Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Conrad B Hart]

I've been looking for a job in Korea (though I'm not actually in Korea) for a couple of weeks now and it appears that all the jobs start in September and not afterwards. I know this is when the public school term starts, but if I were to take a job in a Hagwon (truly awful name) is it possible to start in other months, such as October, November???
I don't want to feel rushed or pressured into talking a job, unless this is my only option. Time seems to be running out and if I want to be able to get a visa in time then I'd probably have to accept a job within the next 7-10days.

I know it's almost impossible to get a public school job for this September, but just out of interest, would anyone recommend waiting around and trying to find a ps job that starts next March 2010?

[bassist33]

I'm currently looking at arriving towards the end of September or early October. I've been able to find quite a few jobs searching the jobs board here, but working with recruiters they have not had a problem finding me jobs that fit all my needs. Now, I'm just waiting for my criminal background check to come in and I will be signing a contract.

I think you should take some more time to look through job postings and contact a few recruiters. You probably won't be able to get into one of the major programs like SMOE or EPIK, but there are plenty of other positions out there that are opening throughout the year. Good luck!

[okayden223]

I'd say by November there are going to be a couple hundred PS vacancies from people who just didn't know what they were getting into. Don't assume that every hagwon is terrible. You only read the horror stories here. Just be sure that you speak to a foreign teacher at the school before you send any documents. You don't need to be in Seoul or Busan to have a good time, although it's nice to be within an hour or two of one of those cities. Read some of the recruiter threads in FAQ forum and contact whoever you see recommended. You need to get a few different recruiters involved and then it should be no problem. But recruiters aren't going to get paid now for jobs that hire in 2 months. Most of them are focused on getting things taken care of in the present. Korea is a last minute society so trying to plan things out in advance usually doesn't work here.

[cym]

Best of luck finding a placement Conrad. I was told October 1st is when they start doing interviews for PS. But don't heed my word too much, I'm not in the system... yet.

I was talking to someone from GEPIK this March ('09) about the September '09 intake but decided to put in a full year at my current job before peacing out of America for a year.

That said, I'm aiming for Feb/March '10 and have started sniffing around for jobs.

I've started talking to a couple of recruiters... one has been pushing SMOE and the other EPIK (since I mentioned I was interested in Incheon).

But really, how much control do recruiters have over your placements? Since pay and location are supposedly non-negotiable, would my recruiter be able to advocate for my app to EPIK Incheon over some other bloke who just worked directly through EPIK? That's what I feel like he was implying-- that he could definitely get me into Incheon.

(Methinks these recruiters are encouraging me to apply for the system that is paying them more...)

Another option: I know a handful of people at a legit hagwon (they get paid on time and they enjoy teaching there). Wondering if I should just go replace someone there since I'm a newbie and the idea of a bigger class size is a little daunting?

Thoughts?



***Thanks in advance for helping out a newbie -- I bet these questions get recycled lots, but I couldn't find anything specific on my above questions!

[Conrad B Hart]

If a PS job 'becomes available' in November or otherwise, should I not just assume that it's because it was a bad job, and hence why someone left?

Just in case I do decide, or have to, wait around. Does anyone know the process for the March 2010 PS entries. Like, do I have to go through a recruiter or is there some kind of place where I can apply direct? I've heard all kind of acronyms banded about but am unsure. Also as I missed the boat last time (or should I say this time), I want to try and get in there early if possible.

Finally (for now anyway), is it possible or usual for teachers with no or little previous teaching experience to be given PS jobs, or would I have to chance a Hagwon just to get the experience.
Though I must say, if I did wait for 2010 entry I would make use of Mr Cred Card and get myself a CELTA or Trinity Cert during the Autumn/Winter. Would that help?

Cheers again.

[tonyvu]