Korean Job Discussion Forums

aussieteacher · Joined: 24 Oct 2014

Hi all,

I've been reading this board regularly for months and thought I'd finally ask: is a move to Korea worth it?

I'm a 29 year old Australian with seven years high school teaching experience and have taken unpaid leave (we're allowed up to 7 years) and my husband and I've been discussing over the past 10 months or so whether to make the plunge.

We don't have any debts (I know this is often a reason people want to teach ESL) and my job here at home is legally secure and set in stone (for those who wonder why we would risk anything).

In talking to recruiters so far, the feedback we've had has been disappointing because most of them recoil as soon as they hear that I'll be bringing my husband and 1 year old son. My husband isn't a teacher and he'll be the primary caregiver to our son; he has a steady outside salary, too, which I'm not even sure factors into their horror or not.

I've been told universities and international schools are the avenues I should be chasing, but I don't have any of the requisite uni experience.

Are we chasing something here that might not exist?

basic69isokay · Joined: 28 Sep 2014 Location: korea

Whoa!! I'm going to be gentle here but no, absolutely not.
This is NOT a good idea. ESL here is dying. I'm not saying stay where you are necessarily, but Korea is not the place to come right now. Even for single people. But with a baby? Hmm youd better have a look at some international schools in other countries if you really want to leave AUS.

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

Cave Dweller · Joined: 17 Aug 2014 Location: Seoul

What does your husband do? If he is qualified to teach English in Korea (any uni degree will do) then the both of you could work. You could get a larger place and pay for it yourself. Many jobs offer a housing allowance in lieu of the paid housing. The issue may then be child care for your son.

You being married means more work potentially for recruiters. Think of recruiters as...you know that slimy stuff you get on your bathtub?? One level above that. They will not do extra work for you.

Do I think it's a good idea? Not really. I'm just being honest. However, if you are determined, then go for it. Myself or others will help you out.

Troglodyte · Joined: 06 Dec 2009

Tell the schools that you want housing allowance instead of an apartment. Some will even help you to look for a place since it's a LOT better for them to just give you the money and have you take care of all the admin (especially if you leave early or they decide to fire you).

The only universities that will hire you without experience are not real universities. They're the diploma mill sort. In general, working there is no better than working at a hogwon.

It's very simple to get a dependent visa for your husband and child.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Posted about 17 jobs with links on the 'Getting a university job without university experience' thread. IF you have your MA, many of the places might give you a look. A lot of the places offer air fare (only for you) and housing or an allowance. Some of the jobs even take BA holders with experience.

If you're set on Korea, then one of these jobs or an international school would be the way to go. You're running short on time to apply so best to get on the stick if you want a position beginning next term.

If you're just thinking of doing some time in Asia? HK's NET program for sure, though the cost of living there is even higher than Seoul, and it's pretty darn high here!