Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cdnguy]

Hello everyone,

I would like to hear peoples perspectives on whether it is beneficial to have a contract before I head to Korea or whether I should just go to Korea on a tourist visa and get a job once there.

Some things to consider; I am traveling with my girlfriend who will also need a job. Finding a nice apartment that we can share is really important to us. We have heard some horror stories of people getting bad gigs and it seems like being in Korea to see the boss, the school, the apartment and the neighbourhood would be beneficial.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

[JaphieR]

I'd like to know too.

I got a call from an anonymous teacher in Korea (see Eduorange Recruit Agency thread) and he told me the best way for me to get a job in Korea would be to just pack up my stuff and go there on a tourist visa. He said I wouldn't have to deal with "evil recruiters" and I might even be able to find a job at a public school. Sounds good in theory but that's kind of scary. I can read hangul but can't understand Korean yet. I have a girl over there who is native Korean (met her in college) but even as much as she's tried she doesn't know how to help me find a job. I just don't know how I would show up in a crowded country that doesn't speak English and find some great job.

[peppermint]

Okay guys- The usual advice is to come over on a tourist visa and do your own legwork. The thing is, right now the job market for quality jobs is a little tight, and if you're new to the country, you probably don't know the shortcuts that will help you save money. My advice is to stay put, talk to a recruiter, do tons of research and then choose a job.

Jalphie, you are in an especially good position, already having someone you trust here. If possible ask your girlfriend to go to the school and talk to the teachers. Presumably her English is good, maybe she could pretend to be interested in teaching there too.

Good luck!

[Saxiif]

Also read the contract carefully and maybe post it here, contracts don't mean all that much, but you should be able to filter out at least one or two sketchy places based on the crap contracts they try to get you to sign.

[just because]

I came over on a tourist visa for this job. However, i knew the system and accomodation was free as I stayed at my girlfriends house while i was looking.

If you have an idea of the set up and somewhere to stay, then i would definantly recommend coming here on a tourist visa.

If you have no idea and it is your first time anywhere then maybe staying put is the best idea and using very good and careful judgement.

[JaphieR]

Thanks pepperment. She actually just translated a book from english to Korean so I assume she is proficient. Right now I have two job offers; One from Teachkoreanz.com and one from the infamous JULICE with an ECC school. I just got back from my cousin's graduation party so I'm too drunk to look at the contract Julice just sent me. Julice has been so nice to me and even fought to get me this job in Seoul even though they were really looking for a female teacher.

[just because]

She fought to get you a job at an ECC school. Don't make me laugh

[JaphieR]

That was part of the joke. Julice fighting to get me a job at ECC. (maybe its because I'm still drunk from my cousins party but the position she offered me doesn't sound so bad).

Its ECC in Ganseo, Seoul. I talked to a woman named "Nancy". I have heard bad things about ECC but I've also heard a few good things. Nothing specifically about this particular school. I might send my friend there to check it out.