Korean Job Discussion Forums

[pedrotaves]

I'm looking for some volunteer opportunities (preferably dealing with Korean politics/foreign relations) here in Seoul. I'd like to come back to the US with at least some relevant foreign work experience. Could anyone point me in the right direction?

Also, one small problem that I foresee. I don't speak Korean--I'm at a beginner's level. Near absolute beginner, really.

[Modernist]

[pedrotaves]

Granted I have no experience in dealing with volunteering in Korea, but I would think it would be a bit foolish to assume that Korean political activists would have no interest in an English speaker--specifically an American. Korean foreign policy largely deals with the North. The US is the leading opponent of NK today, and I would think that South Koreans would have a very vested interest in communicating their needs and goals to an American audience. This could encompass any variety of things, be it writing up reports and posting them online, petitioning American politicians and NGOs, etc.

Anyway, I just think its every bit as foolish to think that a non-Korean speaking American has ZERO value to Korean political organizations as it is to wonder whether or not such opportunities even exist.

[nathanrutledge]

What visa are you on? Political activity is illegal for most visas and from what you describe, it's probably illegal.

[pedrotaves]

OK, cool. Thanks for the helpful info.

[schwa]

Yep, above poster is correct.

This from an official govt site:
Foreigners are granted rights to any activities granted by their visa... They are not, however, allowed to participate in any political activities except when specifically allowed by law.
http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/InfoDetailR_en.pt?categoryId=2&parentId=389&catSeq=&showMenuId=376

[isisaredead]

[pedrotaves]

Clarification: relevant foreign working experience for someone aspiring to attend a top-10 IR grad program.

[toonchoon]

Tip: don't get caught demonstrating cos you'll face deportation. Trust.

[Modernist]

[Modernist]

[pedrotaves]

I thought it was clear that I HADN'T done much homework--thus the reason why I'm asking a question.

Seems like you're pretty bitter after getting the short-end of the stick in grad school. A lot of misplaced anger towards both the schools and apparently people who have the gall to want to attend them. And no, I wasn't thinking about attending Fletcher, SAIS, or SFS. Maybe Elliot or American. I don't think I'd have the credentials to get into the bigger ones. Regardless, none of the career choices you listed are what I want anyways. They're not my plan, as you suggested. I'd love to work for the State Department, or any government branch really. I happen to have a brother who went to SAIS and is now in the State Department, so I can only hope I am successful as him. It's not impossible.

Also, getting any masters degree isn't likely to give anyone a great chance at making the big bucks nowadays. There aren't enough places hiring people with even 10 years of work experience, so the fact that I want an IR degree seems pretty irrelevant. I'm sorry for whatever reason you're so bitter about grad schools and those who attend them, but I don't think it makes sense for you to belittle someone asking harmless questions on an Internet forum.

[Modernist]

I wouldn't say I'm bitter. Actually I'm more amused at the huge proportion of people in their 20s who seem to believe that they are the only ones smart and committed enough to go to GRADUATE SCHOOL in whatever [ooohhh!], and that this will somehow protect or insulate them from the horrible economy and the simple lack of jobs in virtually every sector. When every applicant has a M.A., who cares?

What the world needs is not more people with fancy paper on the wall, but more people who can actually DO something, not just talk or spin or write or analyze or 'communicate.' That's just my opinion, as someone who can analyze pretty good myself.

Hey, you want to play in the sandbox at Elliot for a while on your Korea dime, that's your business [say hi to Prof. Sodaro for me!]. But don't dismiss me as getting the 'short stick.' My degree isn't in IR or IA anyway. There's a hell of a lot of Master's people out there who can't get anything close to what they expected from the mighty graduate degree. People working part-time, people in retail, people taking ANOTHER grad program, people doing ESL in Korea. We're not all bitter losers, sorry. There's just TOO MANY graduates from these programs chasing too few jobs. Open your eyes and see the truth, not yourself as the grand exception.

[weso1]

OP (if you are American) be really careful about what you do with politics here.

Any American civilian, not employed by the US government, involved with foreign governments and politics gets flagged. Some activities can even put you in violation of Patriot Act segments.

I recently set up a new US bank account from Korea. One thing they checked with me several times on was if I was involved with foreign politics. Two people at that bank told me if I had been, then the Patriot Act says they can't give me an account until I come back state side and submit to a full background check (not just criminal check.)

If you find yourself involved with a person or group that the US is "Watching" it can land you on the "no fly" list.

I'd advise you to just stay away from foreign politics. If you want to do something, contact the embassy for approved activities so you don't accidentally get yourself into hot water.

[pedrotaves]

Thanks for all the information. I'm steering clear of any of that stuff now that I know that it's forbidden. I was just kind of curious to see whether or not such opportunities existed. If they had, I would have taken advantage of them. I guess I can't now.