Korean Job Discussion Forums

blahblah1234 · Joined: 19 Sep 2009

Hi everybody, I'm a Korean American who is about to graduate in May 2010 and i am really interested in going to Korea to teach English as well as see some family members along the way. What do you think is the best route for me to take? Should i get hired from America, then go to Korea or should i go to Korea first and then look for a job. I have very minimal teaching experience in a American public school and I don't have many connections in Korea, other than my Aunt. Any help would be greatly appreciated, Thanks.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

blahblah1234 · Joined: 19 Sep 2009

Yea, i have an F-4, but if I just leave for Korea, how certain is it that i will be able to find a job?

canactuary · Joined: 09 Mar 2010

Hey OP

just curious but how did you get a F4 before coming here?

Anyway even with a F4 why don't you take the time and try to land a job before you come? It'll give you a better idea of what's out there. There are a bunch of postings online. But then again if you have an aunt here and can stay with her then why not ust come here and look? You can get settled in and have some fun while looking for a job. Just make sure you bring all the necessary documents. Note that I am not an ESL teacher but I am a gyopo. Hope this helps.

canactuary · Joined: 09 Mar 2010

I'd say take a little time to do some research and if youre cool with everything and want to come to Korea,come. In the worst case scenario where you don't get a job, you can at least visit family and have some fun. But I'd say most likely you will find a job. My bro did a short stint teaching English here and he had lots of opportunities. Then again that's only a sample set of one person.

skim234 · Joined: 02 Sep 2009

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

If you come to Korea first and get a job, you have a better chance of finding a place you like. On the otherhand, you eat the cost of the flight over.

If you find a job first and then come over, your new employer will pay for your flight.

You say you graduate in May? I would get your TEFL certificate NOW. Take a 100 hour TEFL online course. Its not difficult. The TEFL cert will definitely be a plus, as well as bump you up in pay.

t1m1ty · Joined: 24 May 2009 Location: Bundang

AndrewL · Joined: 24 Mar 2010 Location: Incheon, Korea

Some people are of different minds on this. I think that it's going to be a lot less hassle if you have a job lined up before you come to Korea. Here's why I think so:

- You may need to get letters of recommendation at home.
- You may need to get your documents (transcripts, diploma) notarized and apostilled.
- As mentioned above, some places will help you get housing or will have a place ready for you if you apply in advance.
- Less money wasted on incidentals or hotels or rent while looking for a job. Why be essentially homeless and looking for a job?

Just my $.02.

I went through Aclipse, a recruiting company, to get a job with EPIK. I think it was a good decision.

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