Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ilovemunchies]

It seems almost impossible for a gyopo to find a teaching position in Seoul! I know there are numerous posts in regards to this topic but I just feel hopeless. I graduated from a pretty good university, already have my F4 visa and can be in Korea by May 24th. BUT I've only found positions in the Gyeongi-do area.

Should I settle for a position outside of Seoul? Or will something eventually come up?? And do you guys recommend any recruiters who can help secure a position in Seoul? I'm working with several but they've all told me that it's nearly impossible All the Seoul hagwons want to hire a Caucasian.

Thanks!

[ldh2222]

"We want Native Speaker only! No gyopo!" Shouldn't Korean-Americans (Can/Aust/etc.) be pissed about this? lol

[ilovemunchies]

Haha well being a Korean American...I'm not too surprised.

[kpmth00]

oh wow. i literally thought that i made this thread because what you just wrote reflects how i feel. pm me if you want to discuss

[ilovemunchies]

Aww...I would PM you but I still haven't reached my 25 posts =T

[KeatMin]

Hey, me too! I am not a gyopo but I am an Asian considering to teach English in Korea !!

I still haven't reached 25 posts too..

[Ukon]

[Sody]

Recruiters are definitely liars. I even met a recruiter who told me this face to face. Recruiters are in business to make money and the majority of programs want a white face because Koreans don't generally speaking believe that Indians, black people, Asians, etc, can speak and write English as well as white people. It's actually very easy to find a job in Seoul as a Korean if you have experience under your belt and some Korean language ability.

The problem for many Korean Americans is that they are trying to apply for jobs which are geared more towards non gyopos. For example, programs like EPIK, GEPIK, SMOE, etc. These public school positions are a bit about cultural exchange to some degree and the schools and programs want English teachers but they want cultural knowledge about the language and a North American accent. It's not quite as much of a focus on culture as the JET program, but it is an issue.

If you are a gyopo you want the jobs which all the other applicants CANNOT get. You want to work in test prep hagwon. You'll work longer hours and get better pay. It will mostly be real teaching though. You won't be an English monkey like the other native teachers, you will actually have to work for your money.

[fl4mers]

Try looking into Aclipse...they recruit for the Chung Dahm Institutes and I have heard that CDI likes to hire gyopos. In fact, my friend just got signed with them and he's an American Korean as well...he's shipping out this month. I've heard mixed reviews about CDI but they are a well known company and the earning potential there is undoubtedly high. They apparently have a great curriculum too, though I haven't worked there myself so I can't talk from experience. But yeah...you should have a good chance of getting in there Good Luck!

[carleverson]

There are already too many Korean-Americans/Canadians/Australians here trying to get work as English teachers. Also there's big group of Koreans who have studied overseas and speak (some) English who try to teach English. Then there are Koreans who have never left Korea who can speak English fairly well and try to work as English teachers.

That means there are just way too many Koreans/kyopos looking for a limited number of jobs.

If you're a woman, you will find work, but the kyopo men will have a hard time finding a job.

I know because I used to work as a recruiter.

[timmayyyyy]

I agree with what Sody said. I think your best bet would be the Gangnam area, like Daechi. Test prep hakwons and others...seems like it could be a lot of stress/work, but good money. And you can always find part time jobs like on Craig's List. That's the big advantage of the F visas, flexibility to choose how little or how much you want to work, when, where, etc. Also look into afterschool programs, but be careful they're legit.

Some places don't want to sponsor an E2 visa or pay for housing, so they want someone with an F visa.

[broken76]

There are jobs available for gyoppos but they are not the typical jobs on job sites or processed through recruiters. The majority of schools looking for a teacher through a recruiter is looking for a "foreigner". As a gyoppo who's taught students when they first start with a gyoppo will naturally assume that you're Korean and will try to use Korean with you. In a 100% English class it is definitely a detrimental affect. Some gyoppos are able to guide the class to 100% English but it does take time and effort on the teachers part and there is no guarantee that the teacher will do so. It's much easier to simply hire a white teacher especially since the overall cost is the same.
There are jobs though specifically for gyoppos and not "foreign" teachers. These jobs tend not to go through standard recruiters. You maybe able to find them on job boards but usually the easiest way to do it is simply to visit schools individually. Since you're an F4 Visa coming to Korea and finding a job is much easier. You'll also be able to work multiple part time jobs if you choose to do so (not an option for the average E2).
Also most schools that hire gyoppos are looking for someone who is bilingual so if you're Korean isn't so great I'd recommend brushing up on it. You won't need to be fluent but schools do expect you to hold a basic conversation. Usually the pay / benefits are also different with gyoppos. Pay is usually higher but benefits such as housing and airfare is usually not given since many gyoppos are already in Korea and also have their own housing. If you want a job as a foreigner I highly recommend going the public school route as they are a bit more open to things.
Overall though gyoppos are not considered foreign teachers and fall under a different category. In many cases gyoppos end up with more opportunities even though a bit more effort and money is needed in the beginning.
Also I'm curious to know why you are dead set on being in Seoul. Overall I'd say that living conditions are better in the suburbs versus living in Seoul and if you're going to need to provide your own housing it's definitely better to be in the burbs.