Korean Job Discussion Forums

(r)od.yssey · Joined: 19 Jul 2015

Hey guys, had a question:

I'm a 29yo male American. I currently have 3 weeks left of an in-class CELTA course im taking in America. ( i have a 4 year degree in Fine Arts and some experience teaching, nothing formal)

I am leaving in September to travel to the Himalaya region to hike/travel for 3 months.

My plan (in a perfect world) would be to go to Korea directly from Nepal and get a teaching job.

I think i procrastinated a bit too much because it looks like the EPIK process takes about 2-4mo for the spring registration?

So..
1. Do you think its possible to apply to EPIK in Korea in a reasonably short amount of time? (i have a budget to last me around 3mo in Korea (living modestly)

2. Does anyone have any experience landing a teaching job after arriving to Korea? Is this a feasable thing for a first-timer? or am i better off apply in the US beforehand?

3. As far as recruitment agencies go, are there any recommended ones to use in Korea once i arrive?

* dont have a major preference between cities/country-side...more interested in finding something dependable and decent for my first year teaching abroad.

Thanks a lot guys!

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

This should help a lot....

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewforum.php?f=7

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

The problem lies in your documents like the FBI check with an apostille affixed.

It is difficult and time consuming to obtain from abroad and has a shelf life of 6 calendar months from date of issue.
6 months +1 day and you start again.

.

Fallacy · Joined: 29 Jun 2015 Location: ex-ROK

isitts · Joined: 25 Dec 2008 Location: Korea

Fallacy · Joined: 29 Jun 2015 Location: ex-ROK

I hoped that was what I had written, but since my words caused confusion, let me clarify. First, get the job in Korea all lined up from the USA. Second, travel to Nepal from the USA and have fun backpacking. Last, leave Nepal and travel to Korea to start that job.

isitts · Joined: 25 Dec 2008 Location: Korea

tophatcat · Joined: 09 Aug 2006 Location: under the hat

isitts · Joined: 25 Dec 2008 Location: Korea

(r)od.yssey · Joined: 19 Jul 2015

1. If you already have an E-2 visa from your previous job here, it is. At least with GEPIK. EPIK is on a fairly formalized timeline for hiring. Even if it is possible, you’ll need to do a visa run, pretty sure.

2. I don’t, but I’m pretty sure as a first timer, you’ll need to interview at the Korean Consulate in your home country before coming. Not positive on that. But I think better to apply in the US beforehand.

3. I recommend Korvia (especially if you’re looking at G/EPIK). However, I’m trying to imagine the scenario of you arriving after hiking in Nepal (or thereabouts) for three months with all the necessary documents in hand (all nice and neat), and not have the appearance that you’ve been hiking for three months. Even if it’s doable, you lose three months off the life span of your FBI check.

Not saying it can’t be done, but I think it would be difficult. Personally, I’d teach in Korea first, then do the hiking. You’ll have saved a good chunk of change to finance it, and the hike may help you detox from your stint here.

Another option…Why not just continue on SE from Nepal and pick up jobs on your way to Vietnam? Unless things have changed radically, pretty sure arriving in country is the way to get jobs there. Can’t say for the countries in between. Having the CELTA will help you out. Just don’t get it dirty on your hike. Wink

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Thanks a lot for the input.

yea i am reading about the FBI check...and it looks like EPIK apps for spring semester will be closing soon.

**i know, the planning here is lacking, i might need to rethink my plan.

You're right, i have also been looking into Vietnam/Thailand/Taiwan and it looks like, these places are better suited to find work after arrival to the country.

Maybe I will shoot Korvia an email and see what they suggest. I am thinking about the possibility of prepping my documents and have someone ship them to me once im in Korea. It will be costly, but might be worth it because i have my heart set on the Himalayas first.

Thanks again

Troglodyte · Joined: 06 Dec 2009

(r)od.yssey · Joined: 19 Jul 2015

Thanks a lot for the tips guys.

Thanks Troglodyte, that sounds like a good plan considering my situation.

Do you think it is worth sending out applications/resume now even though im still in the process of getting my CELTA certificate?

Fallacy · Joined: 29 Jun 2015 Location: ex-ROK

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

If you want to go hiking then go hiking.
If you want to work in EFL after hiking then go to SE Asia where jobs are found "on the ground".

BE AWARE that you WILL NEED a police clearance (even for Thailand now) to get a visa as a teacher.

Some countries, like Korea, also have requirements like the apostille AND the documents have a limited shelf life as well as being difficult to obtain when abroad.

Personally I would suggest that you choose one or the other.
a) Go hiking, return home, get a job in Korea. The employer will likely fly you from the states back to Korea.

b) Get a job in Korea, earn some cash, take a few months off and go hiking. Move on to the next option.

.

(r)od.yssey · Joined: 19 Jul 2015

Thanks for all the advice guys. Yes we will see what happens.

I'm just going to apply and research as much as possible. And if i have to come back to the states before getting a teaching position, thats what i will do.

Im talking to reachtoteach right now, their representative is saying that its possible even in my short of time frame though it would prob have to be a hagwon..we will see. ill let you know what happens/doesnt happen.