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starwater
Joined: 28 Apr 2009
Location: Canada
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 Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 11:48 am Post subject: Starwater's newbie questions re. contract length, pay, etc. |
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*waves hello*
The basics:
I'm 27, Caucasian, female and Canadian. I'll be graduating in October with a BA in English Lit (and great grades, though I doubt they'll matter much when I'm applying?). I have no teaching experience (though I do have volunteer experience working with youths of all ages).
I've read the good and the bad... lots of the bad... (thanks guys!) but I'm still going to go for it.
I'm going to start putting in my applications next week... as soon as I can find the impetus to tweak my resume and rewrite a CV.
Here's what I'm looking for...
- a 6-8 month position (I'm hoping to start end of October/November and need to be back in Canada in time to start a BEd in September 2010)
- ideally in Seoul
- paying, at minimum, 2.0 million Won a month
- airfare included
- Hagwon or Public, I don't care
Do you think I'll be able to find something along these lines...? Easily? Any suggestions? Anything I should keep in mind? Should I be holding out for a higher salary...? Considering I have no teaching experience, based on what I've been reading, it seems unlikely, but let me know what you think.
I'm especially worried about the "6-8 month" condition, as most contracts seem to be 12 month ones.
I know you guys see a lot of the same, redundant questions on here and it must get a bit annoying.
That said, I'd love any feedback and I really do appreciate your comments.
~
Starwater |
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kirsi
Joined: 29 May 2009
Location: dongtan
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| Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 12:01 pm Post subject: |
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You could just take a job, and quit in time to be back. I haven't seen any for shorter than a year beside part-time stuff... but i am not all-knowing about such things 
but about the other stuff: yes |
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starwater
Joined: 28 Apr 2009
Location: Canada
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| Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 1:10 pm Post subject: |
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Yeah, I was thinking about that option. But if I did that, my return airfare wouldn't be covered, would it...?
Thanks for the reply! |
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Carla
Joined: 21 Nov 2008
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| Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 1:12 pm Post subject: Re: Starwater's newbie questions re. contract length, pay, e |
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| starwater wrote: |
*waves hello*
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HI!
| Quote: |
The basics:
I'm 27, Caucasian, female and Canadian. I'll be graduating in October with a BA in English Lit (and great grades, though I doubt they'll matter much when I'm applying?). I have no teaching experience (though I do have volunteer experience working with youths of all ages).
I've read the good and the bad... lots of the bad... (thanks guys!) but I'm still going to go for it.
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Ya, lots of bad, but soooo much good to.
| Quote: |
I'm going to start putting in my applications next week... as soon as I can find the impetus to tweak my resume and rewrite a CV.
Here's what I'm looking for...
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Let's take a look.
| Quote: |
- a 6-8 month position (I'm hoping to start end of October/November and need to be back in Canada in time to start a BEd in September 2010)
- ideally in Seoul
- paying, at minimum, 2.0 million Won a month
- airfare included
- Hagwon or Public, I don't care
Do you think I'll be able to find something along these lines...? Easily? Any suggestions? Anything I should keep in mind? Should I be holding out for a higher salary...? Considering I have no teaching experience, based on what I've been reading, it seems unlikely, but let me know what you think.
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Generally speaking, schools don't hire for 6-8 months. If you really want to do that, work for 6 months, then turn in your resignation at the 6 month mark for 2 months. You won't get return airfare, but that way you don't have to refund the first airfare, AND the school has 2 months to look for a replacement. No need to put them out in the cold. And I'm 98% sure the visas are only for a year.
Is Seoul really that important? A lot of the Satellite cities are great unless you are dating someone in Seoul or like to party a lot. Suwon, Anyang, Ansan, they are close to Seoul and a lot cleaner/quieter.
2 million is reasonable. You should find it no problem.
Airfare.... If you only work 8 months, there is no way in the nether regions that you are going to get a ticket home. If you make it to the 6 month mark, then they won't take the first ticket out of your paycheck.
Public schools are full right now, it's the beginning of the year. Hagwons are iffy. I personally like them and have never had a problem, but Hagwons are either really good or really bad. Not often middle ground like public schools.
| Quote: |
I'm especially worried about the "6-8 month" condition, as most contracts seem to be 12 month ones.
I know you guys see a lot of the same, redundant questions on here and it must get a bit annoying.
That said, I'd love any feedback and I really do appreciate your comments.
~
Starwater |
Hope this helps? |
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amanley206253
Joined: 09 Aug 2009
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| Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 1:19 pm Post subject: Re: Starwater's newbie questions re. contract length, pay, e |
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| starwater wrote: |
I know you guys see a lot of the same, redundant questions on here and it must get a bit annoying.
Starwater |
Every inquiry is unique and this process is hardly something to be taken lightly. Everyone mulls in a similar fasion over contracts, and their location, pay, proximity to "familiar" cities, and a thousand other considerations.
