Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bricolage]

Hello, this is my first post here. To begin, here is some background info about me: I am a 26-year-old American woman with 2 years of work experience outside of college (but no teaching experience or college major in a relevant area for teaching English). I want to teach English in South Korea, preferably in Seoul. I am both interested in learning the Korean language and possibly making ESL my career.

I have applied to a few companies so far (I am interested in hagwons, not public or private schools), and have received limited response so far, I'm assuming partly because I am shooting high and have no experience, but also because I would like to go over in February 2010 (which is a while off).

One recruiter I applied to has gotten back to me, and I just want to see if anyone has had experience with them: ESL Communications (eslcom.net). I feel uneasy about sending all of my personal documents (diploma, transcripts, crime check, etc.) before I know that they can find me a good job. If anyone can shed some light, I'd appreciate it.

[Juregen]

You are quit right on the timing.

A lot of hagwons don't look further then next month. Not much different for public schools either.

Don't mind refraining from sending too much in one go.

Let them first come with the offers, and see whether they are good enough.
Then when papers are required, you can send them.

[bricolage]

Thank you, Juregen. I will probably email them and explain that I'd like som assurance of job offers before I send my personal information.

Do you think I stand much of a chance of finding a decent job before "T minus one month"? I would hate to have to deal with this last minute, especially because I am currently employed and would rather give my boss more than one month's notice. Plus, I would simply prefer that this whole process go as smoothly as possible.

[Carla]

[bricolage]

Thanks Carla, it is extremely useful for me to have this frame of reference for expecting replies from employers.

Does anybody else find it to be the case that hirings typically occur 1-2 months prior to departure? Also, has anybody been able to secure a good ESL job well ahead of time? I appreciate any feedback.