Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Lou3511]

Hello all.

First off, thanks to anyone who answers - experienced insight is much appreciated!

Anyways, I'm a 25-yr-old (male), born and raised in the U.S., who is planning on going over to Korea to teach English as early as May 1, 2004.

As a lot of newcomers do, I'm sure, I have a question regarding visas . . .
I know that, legally, one can not undertake "private" or one-on-one teaching lessons outside or in addition to their normal classes. However, I also think I remember reading something about getting a certain kind of visa (want to say it was an F-2, but I really have no idea) where it would allow you to teach in a hogwan or whatever and also (assuming it's not prohibited in your contract with the school) allow you to teach privately as well. Is this true? If so, how does one go about obtaining that type of visa?

Okay, again, sorry for asking what I'm sure is a repeated topic, but I was curious. I really can't wait to go over there. I haven't signed a contract yet, but have been visiting several websites for a while and plan to start sending all my documents out this weekend.

But thanks in advance for any replies.

Lewis

[peppermint]

The standard ESL visa is an E2, and that means one school, or others if they farm you out. The other type of visa you asked about is for people who have strong ties to Korea, either ethnic Koreans raised elsewhere (gyopos) or people married to Koreans ( I think it's one or the other, but I forget which)

Lots of people do teach privates on the side here even though they are illegal. Once you get here you'll realize that Korean laws are sometimes treated as recomendations. If you do it, it's your choice, but be aware of consequences. If you can't live comfortably on the pay here, you must have some seriously fun habits.

[just because]