Korean Job Discussion Forums

KwardBound · Joined: 04 Jul 2010

So...after I start the Korea ESL teacher application, I need to hand over my passport, right? (I mean, that's what I had to do when I went on a Study Abroad visa to Japan). Is there any way where I can hand over this passport, but then still travel elsewhere before I go to Korea?

the ireland · Joined: 11 May 2008 Location: korea

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

KwardBound · Joined: 04 Jul 2010

This is great guys. I just remember that with Japan for some reason I had to relinquish my passport for 2-3 months (at least if felt that long), and then it was eventually mailed backed to me in the U.S. Assuming what you are saying is true, and I have no reason to doubt you, I can do all of my job application procedures for Korea and then take like a 1 month trip to South America before I Actully have to go to Korea.

Steve_Rogers2008 · Joined: 22 Mar 2010

or maybe that's what they want you to think! Twisted Evil

the ireland · Joined: 11 May 2008 Location: korea

you could take your one month trip but you should be back in your home country to get your visa processed and do your interview about 2-3 weeks before you leave for korea.

unless

you apply for and get a job, do your interview and get your visa placed in your passport (all in your home country as I'm guessing this is your first E2 visa)
providing you have accepted a job that does not require you to start immediately or within the next few weeks at least (rare to find but can be found)then you could travel around south america for a month and go travel on to korea from wherever you want.

you can do this second option because your visa is valid for 3 months from the time you receive it, so if you received it on september 1st you wouldn't have to come to korea until the end of November as you still have time to activate it. (prob the wrong verb there)

Just get all your documents ready, do your travelling for a month and take your documents with you, should you be offered a job while travelling you could send off the documents and then once you get your visa number issued you could go to the embassy a week or so later...ths still allowing you to travel.

or

just travel then sort out your future life here

KwardBound · Joined: 04 Jul 2010

Thanks alot for breaking it down for me. I will take that trip and regardless of what I read, I will carry over that positive South America vibe and make Korea an exciting place too.