Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cruisemonkey]

Do you think the current DPRK/ROK 'posturing' will result in many (EPIK, SMOE, GEPIK) newbies for the fall term withdrawing their applications?

I believe it will have an effect and suddenly MOEs that are currently saying they are 'full' will have openings; and also if things continue/escalate through the summer, there a bound to be many 'no-shows'.

[toadhjo]

If it continues, probably.

That said, it probably won't deter me unless really intense crap starts happening.

Right now I'm more worried about being quarantined because of swine flu panic...hopefully that'll be done by August...

[Demophobe]

Gotta hope so....cull the herd. Seems whenever the numbers get too high, some sort of limiting mechanism takes over.

Tanking economy, certain quarantine, nuclear threats/tests/missle launches from the Northern nutbars, extensive requirements to work here, cutthroat hagwon owners.....

[billietea]

Yes.

* the media has control of this Korea thing right now and I don't know of anyone in their right mind who would look at that and say to themselves, "Hmmmm, Korea...now there is a place that sounds lovely and inviting...think I'd like to go for a little vacation and earn some extra money teaching ESL."

**extra bonus material for those of us already in Korea - In my opinion people trying to decide between a nice beach somewhere else in the world or staying in Korea will choose the easier of the two.

[Nester Noodlemon]

bump

[Yu_Bum_suk]

It could if things get much worse. Unfortunately, working in Korea seems to be well publicised amongst the recently graduated (and often unemployed) crowd in the US. The past year has seen a considerable upsurge in the number of Americans teaching here. While Americans are most susceptible to fear-mongering, I think it will take a lot more. The effect that any border skirmishes could have on the won might be as much of a factor as any.

[Joe666]

billietea: I don't know of anyone in their right mind who would look at that and say to themselves, "Hmmmm, Korea...now there is a place that sounds lovely and inviting...think I'd like to go for a........

I'm not sure I have heard anybody say anything like this ever!! Lovely and inviting?

[alphakennyone]

Does this mean when I get my placement notice, I should negotiate for the school/location I want?

[SandyG21]

I have been concerned today - since I am applying to jobs in S. Korea and other nearby countries - that the USA might tell its citizens to not travel to these countries - it hadn't occured to me that teachers might decide themselves not to go over. So the reality that there may be more jobs opening up for me - is a plus IMO. I quess there may be some teachers who will be concerned about going over - even though there have been things going on with North Korea for a long time that should have people concerned. Even going to Japan and China - which is where the bombs are being directed toward - could potentially be dangerous.

[rationality]

[rationality]

[Rteacher]

It might severely reduce the number of English teachers actually living in Korea (and Japan) when bombs and missiles start raining down...