Keep asking questions! Don't you dare stop. ;D |
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starwater
Joined: 28 Apr 2009
Location: Canada
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| Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 3:31 pm Post subject: |
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That does help! Thanks, Carla.
Yeah, I definitely would feel bad to bail on a contract and leave some small school in the lurch. Though I guess putting in my notice 2 months in advance would give them plenty of time. I guess I'll just have to read the contract really carefully to make sure that there's no way they can charge me for the arrival airfare if I break the contract early, provided I give reasonable notice.
Nope, I'm not a partier at all, but I was still leaning towards Seoul because it seems overwhelmingly huge and exciting and has lots of interesting places that I'd like to explore. Plus, I thought it would be nice to be near a larger expat community. But I'll still check out those other cities you mentioned - thanks! I was also thinking that some place close (well, relatively) to Japan might be nice too -- if I could even afford to get over there...
I'm just hoping the Won goes up, because the main reason I was going was to put some money towards debts...
Anyways, I'm exhausted and going home from work now, but I might have a few more questions for you guys in a bit.
Thanks for all of the help so far!  |
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starwater
Joined: 28 Apr 2009
Location: Canada
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| Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 3:33 pm Post subject: Re: Starwater's newbie questions re. contract length, pay, e |
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| amanley206253 wrote: |
Every inquiry is unique and this process is hardly something to be taken lightly. Everyone mulls in a similar fasion over contracts, and their location, pay, proximity to "familiar" cities, and a thousand other considerations.
Keep asking questions! Don't you dare stop. ;D |
Ha! Ok. Thanks, amanley206253! |
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Carla
Joined: 21 Nov 2008
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| Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 11:38 pm Post subject: |
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| starwater wrote: |
That does help! Thanks, Carla.
Yeah, I definitely would feel bad to bail on a contract and leave some small school in the lurch. Though I guess putting in my notice 2 months in advance would give them plenty of time. I guess I'll just have to read the contract really carefully to make sure that there's no way they can charge me for the arrival airfare if I break the contract early, provided I give reasonable notice.
Nope, I'm not a partier at all, but I was still leaning towards Seoul because it seems overwhelmingly huge and exciting and has lots of interesting places that I'd like to explore. Plus, I thought it would be nice to be near a larger expat community. But I'll still check out those other cities you mentioned - thanks! I was also thinking that some place close (well, relatively) to Japan might be nice too -- if I could even afford to get over there...
I'm just hoping the Won goes up, because the main reason I was going was to put some money towards debts...
Anyways, I'm exhausted and going home from work now, but I might have a few more questions for you guys in a bit.
Thanks for all of the help so far! |
No problem.
The standard contracts state some version of if you don't make it 6 months, you have to pay back the first plane ticket, if you make it 6 months, then you don't have to pay it back. If you make it 12 months, they pay for your ticket home. If you don't make it 12 months, you don't get a ticket home. Plus, no severance pay, but you're not expecting that.
Also, if savings are your goal, one of the satellite cities is probably better. There is just so much tempation to spend even more money in Seoul. 
Tell, good luck. And go ahead and get all your paperwork in order now. Don't wait until you find a job because it might be too late then. |
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uk27
Joined: 19 May 2009
Location: Korea
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| Posted: Fri Aug 14, 2009 12:25 am Post subject: |
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What a nice thread, full of helpful and cheery people. Lots of these and lots of these
Kudos to everyone involved!
I have nothing helpful to add. |
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Carla
Joined: 21 Nov 2008
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| Posted: Fri Aug 14, 2009 12:26 am Post subject: |
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| uk27 wrote: |
What a nice thread, full of helpful and cheery people. Lots of these and lots of these
Kudos to everyone involved!
I have nothing helpful to add. |
Nothing helpful to add? Appreciation is always helpful! |
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uk27
Joined: 19 May 2009
Location: Korea
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| Posted: Fri Aug 14, 2009 12:28 am Post subject: |
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| Carla wrote: |
| uk27 wrote: |
What a nice thread, full of helpful and cheery people. Lots of these and lots of these
Kudos to everyone involved!
I have nothing helpful to add. |
Nothing helpful to add? Appreciation is always helpful! |
Aw shucks  |
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starwater
Joined: 28 Apr 2009
Location: Canada
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| Posted: Fri Aug 14, 2009 1:38 pm Post subject: |
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That's right, this is the Happy Korea thread.
| Carla wrote: |
No problem.
The standard contracts state some version of if you don't make it 6 months, you have to pay back the first plane ticket, if you make it 6 months, then you don't have to pay it back. If you make it 12 months, they pay for your ticket home. If you don't make it 12 months, you don't get a ticket home. Plus, no severance pay, but you're not expecting that.
Also, if savings are your goal, one of the satellite cities is probably better. There is just so much tempation to spend even more money in Seoul.
Tell, good luck. And go ahead and get all your paperwork in order now. Don't wait until you find a job because it might be too late then. |
Paperwork...? Uh oh. Can you be more specific? 
