|
Korean Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!"
|
| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Bloopity Bloop
Joined: 26 Apr 2009
Location: Seoul yo
|
 Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 5:11 pm Post subject: My first shady recruiter experience... |
 |
|
So up until now, my recruiter has been absolutely terrific. She's quick to respond, always answer her cell phone, has helped me in every way. I finally received my SMOE Notice of Appointment and she told me that all I had to do now was book my flight and get my Visa.
Well, I booked my flight and forwarded her the itinerary. Now she tells me SMOE doesn't usually hire H level teachers (just a college BA) and says I need to get a TEFL Cert.
WHAT?! I had asked her repeatedly before--is it fine if I don't have a TEFL certificate? Her answer: Yes, all you need is your BA, you'll be fine.
Is it really necessary or not? I guess if it is, hopefully it's just the 40 hour requirement which I guess the bump in pay could take care of in 1 or 2 months. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
nyla54
Joined: 17 Jun 2009
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 6:33 pm Post subject: Re: My first shady recruiter experience... |
|
|
| Bloopity Bloop wrote: |
So up until now, my recruiter has been absolutely terrific. She's quick to respond, always answer her cell phone, has helped me in every way. I finally received my SMOE Notice of Appointment and she told me that all I had to do now was book my flight and get my Visa.
Well, I booked my flight and forwarded her the itinerary. Now she tells me SMOE doesn't usually hire H level teachers (just a college BA) and says I need to get a TEFL Cert.
WHAT?! I had asked her repeatedly before--is it fine if I don't have a TEFL certificate? Her answer: Yes, all you need is your BA, you'll be fine.
Is it really necessary or not? I guess if it is, hopefully it's just the 40 hour requirement which I guess the bump in pay could take care of in 1 or 2 months. |
Aw, I'm really sorry.
How far ago did you apply and receive your NOA?
I applied without a TEFL certificate too, and was accepted. However, my acceptance was contingent upon me receiving a TEFL certificate.
I think that shift in requirements came with the continuing influx of not only applicants in general, but also more qualified (read: those with more credentials, such as TEFL certification or diploma) applicants. In any event, I've heard that your contract is kept in place and recognizes you as a Level H candidate (college BA) until you come to Korea. During orientation, they will announce a table you go to and show your TEFL certification--at this point, they will officially recognize you as a Level G candidate.
Some are in a similar boat as you. I think that most are getting the certification, but there are a few brave enough to just show up without one. I'm not sure if they would turn you around, but you really have to weigh if you want to take that chance.
I believe a 40 hour program will not cut it. If you look at the SMOE pay scale, in order to qualify for Level G with a certification, it needs to be a 100-hour course or more. There are online programs you can enroll in from $200-300.
Also, you will be recouping your money in 1-2 months, depending on the cost of your program and the exchange rate. Level H candidates make 1.8 million won monthly, and Level G candidates earn 2.0 million won; thus, given the current exchange rate, it is roughly a $160 bump in salary a month. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
bobbybigfoot
Joined: 05 May 2007
Location: Seoul
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 6:50 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I've said this before. I'll say it again.
Recruiters are like used car salesmen. Not every one is a scumbag, but most are. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Bloopity Bloop
Joined: 26 Apr 2009
Location: Seoul yo
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 7:14 pm Post subject: Re: My first shady recruiter experience... |
|
|
| nyla54 wrote: |
Aw, I'm really sorry.
How far ago did you apply and receive your NOA?
I applied without a TEFL certificate too, and was accepted. However, my acceptance was contingent upon me receiving a TEFL certificate.
I think that shift in requirements came with the continuing influx of not only applicants in general, but also more qualified (read: those with more credentials, such as TEFL certification or diploma) applicants. In any event, I've heard that your contract is kept in place and recognizes you as a Level H candidate (college BA) until you come to Korea. During orientation, they will announce a table you go to and show your TEFL certification--at this point, they will officially recognize you as a Level G candidate.
Some are in a similar boat as you. I think that most are getting the certification, but there are a few brave enough to just show up without one. I'm not sure if they would turn you around, but you really have to weigh if you want to take that chance.
|
Thanks for the info. I applied a few months back and go my NoA within the last few weeks. My recruiter did say something after I e-mailed her again about how it would be better to take some TEFL classes beforehand, but I could just go to Korea and discuss it with my supervisor or something.
I guess I'll be working by day, taking TEFL classes by night... you think I could do it while deskwarming at school?
@ bobbybigfoot: Yeah, I've read that a lot here. I really though I landed a great recruiter, but I guess they don't really reveal everything until they feel that money is approaching their bank accounts. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
wallythewhale
Joined: 12 Mar 2009
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 2:13 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| You can just tell her that you're in the process of taking TEFL classes. At least that's what they prefer to hear from you. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Rory_Calhoun27
Joined: 14 Feb 2009
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 4:04 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| bobbybigfoot wrote: |
I've said this before. I'll say it again.
Recruiters are like used car salesmen. Not every one is a scumbag, but most are. |
Well, they treat recruits like mushrooms, right?
feed 'em shit and leave 'em in the dark...
I've had at least one experience like that....  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
