) I have a Masters in a non-ESL related subject, 1 year of EPIK experience, and 2 years teaching in Japan with JET, but no TEFL certification. How will SMOE regard me as far as assignment priority and pay scale are concerned?
3) How can I ensure that I receive a quality school assignment and decent housing?


--I had to fight with EPIK way back in the day over these issues, and it made the 2nd half of the contract less than a pleasant experience.

1) The local POE rotated me among the 5 'gun' middle schools (2 months fixed location at each), but by the time I finished my 3rd school, I was exhausted from learning new staff and student names and personalities. I requested to finish the contract at my 1st school, where the Prin., VP, and KT were fantastic hosts and the kids a real pleasure. The POE turned totalitarian and the unserved schools complained. I threatened to quit and the POE acquiesced, but refused to renew my contract at year's end.
2) My housing, a 1BD apt., had ceiling cracks in the bedroom and kitchen. When the winter wind blew, the temperature inside dropped below freezing. The ondol did not work properly, and then the water heater broke. My school's VP and Prin. referred me to the POE, but nobody there wanted to assist. I went on strike for a week, washing from my tea kettle in February. I didn't even go to school. Finally, on Friday, a repairman came to my place, spent 2 hours on the water heater, and tried to stick me with the bill. I sent him over to my school to collect and got an earful the next Monday. I then referred my VP and Prin. to the POE and only then did they understand. Passing the buck comes around.....

Thanks again!

[ddeubel]

There is no "qualitatitve difference" and each recruiter has some informal tie/ties to the ETIS program. (best to use this and not SMOE).

But shouldn't you be applying for GEPIK, if you want a job in Bundang?

DD
http://eflclassroom.ning.com

[chickyabroad]

I'm wondering about this as well. I read on another post that each of the recruiting companies working with SMOE have a certain number of jobs to fill. Does anyone know if these are just randomly assigned to the recruiters, or do they give the jobs in one area to one recruiter, the jobs in another area to another recruiter, etc.? Or are there recruiters that have more middle school or high school jobs?

Also, I know the application for Seoul public school jobs is standardized, but does anyone have any direct experience with any of the recruiters and recommend one over the others, based on other services they offer?

[chickyabroad]

bump!

[Ukon]

I'm going through Korea connections and the process and fairly painless. They have updated the list of recruiters page....If I had the choice I'd have gone with one on the bottom since I bet they have less applicants.