Korean Job Discussion Forums

whiteshoes · Joined: 14 Apr 2009

Here's my deal.

1. I'm a student in a Korean MATESOL program. I will be there until the end of the Fall semester 2011.

2. I am most interested in getting a "good" uni job close to Seoul, after I get my MATESOL. (March 2012)

3. I'm currently living in rural Gyeonggi.

4. I'm currently working at a public school, which I hate and re-signing is not an option.

5. I came to Korean in 2009, and worked at a hagwon my first year.

I really hate living in the country side, like I do now. Because of that I wouldn't mind working at a hagwon in Seoul. I have enough connections to be sure I land at a "good" hagwon. I'm really having a hard time here in the "Sticks" and I'm not sure I can live rural for another year.

However, I think that if I got a job at a rural or non-Seoul/Gyeonggi based Uni, I would better position myself for getting that "good" job in March 2012.

But, I would get better money at a hagwon (2.5 or more) than I would at a non-Seoul/Gyeonggi uni (most adds are around 2.1).

Lastly, I wonder if getting the MATESOL will be enough to get a "good" uni job in 2012. If it is, I'd much prefer to live in Seoul next year.

So my question is:

Can I get a good uni job in or near Seoul with only my MATESOL and no experience teaching at a uni? Are there any conditions which would make that happen (active membership in KOTESOL/KATE)?

Also, I'll define "good job." To me a good job is a pay rate (including housing allowance) of 3.0, with full summer and winter vacations.

lifeinkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Location: somewhere in China

I doubt you will get 2.5 easily. I got a job through Gangnam, which is a more affluent area. You could try that.

Expect 2.1-2.3 for Seoul first timers.

Also, you will need your documents and probably an interview if you never got an E2. Do you plan on leaving Korea and re-entering with these?

whiteshoes · Joined: 14 Apr 2009

Sorry maybe I wasn't clear. I have been in Seoul (on an E-2) for two years and I have plenty of connections to get a good hagwon job. I have even started getting my FBI background check.

Thanks for responding.