Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Summer Wine]

When I first came to Korea, it was not too bad. It has steadily increased over the years and I followed along with the rules. Once the change over came without any warning except from someone on daves and I was snapped with an extra million in costs because Immigration wouldn't accept my "transcripts in a sealed envelope". (different meaning for sealed in english for korean immigration it seemed)

Yet this year, the requirements for documents seem above and beyond what is useful. I can understand if this is your first year to apply and have nothing to gauge it against, but I have sent in so much info over the years.

Korean immigration should have my finger prints on file still. They have on thier computer files, the name and location of every school I worked at. I know this for a fact as I have seen them. You have to wonder what they will ask for next as the requirements for this year will probably not be the last they want.

You must really want to come to korea, to put up with so much. Especially as experienced teachers in China can now earn similar incomes as Korea, without half the requests for paper work.

This is not an attack on the system, just an observation from looking at the job sites.

[Olivencia]

Yeah its getting crappier by the day I think. Way back when I first came here (ages ago) just a valid passort and a 4 year college degree (and a native speaker of course) was pretty much it. Man it was pretty insane seeing what showed up here to teach .. I can understand a few of the rules/restrictions but it seems they are looking for the "perfect" person much like the way some people seek the kind of person they want to marry. Totally unrealistic expectations. Indeed, no one can ever measure up no matter how hard they try because sooner or later there will be one more rule thrown into the pot...or they just think we are dirty anyway.
You wrote "experienced teachers in China can now earn similar incomes". A few questions I'm wondering about:
1. What does China consider experienced? Years teaching? Qualifications? Both?
2. How close is the similar income?
Thanks

[Mr. Pink]

There is no way that China compares to Korea when it comes to how much you can make.

Most ESL workers in China are making less than 10,000 RMB a month, most are probably in the 5000-7500 category. Even if they do get housing, 5000-7500 isn't much...roughly $1000 US a month.

Sure the cost of living in China is less, but if you live in a big city like Beijing or Shanghai (and it seems most people who go to China want to be in a big city) that amount of money is nothing if you plan on having a life.

To go to China you still need to do paperwork. They just don't care about transcripts or degrees. You do need to get a medical test for your visa, unlike Korea.

I suggest people check out the China forums on the International Forums here at Dave's.

Unless you can make 20,000 RMB or more a month, Korea is a much better place to make and save money.

[VanIslander]

Vietnam offers decent pay these days but complaints over the difficulty getting a work visa there are also growing.

[Summer Wine]

What I find interesting is that recruiters seem to be saying that if you can come through with the paper work, then they will provide work. First in, first served.

You would hope that they consider more than just the paper work being available.

Though my country's Govt. depts seem to be benefiting from Koreas needs. The dept that apositiles the documents is charging $32 a paper to sign and stamp a form from another govt dept.

That is such a joke if it wasn't going to cost me money. I am wondering why I couldn't go to a court house and get them to sign off on the fact its a legit document.

Not sure how useful all this is, unless the Korean Immigration actually contacts the depts to make sure it is legit.

[dirving]

[dirving]

[jmuns]

[dirving]

[hagwonnewbie]

as an American, Japan and China are looking more appealing everyday.

massive rapid deflation of prices in Japan + a record high yen ( almost 20%? higher than it was several years ago)

In the meantime prices have inflated in Korea and the won has devalued about 25%? from where it was 2 years ago.

[dirving]

[Netizen Joe]

Holy hijacked thread batman!

[Sadebugo1]

[Perceptioncheck]

I'm dreadfully sorry to point this out, but if you are incapable of obtaining a few records and getting them notarized without moaning and bitching, then perhaps you are better suited to staying closer to your mothers bosom.

[No_hite_pls]