Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Gosp]

I'm too paranoid to go with one of the teaching jobs on Dave's, and way too broke to fly to Korea and interview in person. What do you suggest? Recruiter? Stay here in the States and teach? Interested in what everyone has to say.

[peppermint]

There are other options- sometimes people post job openings at their schools here. ( It's how I got my current gig).


Keep in mind though, I think most of us came over to Korea already signed to a school and we all survived. If there's a job that looks good on Dave's apply, you've got nothing to lose. Check the schools name here, and ask about posters who live in that city too. Outside of larger centers, the foreign communities are often pretty tight knit, and people would know if a school was really bad.

[chronicpride]

Please filter the bad press here. You're only reading roughly about a tiny percentage of foreign teachers who are part of a larger group in Korea who don't post here. And remember, when listening to teacher's gripes here about Korea, there are people here that would complain back home, too. It often has less to do with Korea, than the individual. If Wal-mart had an independent job forum, you would be terrified of working there, just as if it was Microsoft, McDonald's or anywhere. People complain about their jobs everywhere, regardless if it is in another country.

Take this place with a grain of salt, trust your gut and operate with your own common sense and you'll be headed in the right direction.

My advice is to send your resume/photo to as many recruiters and schools as you can possibly find, to yield the maximum potential amount of offers. Filter down to the ones that you have good feelings about. Talk to the school and the teachers there. Don't buy what the net has to say about the school, as there is heavily biased info from questionable sources, fraudulent blacklists spreading misinformation, and there are a tremendous amount of 'bandwagon reports' (teachers who have never taught at the school, but have heard someone else say something negative about the school, either on the net or a friend, of a friend, of a friend, etc...Look at any thread about Wonderland, Kwak's, ECC, or any big chain, and you'll see my point.). Aim to get teachers feedback from first-hand accounts, by asking the school to provide email addresses of current and past teachers. Filter your results from there and trust your gut.

You'll do alright.

[Real Reality]

A current boom in vacant positions is starting to appear in certain areas of Korea. Positions offering higher than usual salaries and extra job benefits are being offered by 'Recruiters' who are operating and hiding behind e-mail addresses. Be very careful when applying for these jobs - we have a long list of recent complaints relating to 'missing documents,' unsatisfactory accommodation, and being forced to work illegally,...
http://efl-law.com/

Crucial Information
http://efl-law.com/crucial.html

I hope you get the facts about any destination you choose.

Korea's Suicide Rate Growing Fastest in the World
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/200406/kt2004060414532510220.htm

South Korea Improves Human Trafficking Record
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200406/200406150043.html

[oldfort]

You'll get something out of it, for sure, but it might not be what you expected. If you're cool with that, go for it. I had a hard time picking a place; signed two contracts which then fell through before landing one that stuck. And then, it was breached (we're talking pay and holidays here, pretty essential stuff), and other circs pulled me back to the New World.

But, I liked the kids, and made some good friends, and met a really wonderful guy, so it was all worth it. I have no regrets. I plan to come back. edit: not to the same city.

The other, more useful, advice on this thread is good stuff.

Best decision vibes!

[Gosp]

I'd like to thank everyone who's taken some time to write something here. It's all very helpful. Thanks for the positive advice Peppermint; Chronicpride, very uplifting post as well. Thank you. Real Reality, interesting articles. The "Crucial" link cleared up some very important questions about the legal side of working in Korea. Interesting, too, to find out that suicide rates in Denmark have dropped remarkably in the last decade. And finally, thank you Oldfort for reminding me of that old Biblical proverb �� to pick up your pallet and move if something just isn't right. Thank You All!

[crazylemongirl]

I think I have said this before but I will say it again. you can ask all what kimchi tastes like and if we think you'll like it but the only way your going to find out is if you eat it yourself.

I would second what chronic pride said about using your gut. A lot fo second hand info will be heavily filtered by people. Both good and bad. We had someone do a runner from what I beileve is an incredibily sweet teaching gig. One person's paradise can be another person's hell.

[rapier]

A personal Lack of money has never been an obstacle to teaching in korea. In fact its what recruiters prefer.
If you need funds, just get them to fly you in, get a n advance on your first paycheque, and stick out the first 6 months at least. Even if the job suxx, you will heve learned a lot and be in a good position to move up the ladder.

[kangnamdragon]