Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jsyi1]

I guess I should say that I'm a Korean-American, I was born in the states and have lived here all my life. Fluent in English, and can speak pretty comfortably in Korean, but not write. I'll be graduating this June, and the University said that my Degree confirmation (not diploma) will be available at the end of July. I was hoping to come and teach sometime in August or September, as thats when I should have all my documents ready to get my visa. I would only want to work in Seoul because my grandmother lives there, and I am open to Hagwons or Public Schools.

My main question is when should I be looking to reach out to recruiters, seems like the recruiters are busy trying to fill up spots that are needed immediately. Is being Korean-American going to hurt or help me? Will degree confirmation suffice for my visa? Also is an August or September start date likely, or should I expect the process to take longer?

Thanks in advance, and any help would be greatly appreciated.

[lifeinkorea]

If you got a regular E-2 visa, then it might be harder for you to get a job because you aren't blue eyed and blond. However, if you get a better visa because you are Korean American, then you will have more options and because of that schools will want to hire you more. Unfortunately, I don't know which visa (maybe it's F-2, or maybe E-7) which you can qualify for. I just know last year another teacher I met was in the same situation as you, and he was telling me how he could leave and come back to start up a hagwon because he has family here.

I think you'll want to get that kind of stuff straightened out first before picking a school. Hopefully, another Korean American who is experienced can tell you more about this. As for recruiters, I would go with them because they will be able to find you schools you won't be able to back home. If you came to Korea first, then you could visit the schools and talk to them. In that case, we all have the advantage. If I talked to a school here, they might hire me instead of you still being at home. However, if you came to Korea, then it would be the opposite LOL.

You'll need the degree itself. I don't think a confirmation will be accepted. You could try to submit it and promise to bring the diploma with you to Korea. However, it's probably not going to fly with immigration. They need a copy of the real thing.

I just looked up online and it seems like you could get a F-4 visa, Overseas Korean (재외동포) Je Hui Dong Po

Check this thread http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=25615h

[Goku]

Apply to ESL planet or apply directly to either

EPIK, GEPIK, or SMOE

Someone recommended me this before I came over when I was still doing planning. Best advice I had ever gotten on these forums.

You work for public school in these large programs. There is a LOT more security than applying through iffy recruiters or sketchy hagwons. Your first year you don't want someone to cheat you out of airfare, make you work unnecessary extra hours, or get unexpectedly fired. These programs help protect you from that.

I definitely recommend it.

Working for a hagwon, I'm told being Korean can hurt. For public schools, it doesn't matter.

The start date should be fine if you start doing everything else besides the diploma now. Only took me 2 months to get all things in order before coming to Korea.

You will need the diploma, and copies of it, but you will be fine before the august deadline.

[Ya-ta Boy]