Korean Job Discussion Forums

[SandyG21]

I have been reading these forums for a couple of years and finally get to post - thanks Dave.

Okay I know that people have a choice of using either a recruiter or applying directly to Gepik.

I have interviewed with one recruiter and wasn't impressed with his ethics.

So I would prefer to apply directly to Gepik - I would be doing this from my home country.

Once a person applies to Gepik - how is the communication and interviewing done? Does a person who works for Gepik contact the applicant by email or phone? or does Gepik simply hand the applicant over to their choice of recruiter?

When I applied for a different country through a recruiter I only had email correspondance and a phone call with the recruiter.


Will I get a good school by going directly through Gepik or is it better to use a recruiter?

Right now I don't have a high opinion of recruiters.

If anyone has applied directly tell me what your experience was like.

Thank you.

[ttompatz]

Any applications sent directly to GEPIK will sit on the desk until next January when they open up the next intake.

BE AWARE that GEPIK is the recruitment program run by the GPOE and NOT the employer.

Schools within the GPOE are in a constant state of flux and are hiring year round. GEPIK on the other hand has 2 major recruitment drives, one in Jan. for March starts and one in June for Aug./Sept starts.

If you want to start in March, then you can go directly to GEPIK.

If you want to start outside of the main hiring periods, go with a recruiter or 10.

Remember that a recruiter is NOTHING MORE than an introduction to the job. They are like used car sales men. They show you the cars, you check them out and pick one from the bunch.

Be careful of bait and switch from some recruiting firms. Be clear and firm in what you want and you will get it. DON'T accept anything else.

There is no shortage of jobs.

If the 1st recruiter doesn't have specifically what you want, move to the next one. Keep going till you get the job you want in the place you want.

.

[SandyG21]

Okay thanks for answering.

My plan was the March start - I figure apply directly now - then by March I would be there. If Gepik waits till January - will it be able to get all the materials ready - get my visa - find a school?

As for recruiters - yes - the one I talked to did do the bait and switch - wanted me to go over without a visa and he would set me up in another job.

Also wanted an exclusive contract just with them.

I get the feeling that recruiters communicate with each other and may know if someone is applying for a lot of jobs.


So if applying directly to Gepik - will my application sit on a desk - or will someone call me? Will it be someone who works for that education office or will it be a school?

How will a recruiter deal with me working with them and also applying directly?

Thank you.

[SandyG21]

Thanks - my understanding is that we don't get alot of choices the first year. We can select an area - might get it or not - select an age group - might get it or not.

Since I am in the USA and really don't know the area that well - what should I be looking for?

I do know I chose Gepik over Epik - because I do not want to be in a very rural area. My understanding is that Gepik usually is on or near a subway line and other transportation.

Also I actually do have teacher certification - so will this help me in getting a better location?

I know people will say go for an International school - but those jobs are very competitive right now.

For those of you who have been out of the states for awhile - teachers are facing massive layoffs - lots of schools are closing - and the over all job prospects are dismal.

[SandyG21]

I know the SMOE doesn't allow multiple applications.

How does Gepik view this?

Again if I go through Gepik on my own - can I also go through recruiters? Even more than 1 recruiter?

Do the recruiters require an exclusive contract with them?

[subicslugger]

A teacher certification will help you. If you go with a recruiter, you can pick and choose your location a bit more and if they dont have what you are looking for, move on to the next one.

Most recruiters that work with GEPIK have different networks of schools within the system that they work with, so use a few different ones.

As far as I know, there is no such thing as an "exclusive contract", with a recruiter. They are just telling you this so you wont speak to anyone else.

A few decent recruiters for GEPIK are:

Korvia

www.korvia.com

AMS Korea

www.teachsouthkorea.com

AskNow

www.asknow.ca

[wylies99]

If you deal with a recruiter, tell them what you want and don't settle for less. Try to be near a subway station because that'll make your life MUCH easier. Oh, and NEVER pay a recruiter.

[jadarite]

I live in Pyeongtaek, near a subway which goes to Seoul. I consider I am further out than a first-timer would want. So, I suggest a move to Suwon. If you want more information, I put up a page about working abroad in Asia at http://jadarite.wikispaces.com/workinasia