Korean Job Discussion Forums

zcbutle33 · Joined: 04 Aug 2010

Hi, I have a question regarding job placement in Korea. In a few weeks I head to Thailand to receive my TEFL certification. Once I get back, I hope to secure a job as soon as I possible. Here lies my dilemma � I received two DWIs in 2006 and 2007. I absolutely regret these transgressions, however there is nothing I can do about them now. I have already sent away for my FBI criminal background check (should have that back in 10 weeks) and am wondering if this was pointless. A couple weeks ago I actually made it past a phone interview with a recruiter and almost had the job in Korea until I was informed that I was no longer a candidate due to the DWIs. I have also been emailing back and forth with a representative at a public school in Korea and once again I was informed that I was no longer a candidate. I know the chances of teaching in South Korea are slim to none�actually probably none, but I was hoping someone might be able to offer some insight as to where I could teach if Korea is not an option. I guess the big questions are � Is it impossible for me to secure a teaching position in Korea? If it is, where is the next best place to look for a job?

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

DingleBerryLarry · Joined: 06 Jul 2010

SK won't accept anyone with DWIs as they consider this a serious crime (even though several of my korean coworkers drive drunk on a regualar basis). However, there is a loophole. You can get a criminal check from a different state. I'm not sure exactly how this loophole works, as they would probably question why the state in your address doesn't match your criminal records check. But, I know that some people have used this loophole to get into a teaching job. But, this loophole will be filled in soon, I think by Jan. 2011 they will require an FBI check.

mcviking · Joined: 24 Mar 2009 Location: 'Fantastic' America

I think you already answered your own questions. Sorry OP.

northway · Joined: 05 Jul 2010

My friend was actually able to get a visa with a DWI showing up on his CBC. His recruiter had him write a letter explaining the situation and apologizing. I think the incident happened some time ago, however, and the fact that he's a certified teacher and has been teaching for years may have worked in his favor with the visa folks, as he clearly wasn't another waigukin coming over here with more of an intention to get trashed than to teach.

nathanrutledge · Joined: 01 May 2008 Location: Marakesh

Skippy · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Daejeon

Overall you are screwed. It fills in the Koreans top scary criminal record worries - drugs, alcohol, or sex.

Maybe if you have the time you could try for a PARDON or an EXPUNGEMENT. But that would likely have to be done in country of where you are from.

Good Luck!

murmanjake · Joined: 21 Oct 2008

With the old rules, "my friend" got a state-wide CBC and it was clean. Got the visa and worked here for a year.

Thing is he'd made a bit of a misstep in college and was arrested, but the charges were dismissed.

Now he wants to work here again, come January.

He's looked into the FBI check, and it seems that ANY arrest where a subject was fingerprinted will show, but will the disposition show as well? If it shows as dismissed will that matter to Korean immigration, or is he just screwed?

akcrono · Joined: 11 Mar 2010

Story that should answer your questions:

I had 2 arrests back in the states several years ago. One was for driving with a suspended license (clerical error), the other was for attempted arson (friend lit a firework in an apartment building and I was with him whern he got arrested). Both times led to dismissal.

I applied for JET 2 years ago and was rejected. While they didn't give a reason, it was most likely the arrests. So when it came time to apply to Korea, I went to the the court to see what could be done.

Turns out, you can get your record sealed. You have to go to the court(s) you went to before and plead your case before a judge. Just let them know that you need your records sealed for a job. Say you've been well behaved since your transgressions and represent no further risk. If the judge seals your records, it will show no record on your background check.

I have 2 copies of my background check: one with 2 pages of charges, and the new one that says I have no record. I know there is a waiting period before you can get convictions sealed, but I'm not sure how long. The procedure not only varies by state, but also by court. However, it is well worth your time to get it sealed, as it can protect you from further scruteny in the future.

Best of luck!

murmanjake · Joined: 21 Oct 2008