Korean Job Discussion Forums

[julian_w]

Dear Youseguys,

1.) Is it true what's been said in the past: that it's easier/betterer/ to just be there in Korea first, and then look around for jobs and check them out properly, rather than apply from overseas?

(The advantage of applying from overseas, obviously, is that I'd get the airfare paid, which, coming from Aotearoa/NZ is a fair dinkum offer.)

2.) Have you ever negotiated a short-term contract with a hagwon while overseas: short-term like for 3-4 months, or less than 6 months? If so, what were the changes to the contract?

Ever heard of this sort of thing happening?

Cheers! Ta raa.

j.

[Freezer Burn]

Kia ora Julian

Being here can help you get a job faster/easier, but you are out of pocket a lot, and kiwiland is an expensive flight that you have to cover.
Generally most contracts are for 12 months, if you are after a six month contract, China grants these and will pay for a one way part of your ticket, usually just some cash, but the pay is not as much as Korea.
If you flew over without a job you wont have an apartment to stay at so you will have to live of your own cash untill you get a job and that includes accommodation, the benefits of having a job orginised is you get straight into an apartment or the school will sometimes fit the bill if your apartment isnt ready yet.
The best bet to getting a job for a non-north american accent is outside of Seoul, so cities like Busan and Daegu, the recruiters are more accepting of our countries in these areas.
Busan is a cool place to go, not as big as seoul but still has a large foreign population and theirs a few kiwis and aussies around as well.
So good luck and I hope this helps a little
Ka kite ano

[Wangja]

[Tiger Beer]

If you can, come over to Korea and look for jobs. I think it alleviates all those other issues - seems like the crappiest jobs in Korea are the ones giving the free airfare and hiring blindly.

Its really a teacher's market.. if you are looking for work.. its in abundance.. and the best jobs are the ones hiring within Korea. Plus if you are here you can check out the school location, the apartment situation, your co-worker situation, your manager situation, the entire 9 yards. I've also negotiated better contracts (another 100,000 month just for being here). Stuff like that. Plus have a lot more control over my apartment situation as well.

Makes an enormous difference.

[jajdude]

What TB said. Unless you have big cash.....

[Yu_Bum_suk]

I talked to an American who came to our hogwan for an interview. He had friends working here with whom he was staying. He had a huge number of offers to choose from. Suffice to say he didn't take my hogwan's. If you have contacts here, then it would be a great idea. If you don't know anyone you might want to just go for the hogwan crapshoot.

[Aidge]

I can help you get a great job here if you want...I'm leaving in June if you want my job. It's a good one.