Korean Job Discussion Forums

homewardbound · Joined: 01 Mar 2011

I have been investigating and reading all the forums for the past few weeks but have found a lot of conflicting answers. I would like to start teaching in August or September of this year but I am not sure if I have too much going against me.
1. I am an American living in Spain with Spanish residency. The Korean embassy told me that they could issue me an E2 visa from here. I think my paper work might be a little more complicated, but feasible with the help from my family state side. Has anyone ever applied while living abroad?
2. I am married to a Spanish citizen so he won't be able to teach. Will schools allow him to live with me if he isn't working for the school?
3. I am planning on coming over first and then having him follow a few months later with our small dog. I originally wanted to teach for EPIK but just read in the Spring contract that pets are not allowed- so that is out. I prefer to teach for a public school but really would take anything if it means that they allow my husband and dog to live with me.
I know that bringing over my husband and my dog will be my responsibility and I will have to cover all the costs and figure everything out. I don�t mind any of that- I just want to know if schools will even give me a chance.
I have been teaching ESL for many years and plan on moving to Korea for hopefully an extended period of time.
If anyone has an insight on any of these points I would really appreciate it.
Thanks again

RMNC · Joined: 21 Jul 2010

As far as I know, the only problem would be if he wouldn't be able to go with you any longer than a 90 day tourist visa. Without sponsorship by a company and an E-2 visa (which Spanish citizens can't get) he may not be a legal alien and risks deportation and fines if he's there over his tourist visa limit. Being married to an American citizen might change that, however. It also could not mean anything. I'll let someone with more knowledge on marriage and visas comment.

Having a dog is hard enough in a tiny apartment, even a small one. Most Korean apartments, even for 2 people, are shoeboxes unless you find a place out in the boondocks. That's the main reason I would not want a pet in Korea, there's not even enough space for 2 people in one place, let alone both of them and a dog. At least, I know I would lose my sanity.

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

thekingofcheap · Joined: 09 Sep 2010 Location: South Korea

If you're marreid to a Spanish citizen, why on earth would you ever come to Korea? You can move to the EU and teach there with your years of experience. Korea is for inexperienced people with comparatively low salary expectations.

ssuprnova · Joined: 17 Dec 2010 Location: Saigon

homewardbound · Joined: 01 Mar 2011

First off thank you all for answering.

Ttompatz your reply was really helpful. I have a question about the last thing.

3) Don't even mention the husband and the dog if they are going to follow you rather than accompany you. It is a non-issue to the application process.

Do you mean that I shouldn't mention it only in the initial application process, and then tell them during the interview? Are you talking about with recruiters, public schools, or hagwagons? I am a little weary about not mentioning it at all, and then getting an apartment that doesn't allow pets. I know that I will probably lose out on some jobs, but I hope that it won't be impossible. Thanks again for your comments-it makes me feel better that someone has gone there while also living abroad.

To the king of cheap-
Spain really isn't much different. I have only taught here, mostly in Madrid, so I can't speak for the rest of Europe. The salary is not high, even with a lot of experience, and the cost of living here is out of control. You can get by, but by no means can you save money and live comfortably. Well, you can but it takes a few years. Spain is about who you know not what you know. It is also filled with a lot of inexperienced teachers- but we all had to start somewhere. And residency really isn't necessary. There are only a few places where it is- outside of big cities. It is true that I have had more options when picking a job, but a lot of my friends work illegally and have jobs- especially in Madrid. If you ever want to make the change let me know and I could give you some pointers.

I want to go to Korea... well because it's Korea. I am not too worried about money. I am not saying I don't like money, but I have gotten used to not having any money while living here. I have come to terms with the fact that with this job your are not going to get rich. l also don't mind living in a shoe box. I think I am aware of some of the negative aspects of Korea, but I want to see another part of the world. We are a young couple and are willing to sacrifice some comforts in order to have the experience, but not our dog! I want to see Buddhist temples and just experience a culture completely different.

So if anyone else has any more advice or personal experience please let me know!

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

cyui · Joined: 10 Jan 2011

A day late.

homewardbound · Joined: 01 Mar 2011

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

Little ankle biter it is nothing to worry about.

You are not in the west. Ankle biters are common as house pets (about the same as fish or cage birds) in many apartments and I have never been in an apartment building or villa that didn't allow them.

I would go so far as to say that I would be surprised it there wasn't a puppy beauty parlor within easy walking distance of your apartment if you are in a major metropolitan area.

Landlord tenant issue = not.

The only concern would be the paperwork and potential for quarantine of your pet. I don't know about the rules for bringing pets from Europe to Korea.

.

homewardbound · Joined: 01 Mar 2011