I know there are a lot of documents required, but I didn't think there was much I could do to arrange them before I had a position lined up. I have a passport already, was just working on my resume & CV. But are there more things I could/should be getting in order? If so, please let me know and I'll definitely get on that!
O ignorance...
Also, yeah -- I know, I could probably save more money in a smaller city. Less temptations, right?
Or, I hear that the opportunities to teach on the side are also prolific. Though illegal and risky, I suppose... |
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lifeinkorea
Joined: 24 Jan 2009
Location: somewhere in China
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| Posted: Fri Aug 14, 2009 1:52 pm Post subject: |
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Every good contract allows for both parties to end it. I am sure it's even a labor law that you can give the school a 30 day notice and quit. Some contracts will have a 60 day notice instead.
However, yes, you can leave. You won't get airfare back. You might also run into pay problems when the school gets your "Dear Jong" letter. |
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Carla
Joined: 21 Nov 2008
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| Posted: Fri Aug 14, 2009 2:02 pm Post subject: |
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| starwater wrote: |
That's right, this is the Happy Korea thread.
Paperwork...? Uh oh. Can you be more specific?
I know there are a lot of documents required, but I didn't think there was much I could do to arrange them before I had a position lined up. I have a passport already, was just working on my resume & CV. But are there more things I could/should be getting in order? If so, please let me know and I'll definitely get on that!
O ignorance...
Also, yeah -- I know, I could probably save more money in a smaller city. Less temptations, right? ... |
Paperwork. The things that take the longest/most aggravation....
1. Get your CBC (criminal background check) done. It has to be national or provencial. And you have to have something called a vulnerable sector something with it. Then get it appostilled. I just double checked for you, and it is good for 3 months, so get it done as soon as you know you'll be leaving in less than 3 months. If you want to leave in October, you can get it done now.
2. Your degree copied, notarized and apostilled. Oh... you don't have that yet.
3. Your transcripts. Sealed. Actually, get at least 2 copies. Sometimes weird things happen to them.... like when you send them to Korea, sometimes customs officers open them, but then immigration won't accept them. I didnt' have that problem, but my consulate wants a copy of my transcripts also, and I don't want to wait until I get them back from Korea, especially since they are only $5. You don't have them yet either, do you? Duh, well, remember when you get them to get at least 2 copies.
That's all I can think of that you need to work on right now. Besides passport.
| starwater wrote: |
Or, I hear that the opportunities to teach on the side are also prolific. Though illegal and risky, I suppose... |
Don't do it. Seriously, before, it might have been worth the risk, but it's not anymore. They aren't playing games. They catch you, they kick you out without going to the bank, taking care of your apartment and stuff, nothing. It's not worth it.
They are offering rewards for reporting illegal teachers now, so people will turn you in even if they have nothing against you.
Poor flash just got busted for working illegally.
http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=162940 |
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wakingup
Joined: 20 May 2009
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| Posted: Sat Aug 15, 2009 3:00 am Post subject: |
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| starwater wrote: |
*waves hello*
The basics:
I'm 27, Caucasian, female and Canadian. I'll be graduating in October with a BA in English Lit (and great grades, though I doubt they'll matter much when I'm applying?). I have no teaching experience (though I do have volunteer experience working with youths of all ages). |
That should be good - English degree, female, good grades, experience with kids. If you've got good pictures, you should have your pick, even in a slightly weakened job market.
| starwater wrote: |
Here's what I'm looking for...
- a 6-8 month position (I'm hoping to start end of October/November and need to be back in Canada in time to start a BEd in September 2010)
- ideally in Seoul
- paying, at minimum, 2.0 million Won a month
- airfare included
- Hagwon or Public, I don't care
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Next week is pretty early to be looking for jobs in October/November, and that's not a good time to find a regular PS job. So, it'll probably be a hagwon.
Usually schools don't hire for less than a year, so it'll be difficult to find a contract of 6-8 months. There will be camps in the winter, but they'll only be about a month long. This is going to be your biggest barrier.
(Actually, I'm not even sure if a 6-8 month contract is legal with an E-2 visa for your first contract... someone told me it wasn't, but I've never checked into it.)
Pay, airfare, and finding something in Seoul should be easy.
| starwater wrote: |
| Do you think I'll be able to find something along these lines...? Easily? Any suggestions? Anything I should keep in mind? Should I be holding out for a higher salary...? Considering I have no teaching experience, based on what I've been reading, it seems unlikely, but let me know what you think. |
Except for your time issue (6-8 months), I'd say 2.0 is way too low a salary, especially if you have good pictures. I had similar credentials when I came over (now I have teacher certification, but I didn't then and I have an English degree, like you) and I never considered anything under 2.4 and I had several offers to choose from.
Even working with kids - even if you didn't teach - is good to have on your resume, as most folks who come over haven't even done that. And Koreans I've talked to seem to count an English degree for as much as an Education degree in terms of being a FT here. |
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