Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ashcroft]

As far as new teachers coming over and starting employment, is there a point at which things typically slow down or cease altogether as we approach the end of the year and the holiday season? I'm going to start actively looking for a job very soon -- contacting recruiters and whatnot -- and as I already have all of my paperwork, I want to be able to leave immediately if I'm presented with an attractive job and that's what's required. However, not knowing how quickly things are moving right now, if I'm still going to be here at home around the holidays, I want to be able to commit to certain engagements with family and friends. Just trying to formulate some sort of timeline and plan things out as best as possible.

I mean, hypothetically, if I start looking for a job on December 1st, how likely is it that I could be in Korea by the end of the month?

I know this is kind of a vague question and thread, but I'd appreciate any replies. Thanks.

[cruisemonkey]

There's no Christmas 'season' in K-land. Sure, it's a statutory holiday... but that amounts to nothing more than a one-day drunk.

[nomad-ish]

i think it depends on what kind of job you're shooting for. public schools hire mainly for late august and late february start times, and since public schools are starting winter vacation around the time you mentioned coming over, most public school positions would be out.

a hagwon (cram school) would probably hire you. however, it takes a lot of weeding out to find a good hagwon, so the chances of you finding a decent/good job offer and then getting a visa in time (visa processing time is usually 2 weeks) are slim. if you're not picky about positions or get really lucky, it's possible.

[cruisemonkey]

There are two times a year when things 'grind to a halt' (for about a week) in K-land: Chuseok (Sept./Oct.), and Solnal (Jan./Feb.). The dates for both vary from year-to-year because they are dependent on the lunar calendar.

[MaiaMcDonald]

That's an interesting question, as I am in exactly the same situation.

I will have all my documents ready by the end of November and will start my search for employment at the start of December.

The way I see it you need to be really careful about signing onto contracts and finding the right place for you. As I assume you want it all to work out and to enjoy your time in Korea.
I guess there are always risks with any situation but trying to get as much info as is poss. and not jumping at the first thing is probably worth considering?

Good luck with your search

[Clockout]

For what it's worth here is what Recruiter In Korea has to say:

http://recruiterinkorea.wordpress.com/2009/11/06/it-will-get-better-trust-me/

[scotty12347]

I have just been offered a contract with Avalon that i wanted this morning, it took me about a month to obtain.

A good site for anyone looking for a job is http://www.seriousteachers.com/
Get the mail update fo any new job application posted to the site.

IMO a good recruiter is worth it too, i found my job through my recruiter who i found on that website.

Hope that helps.

[bixlerscott]

It would be sweet to snag a PS job shortly before Christmas when no one home wants to leave home and then get a nice long tropical Bali vacation in February, but I promised my mother I'd be home for Christmas for the 1st time in many years and I know it'll probably be the last time. Yes, I think you can get a job as I've seen PS hire out of season with how I got my PS job in June last year. The year before I seen PS jobs for a December start in Gangwondo. I noticed today on the job board, the recruiters are only advertising for late February starts instead of ASAP as was common before, but openings can come up at the last minute.

[schwa]

Gangwondo epik isnt filling positions empty now until february, unlike previous years. Swine flu fallout. Might be nation-wide public school policy.

[matthews_world]

As seen on the Job Board, one of the major public school organizations - either SMOE, GEPIK, or EPIK, hires every month now.

[cruisemonkey]