Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jenhn]

I know there are a ton of posts out there regarding how to go about finding a job, but I've been inundated by so much [oftentimes conflicting] information and have read so many posts about sketchy recruiters and nightmare hagwons and public schools that I am starting to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. I'm afraid I'll somehow get screwed over and will regret doing this.

I have lived in the same city and have always had my friends and family right here. I will soon be quitting what my parents consider to be a great and very secure job that I have been in for two years now, and leaving behind all that I have known for the past 24 years of my life, to force myself out of my comfort zone and to pursue all the things I have always wanted to do (finance was never actually one of those things!). But perhaps I'm getting in way over my head.

I know there are others out there who have done this. Can you share with me your experience? Did the process sometimes feel as daunting and overwhelming for you as it has for me? And was it all worth it in the end?

Also, if you could name any reputable recruiters or hagwons that you would recommend, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!
Jen

[indyflyguy]

Hi there!

I was in your same boat just a few months ago! It's scary to think about giving up everything you know and taking this risk, but it sounds like you're ready to take the plunge!

I started interviewing early in the spring, and thought August would be SOOO far away that I would chicken out. Well, now I'm only 3 weeks away from heading to Seoul. The packing has started, the current job is almost a memory, and the good-byes have begun.

My biggest piece of advice would be to just take your time! There's A LOT of recruiters out there, just keep talking to them until you find one you feel comfortable with. There is a plethora of information on the web. I have spent hundreds of hours watching YouTube videos, reading blogs, and, of course, researching things on this website.

From what I understand, of course those nightmare jobs are out there - but there area also a lot of nightmare teachers that like to blow things out of proportion. It also sounds like (and others can correct me if I'm wrong), but there's a good chance your first job is going to be crap. But is it the end of the world? Of course not! There's always other jobs in the country, and if worst comes to worst, there's always flights out of Incheon Int'l!

Good luck!

[Moomoo2u]

Korea is a really fun place, especially if you're looking to get out of your comfort zone (which I assume is the USA/Canada)

you'll find a surprising amount (at least for me) of Westernization though.

As for Hagwons, you should sort that out before you come (you need an E-2 visa which your employer has to give you). If you look through the forums here you'll find a on of hagwons and you can use FREE recruiters as well (some are not reputable but any mentioned on this site as good I would recommend), they're free b/c the hagwons pay them to find these teachers.

Also once you find a hagwon try to talk to the other international teachers there who will not only give you the breakdown on teaching/life in Korea in general but will tell you the do's and dont's of your particular hagwon. (i.e. teaching privately is illegal etc...)

don't worry so much about coming here, you will find delicious food, friendly people, a very fun city (especially if you drink) and actually very good pay considering (you can make 20-25,000/year with PAID HOUSING or at least a housing allowance and flights there and back also pre-paid)

and as was said before if you really hate it, you can always leave, no hagwon is going to internationally sue you for breach of contract.

[jenhn]

Thanks so much for your kind responses It's nice to know that others have been there, done that, and are fine.

I really look forward to moving out there and exploring the city (and surrounding areas), and who knows - maybe I'll meet some of you! All the best to you guys

[alphakennyone]

In the current climate, I'm not sure it's wise to quit a secure job in order to pursue what may not be stable. Will you be able to go back to it if you get a bad gig in Korea and end up quitting after a few months? It doesn't happen to everyone, but it happens to enough people that you should consider the possibility. It's not THAT easy to change jobs once you're in Korea - that requires a bit of dedication and also a degree of cooperation from your former boss.

Warnings about teaching English in Korea are still on America's State Department website.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/living/teaching/teaching_1240.html

[jenhn]

You bring up a very good point, and I have certainly considered that (as should anyone else who is thinking about living abroad for an extended period of time). However, I am going to med school when I return to the US, so the job market will not be an immediate concern for me. My greater concern is being put in a tenuous job situation in Korea as the link you posted described and that I know many have encountered. I am definitely doing my due diligence, though, and hopefully I'll have a great experience.

[alphakennyone]