Korean Job Discussion Forums

monkeybear · Joined: 05 Jul 2004

Hello everyone!

I've been reading these boards for awhile now and have a few questions. My husband and I are investigating the possibility of coming over to Korea in about a year but we're curious as to what kind of job he may be able to get. He has a degree in Spanish from an American university and is tri-lingual with English, Spanish and French. He's been working as a network administrator for the last few years and though he doesn't currently "use" his degree, he's kept up his fluency in both the Spanish and French. He's also currently working on his TEFL certificate. Without having a degree in education or in English, is his best hope for a job in a hagwon? Question

We're also considering taking a vacation in Korea next spring to see if this something we really want to do and thought it might be a good idea to try to drop off some resumes while we're there. Would taking this trip be a good idea or just a waste of money?

I haven't finished my degree yet so I know that I won't be able to legally work. It's actually going to be my opportunity to take a bit of a sabbatical since I've been working full-time and going to school part-time for the last year or so. But that being said, will it be difficult for us to get our own housing as a married couple?

I'm sure that I'll have more questions as time goes on and we get closer to making our decision to come over but any and all advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
~JD~

wylde · Joined: 14 Apr 2003

there are plenty of jobs here that request 'couples'.. as for housing, its free, don't sweat it.

a trip to 'drop off' your resume.. waste.

you can get a job from your lounge room via the internet or the better option would be to come to korea first and job hunt if you have some spare cash to support you.

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

A student of languages might have advantages as a teacher of language, but I think you'll find universities look at the level of degree ahead of what discipline its in. Public schools are worth considering as an alternative to hagwons.

A vacation just to scope out the situation seems a bit extravagant. Tourist impressions wouldnt give a lot of insight into the reality of living & working here.

If youre thinking this far into the future, why not just buckle down & finish your own degree too? Working couples can generate considerable loot, plus just sitting around while your husband is at work would get old fast.

Zyzyfer · Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 11:21 pm Post subject:

Not trying to rain on your parade or anything, but going to a foreign country to live for a year with your significant other can be very stressful. You may find relief if each of you work at a different location, but if you don't, you could be seeing each other day in and day out more than you'd really like.

monkeybear · Joined: 05 Jul 2004

peppermint · Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 5:07 am Post subject:

Hagwon jobs get a bad rep from this board, but there are lots that you don't hear about that are fantastic, so you shouldn't let that stop you. Public school jobs can be great but 40+ kids can be a lot for someone new to Korea and to teaching to handle.

What you should maybe be concerned about is how to get a visa for you, if you won't be working. I know there are some university programs offered in English- maybe you could continue your studies here and get a student visa

One thing you'll need to take into account: even though you guys are planners, the average Korean isn't. You can either let that drive you crazy, or accept that this is how the culture is, and it won't change for you. (I struggle with this daily)