Korean Job Discussion Forums

[andrewcalo]

Hello, i'm Drew, I'm new!

So please advise me...

I have spent the last two months getting my documents all ready, CRC, Degree certificate, sealed transcripts, etc etc...now all here, apostilled, etc...

But getting a job offer I'm happy with seems V. difficult...

IN MY FAVOUR:

Degree in English Literature.
Second Degree in MEdia Studies.
Some experience teaching in a school in South Africa.
All documents are ready.
From the UK, caucasian, etc.
Yoga teacher also.

AGAINST:

33.
Male.
Late in the day.
Turned down by EPIK.

What I'm finding is it's mostly recruitment companies for the whole out there, offering to try to get me jobs in the sticks and at public schools to stat April/May, where it seems that, researching a bit on the net and on this site, they are the dregs at the bottom of the barrel which other people weren't happy with.

They seem to be mostly rural areas, and though public schools, they don't come across on websites as particularly fun or appealing - whether because they're too small, or not a very big teaching community, or because they're quiet, or Westerner-unfriendly, or not particularly modern, or basically = no fun. I do like to socialise and go out.

So what do people suggest? Look for Hagwon jobs, just at REPUTABLE Hagwons? Is it possible to find a decent place in a public school before I jet off to Seoul beginning of May? I wanted to get a job in the next three weeks to sort my Visa out in Bangkok (I'm currently travelling through Thailand).

I kind of figured, doing research, that jobs in Seoul or Busan or Daegu or right next to these places were out of the question for a first-timer, but being able to commute to these places within one hour was somewhat likely..,

So what do you guys think? I'm looking for a more urban part of South Korea with creature comforts and lots of other Western teachers, but not so much noise or pollution.

I'd really appreciate ideas on places, and advice on how to find work...likeI I've said, trying to secure a job in the next three weeks...

Thanks

Drew

[Otherside]

You want a public school job that starts in 1-2 months, which is mid-semester (thus far fewer openings), with a good location. Oh and you have 3 weeks to do it in.

Yet, you have no Korean experience and you are out of country, turned down by EPIK.

Guess what, something has got to give.

Option 1. Keep plugging away for public school jobs, you might get an opening, but pretty doubtful. Wait until the September hiring period, when more schools are available. You were turned down by EPIK, and unless something changes, I don't know why they'd change their mind.

Option 2. Take the rural job. The good positions are either taken, or more demanding of the applicant. You'll get a year of experience, it's a public school, and you'll have a better shot getting a better position next year. In most cases, they probably aren't as rural as you think.

Option 3. Take the Hagwon. Bring lube, you might need it. While there are good hagwons out there, the average one isn't great. You have a far greater chance of being screwed compared to a public school. Again, being out of country means that you won't be able to vet them as well, and as always, the better ones either prefer in-country applicants, or a higher quality of candidate.

I'd take option 2.

[Ranman]

I'm in a rural position and it's not that bad. Daejeon and Seoul are quick bus rides away and I'm able to save money. If you're looking for Busan and Seoul, then you're going to be waiting quite a while, I'm afraid.

[Guajiro]

[andrewcalo]

So what do people think about...

Iksan,
Incheon,
Budang
Gyeonggi,
Daegu,
Suwon Dongtan,
Hadan,
Gangnam.

with regards my specific needs?

[andrewcalo]

Anyone? Advice appreciated

[ttompatz]

In your favor = qualify for an E2 and documents ready.

Against you:
Off season (EPIK recruits about 90-120 days ahead of the start of term).
-spring PS openings for major recruitment happens in Nov-Dec with NOAs issued in Jan and arrivals in Feb.
-fall PS openings for major recruitment happens in April-May with NOAs issued in June and arrivals in July.

No verifiable classroom experience as a real teacher.

Nothing to offer that any other E2 with a pulse doesn't have and you want to be in a competitive market (major city).

Your choices are really simple.

1) bite the bullet and take the best you can find (not likely to find a reputable hagwon from where you are so you're gonna have to live with crud for a year). ***BE AWARE THAT CHANGING JOB IS NEITHER EASY OR CHEAP and depending on circumstances may not be possible until your contract has expired even if your employment was terminated.

2) Go to China.

3) Wait for the next recruitment period for EPIK and, unless there was some reason other than being a late applicant that caused EPIK to decline your application, try again for EPIK.
(if they declined you for a reason other than being late then your chances are nearly "0" for any PS job with EPIK (ever). Try GEPIK or change countries.

.

[Skippy]

[Guajiro]

[lemak]

China!!

[andrewcalo]

Thanks for the advice peeps!

This is my first time teaching in South Korea and my first E2 visa - does anyone know if I have to go back to the UK (home country) for an interview, or is that old news?

[ttompatz]

[andrewcalo]

Anyone got the skinny on Iksan City and Cheongju?

???

[andrewcalo]

Anyone?

[Guajiro]