Korean Job Discussion Forums

michaelholmes · Joined: 22 Apr 2010

I definitely want to work in Seoul again, and I would like to teach in the Public Schools. Can anyone give me clarification on the right way to apply, and why?
There are application instructions or SMOE and EPIK's websites and the application forms are pretty daunting. But it's all right there, with instructions and addresses.
It seems like a recruiter would make things easier, but I am hesitant to involve a 3rd party if they lower my chances to get jobs/pay.

What say you, O Great and Grumpy ESL Cafe community?

alistaircandlin · Joined: 24 Sep 2004 Location: Seoul

Yeah I'm wondering the same thing too. I guess a good recruiter means that you have someone you can approach re. any problems with accommodation etc but how much help they gave would depend on the individual agency.

i think the pay would be the same whoever you went through.

byrddogs · Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Location: Shanghai

I seem to remember before that SMOE required you to go through a recruiter. Has that changed?

stevieg4ever · Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Location: London, England

you cannot approach recruiters with any questions or issues after you commence working with your school. Recruiters are just that and nothing more: you can approach them before hand with any queries but their information will just be 'window dressing' as nothing will be established until you are assigned your school / district.

incheon · Joined: 01 May 2010

EPIK/SMOE have changed their rules. You can apply to them directly on the epik website. A recruiter may help. But they also have hundreds of applicants to send before they get to you.
Also EPIK is now hiring for SMOE, so if you want Seoul you need to complete the EPIK and SMOE application.

Remember that if one recruiter (or yourself) submits your application, that's it. You can only apply once. If you have multiple recruiters submit you, your application will be thrown out by EPIK.

reactionary · Joined: 22 Oct 2006 Location: korreia

Apparently as the title states you can now apply through SMOE, EPIK, or a recruiter. It seems that SMOE is phasing out recruiters and may just start being part of EPIK.

My advice? Just apply directly to SMOE. Might as well skip the middleman since that is the direction they're going in anyway.

My recruiter sometimes invites me to silly little parties in Sinchon, but other than that, I haven't spoken a word since I saw their staff at the airport.