Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jargonscott]

I apologize if this topic has already been thoroughly dissected. My attempts with the search engine weren't producing many results, so I figured I'd try to get some direct feedback. If you're able to link me to any related past threads, I'd appreciate it.

A bit about my situation:

I recently arrived back in the states after completing a contract in Saudi Arabia. After decompressing and traveling for a few months, I'm sifting through job opportunities again. I was actually planning on heading to Seoul last year before the KSA job fell in my lap. It was too lucrative/beneficial to turn down (especially since it was only 9 months), so I put Seoul on the back burner.

For the record, my credentials are nothing fancy:
BA Social Science, CELTA, over a decade of experience with youth in the teaching and social work realms (US, Canada, and Saudi Arabia), with great references all around (especially from McGill University, my last employer).

Other random bits: I'm male, 32 years old, healthy, US citizen.

I entertained the idea of just packing up my belongings, flying to Seoul, getting settled in, and then interviewing in person. I've been told that one will find better jobs that way. Due to the savings I've accumulated in KSA, I'd be fine living for months without any financial worries.

I have all of my visa-related documents updated and ready to go. My apostilled federal background check still has another 4 months before it is considered outdated. I even have a relatively professional looking self-promo video to include with my applications. Because I have everything in order, I'm tempted to just sift through jobs from abroad to see if I can get lucky like last year.

I understand that a lot of what's out there now is either: in the suburbs, poorly paid, has a terrible contract and/or school, etc... Since I'm not desperate or in any sort of rush, I know many recruiters aren't super eager to work with me. I know what I want, and I'm willing to wait for it.

That all being said, what's your opinion:

Is it worth it to hang out here and see what I can reel in from abroad or am I just wasting my time?

Do you feel I'll have a shot at a significantly better job if I fly over first
or would the difference negligible?

What are the pros and cons of flying over first (besides having to do the obvious visa run when I secure a job)?

[YTMND]

[jargonscott]

Thanks for the info on the D10 visa. That's great news.

[amoonbot]

Just to make sure. The D-10 visa is only available to those who already have an E-2 visa.

[Skippy]

[YTMND]

I think people misunderstood why I mentioned the D10. It may be true you can get it abroad, but I was suggesting a person go to Korea on an E2 and try to get the D10 if there are problems with the school later, if needed.

If you get a D10 first, you still have to pay for everything while you look for a school. Why do all that and apply for 2 visas if you can just go through the application process once for an E2? A tourist visa will give you plenty of time to find a job, but then we have the same problem regarding using your savings.

If you get the E2, you can earn money and keep your savings.

[jargonscott]

That's how I originally understood it, but thanks for clarifying.
The existence of the D-10 takes some of the pressure off and ultimately makes me less focused on the need to fly over first. It's still a possibility, but at least I'm a bit more informed with some of options.

Thanks for your input. And if anyone else has some opinions, feel free to chime in.

[YTMND]

[jargonscott]

Well I think that's where the miscommunication is.
I'm NOT planning on getting the D-10 from abroad. I just like knowing it exists. Therefore, if I DO sign a contract from abroad, it's nice to know if the school winds up being horrible, I can apply for the D-10.

Previously, my motivation for flying over first was centered around locking into a good school from the get-go (not always the easiest task from abroad). I was originally assuming that if I signed with a sub-bar school from abroad, I'd have to tough it out for the whole year. The D-10 makes me less worried about that. Therefore, I'm less stressed about applying from overseas.

I still might come over on a tourist visa and job hunt. Maybe I'll get lucky and land something before I head over. I'm still fairly 50/50 on the whole thing. As I said before, I just appreciate knowing about the existence of the D-10.

[ttompatz]

Advantage of flying in then looking for work = you MIGHT reduce the risk of a crap job and/or crap housing.

Disadvantage(s) = :

i) not likely to get a better salary so you would be kissing away the value of the inbound airfare.

ii) the need for a visa run (the reason why you won't get more money by saving them the inbound airfare).

iii) Depending on circumstances, as a first time E2 applicant, you MAY need a consular interview in your home country before you can get a "first" visa.

iv) settlement costs while you are job hunting (hotel and restaurants) are yours to bear.

.

[jargonscott]

[YTMND]

[jargonscott]

[quote="YTMND"]

[YTMND]

[jargonscott]