Korean Job Discussion Forums

[El Macho]

Sorry, I'm sure this has been discussed before but I've not been able to find answers using the search engine.

I'll finish my Master's in English Language Teaching this summer, and would like to start working at a university in Korea in the Fall. I've read on the forums that it's very difficult to find a university position from outside Korea because of the preference for in-country candidates.

Any suggestions or tips for applying for uni jobs from outside Korea? My preference is to be in Seoul, though I suppose Suwon might be OK. I have experience teaching (in Korea, the US, and China), an undergraduate concentration in TESL (including teaching practicum), and will have an MA in ELT (with thesis, for those who are interested ) from a UK university.

[hajima 99]

It's certainly not impossible to get hired at a uni from overseas (one uni I just interviewed at a couple weeks ago in Seoul was exclusively doing webcam interviews of overseas candidates, and I can think of one Dave's poster based overseas who just got an offer a day ago), in the majority of cases you are limiting yourself if you are not on Korean soil. Most unis obviously want you to do a demo lesson, answer some questions in front of a panel, and just really want to size you up in-person since 'presentation' is so important in these parts.

I was in pretty much an identical position as you a month ago. Taught in Korea before, left for 2 years to complete a Masters overseas, hopped on a plane a couple weeks ago, and applied and interviewed at schools.

If you really want a uni position in Seoul or Suwon: splurge on the plane ticket. Another tip: have your criminal background check ready, and it wouldn't hurt to track down your employment certificates from prior Korean employers (some universities actually ask for these in the initial application, not visa, phase). You'll be armed and ready.

[El Macho]

Thanks for that reply. Would PM you with these follow-ups, but have not yet reached the requisite number of posts for PM'ing privileges.

Did you start the application process from abroad, or was it all done in Korea? If you applied from abroad, did you note in your cover letter that you would be in Seoul for interviews during a certain time period? From one of the other threads about uni hiring it sounded as if interview times could be scheduled with as little as one day notice.

Good advice about the CBC. I'll be sure to have one on hand.

I'll be applying for a Aug/Sept start date. I hope that reputable universities will be looking during that time. If not, perhaps I'll find something to hold me over until the Nov-Dec hiring for Spring start dates.

Thanks again, much appreciated. (I'm writing a horrible research paper for Analysis of Grammar and am thinking about future teaching jobs to motivate myself!)

[hajima 99]

[naturegirl321]

I'm applying to unis from abroad. I've had six interviews. I think the fact that I'm not in Korea is working against me. I've decided to take a job, stick with it for two yeras and then apply to the good unis.

[El Macho]

[Sadebugo1]

[naturegirl321]

[PatrickGHBusan]

Your chances of landing a University job in September and applying from abroad are pretty slim.

Most Universties (not unigowns) hire in Novmber-DEcember-January for the March semester.

Most Universities hire applicants already in Korea.

You may however have a chance with a smaller regional university or college.

Finally, if you have no experience (sorry if you said you did and I missed it) then your fresh MA, inexperience in Korea and the fact you are applying from abroad for a start date with fewer jobs limits your odds of success greatly.

If you really want to work university I suggest one of two things:

1- Wait until November-December, fly to Korea and apply directly. You need some financial resources for this.

2- Get a Public School job for september, acquire some ESL Experience in Korea and apply for a University position next fall.

[naturegirl321]

[Agent 13]

Hello, naturegirl,

Does the Woosong gig seem OK to you? That's the question. You said you're under 30 and have the MA, etc. Excellent. If you wanna come to Korea, then just come on over here and take whatever job you think is gonna get you somewhere. You can't lose either way. Good luck!

[naturegirl321]

Pay is 2.6.
Get married housing, which EPIK won't offer since my husband will just be studying, distance about 3.5 years. No English either
5 weeks vacation

They DO ship you out to kindergartens and schools, but hey, beggars can't be chosers, right? Plus, no co-teacher.

I'm 27, I figure two years at woosong, then off to a goo duni, and I'll still be under 30.

[Agent 13]

You're right - it's tough to get in from the outside, but you're both young and qualified. Seems like you've got your head on straight. You know the Woosong gig is kind of sh*tty when compared to the conditions offered by other unis here (e.g., the vacation blows and they farm you out to other jobs, etc.); however, it's a foot in the door, and it ain't the end all and be all, you know what I mean? Worst case scenario, you take it, it turns out it sucks, and you bail out after your year's up - by that point, you're already here, and you've got the lay of the land.

You know what to do.

[hajima 99]

[PatrickGHBusan]

El Macho,

You have what is required for a University position...however from abroad you are really at a severe disadvantage.

You can go to Korea, (its late for that now), apply locally and hope but that requires money.

You could also get a PS job for March or a Hakwon job for now and work your one year in Korea and then aplly locally, with one year of ESL in Korea experience under your belt.

Good luck anyway.