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SandyG21
Joined: 26 Oct 2008
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 Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 6:22 pm Post subject: Advice Needed |
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I have been researching teaching in Korea for about 8 months (also looking at Japan, Taiwan and even China since the won exchange rate has dropped).
I applied directly to gepik and didn't hear back from them till the last minute - and they just wanted me to come over without a work visa at a moments notice from the USA.
I do not have the financial funds to travel there or to job fairs - I want my first job before I arrive.
I have a BS in education and a teaching license and lots of experience in schools - however not in teaching English as a foreign language - so I do know I have alot to learn.
So far recruiters have done the bait and switch tactic on me or been unresponsive or wanted me to come over without a visa.
I am also interested in the SMOE and I definitely want over there at the latest by late summer 2009.
It is costing a fortune to get my documents together and then have recruiters do the bait and switch thing.
How much time do most new teachers get to prepare before coming over to Korea.
I am ridding myself of belongings. But I would still need to give 30 days notice to a landlord and have time to get a plane ticket and the other last minute details - and I do want a work visa before arrival.
Is what I am experiencing normal? |
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Yu_Bum_suk
Joined: 25 Dec 2004
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| Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 7:03 pm Post subject: |
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| Yes - very normal. |
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jindodog
Joined: 31 May 2007
Location: not seoul
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| Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 7:07 pm Post subject: |
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| Honestly, if you actually have a real teaching degree Korea may not be your best choice. Any school will probably not appreciate your qualifications. If I were you I would definitley look into working in Hong Kong. They have a Teach-Away program where you can make a lot of money...like $60,000 a year with housing provided.....I'd skip Korea if I were you. |
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Kikomom
Joined: 24 Jun 2008
Location: them thar hills--Penna, USA--Zippy is my kid, the teacher in ROK. You can call me Kiko
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| Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 9:47 pm Post subject: |
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| How much time do most new teachers get to prepare before coming over to Korea. |
Wario graduated from college last year on May 10th with zero job prospect. He lazed around here for two weeks then got busy researching ESL and contacting recruiters. He already had a passport (biggest time saver), had a legal matter to settle but still had a clear background check--which was ok to do online at that time. He had his papers in order in a week and were back with the apostilles the next week. By then he had five or so contract offers, picked what he thought might be the best one and had his packet FedExed to the school (hagwon) by the middle of June. July 1st he was in NYC for his visa, partied there for a few days and was home to pack and be on the plane by July 7th. Took about six weeks total.
The recruiter tried at the last minute to have him buy his own ticket to be reimbursed, but he said no. So the school ended up buying it from Korea just like it said in their spiel. Put your foot down and hold firm on that. No ticket, no teacher.
And whatever you do, don't send them your passport--that goes with you to the consulate--a copy of the front page was good enough. And keep hard copies of everything that goes out in the mail or faxed or emailed. Including your documents that are apostilled.
Last thing: Take a couple extra copies of your sealed transcripts with you in case you end up switching jobs after you get there. |
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SandyG21
Joined: 26 Oct 2008
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| Posted: Sun Mar 29, 2009 9:47 pm Post subject: |
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| Those Teach Away - Hong Kong jobs sound great - but again an in person interview - means taking time off work and spending alot of money - and funds are low. However after earning some money in Korea - that would be a good place to look for work. |
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