Korean Job Discussion Forums

[korea87]

Hello,
I have sent my resume to several recruiters to get a position at a public school in Gyeonggi-do area/ near Seoul. My problem is I am not sure if they are sending my application to GEPIK or directly to the school. Most of the recruiters seem to be sending my resume directly to the public schools and have not asked me to fill out an application. I really need a job in Gyeonggi-do area or the surburbs of Seoul. Is it ok if I keep sending my resume to recruiters hiring directly for public schools. Thank you for your time.

[toph]

Hmm...I'm not sure what you're asking exactly, so here goes.

If you're looking for a public school job in Gyeonggi-do, then it won't matter if your recruiter is sending your resume directly to an independent school or GEPIK.

Here's why:

GEPIK, as you probably know, is an English learning program for the public schools in the Gyeonggi-do area. Most of the public schools in the GD (Gyeonggi-do) area work through or with GEPIK. GEPIK essentially is a way to recruit native English teachers into Korea. This isn't to say, however, that all schools using GEPIK use recruiters (although, I think you are now required to use a recruiter now). Anyway, basically recruiters are just there to help you throughout the applying process, and will send your documents to GEPIK offices. That's all.

Now, for independent public schools. These schools are just the same as schools that work with GEPIK, but they have decided not to recruit English teachers through government programs (e.g., EPIK, GEPIK, and SMOE). So, if your recruiter sends your resume+photo to a school in GD it won't matter if it's a school that works with/without GEPIK.

So the point is: ALL public schools are the same in Korea (theoretically), and you're going to get the same benefits contractually. (Btw, I said "theoretically," because in reality each school IS going to differ. I mean, you have to take into account management, socio status, etc--so yeah, just didn't want to scare you). Anyway, public schools work on a standardized contract in Korea, so you won't have to worry about any differences there. Your only worry should be what CITY you're actually going to be at, because GD is a pretty big province and you might end up in the boonies of GD. And based on your post it seems like you want to be close to Seoul or in a larger city. So...I would recommend pressing the idea of the larger cities in GD to your recruiter (e.g., Suwon [capital of GD], Ansan [officially part of Seoul National Capital], Bucheon, Ilsan, and so on). Just do the research and you'll find out where you want/don't want to be.

And, just to throw it out there...there's always the option of a hagwon. They're much easier to apply to, and hire every month. Also, you will find when applying for a hagwon it will be easier to find a good job, because you can essentially narrow the entire "job-search" to your specific selection. For example, say you want a job in Bucheon, GD, teaching kindergarteners at 9AM-5PM. So...find a recruiter (if you need one), and tell them all that info. Tell him/her EXACTLY what you want and you'll almost 100% get the job you want. (This only applies to a hagwon, btw, because public schools are essentially get hired-then-placed randomly by the school). Also, with hagwons you will be able to receive pics of the school and apartment BEFORE leaving to Korea. Definitely a bonus in my eyes.

Anyway, hope all this info helps and remember to keep your options open~

[ThingsComeAround]

The recruiters are calling the schools directly to find a space for you. They don't apply directly to GEPIK as that is not the best way for them to get paid.

Go with the recruiter.

[korea87]

The thing is I want a public school in a city. But some recruiters work directly with the public schools and others with GEPIK. I want to make sure that i wont be disqualified from Gepik.

[toph]

Well, just ask your recruiter not to send your documents to anybody other than those schools involved in GEPIK. And, the decision to accept the job is always up to you, so you're never going to get disqualified from GEPIK UNLESS you do either of the following:

1. Send your application through more than one recruiter to GEPIK.
2. Send your application multiple times--this will nullify it, and be automatically rejected.

See: http://expacked.wordpress.com/2009/12/30/gepik-press-release-2010-official-gepik-recruiters/

You can, however, apply for multiple jobs with different programs at the SAME TIME (which I believe is the answer to your question). For example, when I was applying for GEPIK (which I have since then quit doing), I was also applying for EPIK and SMOE. I was able to do this through a single recruiter, and all at the same time. If I got accepted into GEPIK, I would've just denied any EPIK/SMOE position that came my way, and fly into Korea with a GEPIK job waiting for me. --> So, I think this is what you're asking. No?

And I understand you want a public school job position, but what I don't understand is why you want to work with GEPIK exclusively.

If your recruiter is able to get you a job in Gyeonngi-do, with an independent public school...isn't that all you need? Cause, like I mentioned in my previous post, contractually ALL public schools in Korea are standardized--it doesn't matter if they're indie or not. Meaning, they use essentially the SAME contract whether or not they're working under programs like EPIK/GEPIK/SMOE. So you're going to get the same working hours, pay, vacation time, and other benefits you would find in an official program.

And like I said, because you want to be in the city in GD...press this idea to your recruiter as much as you can. The cities that I listed are pretty big ones in GD, and I'm pretty sure all of them are connected to the Seoul subway line. You can find all the info you want online...

[710]

From how I understand it, if you are using more than one recruiter, you want them to be applying directly to independent schools because more than one application to GEPIK means rejection...