Korean Job Discussion Forums

[toadhjo]

Anybody want to help a n00b out? I'm graduating from my university next month, and I want to get into the Korean ESL game, but I'm not exactly sure where to start.

I've looked at some of the job postings here, but I guess I just want to do a little research before I dive in head first. I feel that I'm interested in public school work, but I don't really have a preference regarding age group. As for location, I don't really want to live in a big city (i.e. Seoul or Busan), but other than that, I don't really know.

I'm sorry if you guys get posts like this quite often, but I looked and I didn't find any. Please feel free to direct me elsewhere if I'm being daft and overlooking something.

Thanks in advance!

[Cerriowen]

PM sent

[ThomasR]

I would say that going through a recruiter would be the easiest thing to do. But dont go through one. Once you get a contract offer then post it on here to get it evaluated. You will need to meet the E2 requirements (visa) which means your Uni will have to have you a degree and sealed transcripts before you can even start.

When I first started researching it (a year ago) I just read these forums, google'd 'teach english in korea blogs' and found other resources. Dont take one source as law. Research everything. Sometimes this game can be sketchy but once you know the name of the game, you will do just fine.

Like I said, Ive been researching it for a year and have yet to even apply (I was waiting until I graduated anyways) so I know quite a bit but feel I haven't even scratched the surface. Cant wait to visit the DMZ though, thats the one place Im REALLY looking forward to.

Just research and you will do just fine. Feel free to PM me questions if you want, although Ive never been there, but I know A LOT about it.

[losing_touch]

Yes, I agree. You should read as much as you can. I spent a lot of time reading and absorbing a lot of information. I am currently doing it for other countries as well. There is an overwhelming amount of information out there on the web.

Figure out your top 3 locations in Korea. Look over the job board with your cup of coffee in the morning. If you aren't finding what you are looking for, get in touch with a few recruiters. Stay firm on your list of demands.

Start getting your documents together earlier rather than later. I would suggest getting started on the CBC as soon as possible so you have it in hand when you graduate. Figure out how long it is going to take to get your original diploma from your school. If it is a long time, ask your registrar/dean if they can provide a letter stating you have graduate. Document gathering is a real pain.....

[Easter Clark]

Why do you want to come to Korea?

[D.D.]

Rural public school jobs are easy to get. Just apply for all the rural public school jobs and ignore the recruiters that try to switch you to hogwans.

[toadhjo]

Well, I'm an Asian Languages/Literatures major, but my focus has been on Japan up til this point. I've already been to Japan on study abroad, I was considering doing ESL there, but my #1 option is a no go, and I wanted to come to Korea eventually anyway, so I'm just going for it straight away.

I don't know any Korean right now, but I want to learn, and going to Korea to teach ESL seems like a good opportunity to do that. Also, I just want to explore and be "adventurous" in general.

But yeah...sounds like there isn't a whole lot that I can do until I get my diploma. I'll have to spend the next few months researching to make sure I

[sweetmoya]

It's good to start early and research. I contacted a recruiter, got job offers, signed a contract, got my papers in order and received my visa all within 3 weeks. I left 5 days after I received my visa (after my plane was cancelled once). Pretty last minute and super stressful. I didn't sleep for 3 weeks and almost thought I wouldn't make it. I was lucky enough to end at a nice school and in a nice place. I was also lucky to have some friends already here that could answer my questions.