Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Alyallen]

...get a job in Korea? I have looked at a lot of threads and simply can't get a consensus on this issue. On one hand, I read that only citizens of certain countries can get E-2 visas (and that list changes from thread to thread) and on the other hand, I read of non-native speakers getting jobs in Korea.

This question is assuming that all other requirements have been fulfilled.

If you have links or have access to information that answers this question, please post it. It would be greatly appreciated.

Here is the info I have from the korean consulate general's website http://www.koreanconsulate.org/english/Affairs/index.asp#e2:
Teaching Foreign Languages (E-2)
Certificate of academic degree or diploma of graduation
Employment contract
Document regarding establishment of school or organization
Letter of personal reference notarized

Here is info from the Korean Ministry of Justice website http://www.moj.go.kr/english/function/function06_03.php:

E-2 Status (Teaching Foreign Languages)
A. The Object of Visa Issuance
The E-2 visa is available to individuals who have the qualifications specified by the Minister of justice and desire to instruct foreign languages at foreign language institutions, educational institutions of elementary school and higher levels or their attached language research institutions, or language training institutions attached to public/private companies or broadcasting stations, or other institutions/organizations corresponding to such institutions as described above.

* In principle, a foreign language instructor shall be a native speaker of the teaching language.

�� foreign language institutions or organizations

�� educational institutions of elementary school and higher levels or their annex
language research institutions
�� foreign language institutions registered according to the Act on establishment of
institute.
�� language training institutions attached to public/private companies or organizations.

B. Application and Required Documents

(1) Traditional Procedures

A foreigner shall make an application for a visa to a Korean Embassy or Consulate abroad and required documents are as follows:

�� Passport
�� Application form (refer to Annex 2)
�� Required documents
- employment contract
- copy of diploma
- substantiating documents for a foundation of institution or organization
- reference

�� If necessary, the chief of a Korean Embassy or Consulate abroad may ask an applicant to submit more documents than required.
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I read all this and think that non-native speakers have a shot at being hired...please explain how it could be otherwise .

Sorry for such a long post and Thanks,
AlyAllen

[peppermint]

Non native speakers can be hired here, but be aware- as many problems as the rest of us have- they're far more vulnerable.

Often their jobs are only semi-legal and that's another risky factor.

[J.B. Clamence]

[crazylemongirl]

I know non native speakers who have got an e2 visa. However you need a passpor from england, australia, new zealand, ireland, south africa, united states and canada.

[Saxiif]

I've run into people with Moroccan and Spanish passports who're teaching english here, probably illegally in hagwons whose owners tell the parents they're really Americans or something...

[lawyertood]

I used to work with a Dutch gentleman at a junior college. Still not sure how he was able to get an E-2....

[Alyallen]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

This is just strange to me though. I can understand if Korea required that teachers be from a specific country but they do not specify that on their websites which gives the impression that non natives have a shot at work opportunities (or at least a E-2 visa).

How is a non-native teacher's job semi-legal if they appear to legally have a right to work there? And why only certain english speaking countries? It's not as if it is written into these requirements. I am assume it is an implied requirement that hinges upon the employer's preference? If so, wouldn't a non native be able to work if an employer does not have this preference?

Sorry for all the questions but a friend of mine (who is non-native but well versed in the english language and fits all the other requirements) seems to have run into a roadblock in Korea.

J.B. Clamence makes a good point about the level of english proficiency. But as I pointed out before, my friend is well-versed in the english language. He has no noticable accent. So if my friend talked to directors directly, do you think he would have a better chance of finding a position in Korea?

Sorry...I'm just full of questions,
AlyAllen

[J.B. Clamence]

[TheUrbanMyth]

[Alyallen]

Urban Legend wrote, "No, this is a legal requirement not a preference. That said, yes some non natives are working here, but illegally."

J.B. Clamence wrote, "Korean immigration came up with a list of countries. They want to put some limits on who can get these English-teaching visas. Perhaps they left out some English-speaking countries, but they make the rules. "


Thanks but where exactly can I find that information? Not that I don't believe you but I would prefer to see some kind of official document on the matter. The only places I could think to look was with the Consulate and the Justice Department (I guess Immigration falls in with that department). If it is in some guideline or something, then I would like to see it.

I suppose I should just take everyone's word for it but this information is crucial for a friend of mine. And since this involves a friend, I want to make sure that I have the right information to tell him in the end.

And Kangnamdragon...I'm not even in Korea yet and I haven't taught english yet so I am not even going to try spouting off about the pros and cons of anything. I just want the "official" proof about 1 issue right now. I'm not even trying to tackle another. But it would make for an interesting thread I suppose....

Alyallen