Korean Job Discussion Forums

BaldTeacher · Joined: 02 Feb 2010

I have an interview tonight with a school in Busan. The hours are something like 2-9, which is okay. Anyway, the recruiter told me that they want me there at the end of the month. They would buy my ticket over and I'd come on a tourist visa until I got my documents sorted out.

Does this seem like they're a little bit too eager?

I've had bad luck so far. Well, my first school was okay, but my second one was a total f-up.

OculisOrbis · Joined: 17 Jul 2006

Did they say who would pay for your visa run after you arrive and that you would do that visa run before you did ANY teaching for them?

If not, it's a pass.

BaldTeacher · Joined: 02 Feb 2010

They want me there before January 3rd, so I assume that I'd be doing some teaching before I made the visa run. You think that sounds like something I should avoid?

jurassic82 · Joined: 21 Jun 2006 Location: Somewhere!!!!

I would pass unless you are really desperate for a job. My first school in Korea was like that. They wanted me over right away and didn't ask me really anything in the interview except how quickly I could arrive. It was a nightmare! Didn't get my pension, no health insurance and the apartment was gross. Also, on a tourist visa you aren't legally allowed to work and this could cause problems if your school decides to give the shaft or there are other problems. I would advise against it unless your were to hear good things about it from the current teachers there and they give you a work VISA before you leave. Shocked

OculisOrbis · Joined: 17 Jul 2006

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

Will this be your first teaching (E2) visa in Korea? If so, you have to apply for a visa in your home country because of the consular interview requirement. For a new teacher, coming to Korea first and doing a visa run later just isn't an option any more.

Plus, if they're willing to risk fines for both of you and deportation for you at the beginning, what else are they going to try to skirt the law on? This scenario has never been a good idea, and it's an even worse idea now. You're right to be suspicious. Keep looking.

BaldTeacher · Joined: 02 Feb 2010

I've just interviewed with them.

It was the recruiter who was pressuring me into doing that crap, apparently the school is a little bit more sane.

Apparently, it's a Singapore-based company and everyone there is a foreigner. She's e-mailing me more information including Visa information, so at this stage, I'm willing to consider it further. If it turned out to be legit, it sounds like it's a pretty good job.

carleverson · Joined: 04 Dec 2009

Good luck baldy!

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

This type of offer is 3 years too late. With the new visa rules in place and getting even tougher in 2011, don't take any job offer unless you get your work visa before leaving.

eb · Joined: 24 Nov 2010

Are your sure?
Maybe thier just wanting to do it before the new visa regualtions kick in (as it will be much harder after the first of the year). EB

I would do it, but then again, I always welcome better change.

Troglodyte · Joined: 06 Dec 2009

That type offer used to be the norm 10 years ago. Even 5 years ago it was quite common. The last time I apply for a job from abroad (in 2009) I received a few of those offers as well. Usually it's a sign of last minute planning. It does show that the school is willing to disregard the law.

On the other hand, if they're paying for the flight over AND the visa run to Japan, then it might be worth taking. It costs you nothing to get here. In the 2 weeks that it will take to get the visa issuance number you'll get a chance to check out the school, the accommodation and the boss. If you don't like it, you're just a tourist and nothings stopping you from leaving. Arrange everything in advance and you're stuck with the school for a while once you get here.