Korean Job Discussion Forums

[MancBrah]

Hello all. So I've had a look around this forum and kind of learned what I wanted to know, but not fully - so wondering if some of you lot can help me out. If there's any question that's really obvious or stupid PLEASE bare with me as I am new to this.

1.I am 22, white, English and have a decent job now in recruitment. I have a BA Hons In english Language from Lancaster University, an. have been a football coach and drum teacher, working with kids. Will this be enough to get me a decent job as an English Language teacher?

2. I have heard about the nationalism/racism etc in Korea. How hard is it really to make friends with the people there, considering the language barrier as well - how many Koreans speak decent English?

3. For a first job, is a Hagwon or Primary School the best option?

4. I love nightlife - clubs, bars, houseparties etc, and city life. Where is best for this in Korea? (big city/student towns etc).

5. In my accomadation am I likely to be with at least some other English speaking foreigners?

6. What are the women like there with regards to Westerners, ie is there a dating/hookup scene in Korea? Are they generally open to meeting Western men?

7. Are there decent gyms and access to supplements in korea (this is probably the most important one for me).

That's all I can think of for now - any help is very much appreciated - cheers!

[MancBrah]

Bump - anyone??

[sulperman]

It's 6:45 am here, guy. Hold your horses.

[Reise-ohne-Ende]

I'll go for it.

1. Do you have a pulse? Is your criminal record clear? You've got a job.

2. Very few Koreans speak English well. TBH, the language barrier and even the racism are not the biggest barriers to making Korean friends. At least for me, I find it very hard to meet Korean people. Generally I meet new friends online or through school/work. There are almost no Koreans on any of the sites I frequent, and my coworkers - though very friendly and kind - don't really seem to have social lives in any real sense. The people over 30/35 have families and don't want to hang out. I think I make the younger men uncomfortable (I'm a woman) - they're very nice to me, but nervous around me, and I don't think they'd take it the right way if I wanted to hang out. And the younger women are so busy and...I dunno...just not social in that way. That said, I know several Westerners with Korean friends they've met at bars etc. That's not really my scene so I can't help you much, but I'm sure it shouldn't be too difficult.

3. Neither? I'd recommend a public secondary school. Well, it depends on what you're wanting. If you want real experience as a teacher and more autonomy (generally), go for a middle or high school. Elementary school jobs (generally) are more coteacher-led and have more fixed curricula. Hagwons are the luck of the draw. I would NOT recommend getting a hagwon job for your first time in Korea. I personally think it's too much of a gamble. There are those who will disagree. Up to you, really.

4. Seoul, Busan. Can't speak for other cities but Busan has lots of nightlife. As for houseparties...I'm afraid you're out of luck. There are very few homes large enough to accommodate parties here. Sucks since that's one of the only situations I like drinking and being with big groups of people....bars/clubs make me nervous and poor, lol.

5. You shouldn't be. If you are, you got a crappy job. You should be living alone in a studio, small apartment, or small house if you're in a rural area. Sometimes there will be other Westerners in the same building of you but that's unpredictable.

6. I'll leave this one to the guys.

7. Plenty of gyms and physical activities. As for supplements, yes, they're quite widely available, but from what I hear they're over-the-moon expensive. I suggest bring several bottles with you as I did. Haven't had to worry about it yet.

[edwardcatflap]

Unless you're going to be spending more than 8 hours in the gym everyday I'd say number 3 would be a bit more important than number 7. However, I'll go the other way and suggest a Hagwon. As other people will point out, a state school can be a lottery too if you get an uncooperative co-teacher or a bad principal. The main argument for me would be student numbers and class control. Facing a class of 30+ kids and a co-teacher watching you without any training could be pretty daunting and you might be responsible for content in the lesson too. A lot of hagwons have their own set curriculum and they like you to stick to it. Go for a big hagwon with other foreign teachers (ready made friends) and make sure you speak to them about conditions there first. By the way, what are supplements? Those vitamin thingies?

[MancBrah]

[cisco kid]

As for me...

I love the nightlife baby...
I got to boogie
On the disco 'round, oh yea
Oh, I love the night life

[MancBrah]

[cassimira]

supplements, like a previous poster mentioned, are really expensive if you buy them at one of the big stores, like GNC or Homeplus. However, my boyfriend was able to order some through his local gym for about half the price as the powder at homeplus.... so you CAN find the stuff for about the same amount as back home... you just have to look in the right places.

[SeoulNate]

[randall020105]

look out for recruiters in your area or on Daves. they'll give you a good idea of the requirements. seems you fit the criteria.

good luck finding a job though.

R.

[Milwaukiedave]

I can help answer some of your questions, I don't know much about supplements and the nightlife in Korea though.

Most likely you'll have no problem getting a job. I would highly recommend you research the school and the area it is in before making a decision.

Since you are young and a language major, my guess is you'll pick up Korea quite quickly if you study for a term or two. This will aid you in making friends as well. How you make friends really depends on where you hang out and what activities you are interested in. Hiking clubs are a big thing here if you are into it (personally I'm not). That's a good way to meet Koreans.

As to the question of where you should work on your first job, I would go with a public school. Of all my experiences before I worked a uni job, the public school was the one that treated me the best. You should not accept accommodations unless they are single (by yourself). The apartment will probably be smaller then you are used to. Most teachers get a one room or an office tel. You should ask the school about accommodations before you sign the contract. In short, leave nothing to chance. Read the contract carefully and feel free to post it in the job forum section sticky and someone will give you feedback.

Korean women in general are more conservative then western women. I dated a few before I met my wife. It really depends on how open minded they are to dating a foreigner. Don't expect the quick hookup.

I've been here for 6 1/2 years and have had a wide range of experiences both good and bad. It really depends what you make of your time here that determines how well you will do.

[cincynate]

Don't come to Jeju. There is no nightlife.

I'd say most Korean girls will be scared of you. There are a few that are nuts over western guys. They are easy to spot b/c they will be hanging out in teh places that all the westerners hang out.

[Oliver]