Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Just2cute89]

I am a newbie, looking into teaching in Korea (obviously) and I have come across the GOE program and it looks like somethings I would be interested in. I have found a plethora of information on EPIK, GEPIK, and SMOE, but nothing really about GOE. If anyone has any information about it, I would greatly appreciate it! I am interested in the cities in that province and what it would be like to live there. Again, any information would be great! Thanks.

[Fallacy]

For example: http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=226829 Loads of information on life in the ROK, including Gyeongsang Province. Do the search, read the threads.

[Just2cute89]

[Fallacy]

What are you looking for exactly in terms of information? Cities are liveable. People are normal. Costs are usual. Anything uniquely esoteric? http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=231007&highlight=gyeongsang Are there GOE jobs on offer, or just recruiters bluffing?

[Just2cute89]

[Weigookin74]

I don't work for them, but have heard about them on here and online. They are like EPIK except you're hired directly by that province. I believe it's the standard EPIK contract. Pretty much the same with some other provinces too. They just hire directly through recruiters. It's probably somewhat easier to get into and less interview and placement waiting hassle, but it's also more rural out in the middle of nowhere too. It's not to say there aren't some mid sized cities that have many of the same things as a metropolitan city, but most of their jobs will be in small cities or rural counties. Same goes for JLP Jeollanamdo Language Program (not sure if that's the name of it or not). I think a few recruiters have relationships directly with a few provinces and hire mid semester too.

But, if you're young, like sipping lattes at Starbucks, exploring the city, and love the nightlife, Seoul, Busan, or Gyeong gi do will be the most desireable places for you. EPIK, SMOE, GEPIK will cover these places. But, EPIK will also put you in the middle of nowhere. It's a crapshoot if you request rural or urban. If you don't care where you are, have hobbies you can do anywhere, and don't get bored easily (maybe you like the outdoors and mountains), then rural can be for you.

The contracts are all public schools supported by the Provincial Education Offices and mostly written as an EPIK contract without being hired direct from EPIK.

[Weigookin74]

You also get paid extra for being in the country. But if you're trekking to Seoul every weekend, you'll blow through the extra money and more every month and the extra pay and time travelling won't be worth it. If you're a cheap frugal person who likes to save money and stay and do simple things, the rural areas can pay more and let you save more.

[Just2cute89]