Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dimnd]

ok

[crazylemongirl]

Someone else said in a thread something along the lines that just because you don't fit the perferred 'blond/blue eyed/twenty something" sterotype that this is actually a strength as you're avoiding a lot of offers from from bad schools who hire just on looks.

There are plenty of public school jobs coming up that aren't so picky on age and there are varsity gigs but those are hard to pick up out of country.

[Derrek]

That's just it... you have to be here.

But yes, try to view it as a positive. You likely won't be offered jobs by 40-something housewives married to the manager working for Samsung who just decided to open a hagwon one day to make money and keep busy. (wow, what a yucky sentence that was!).

[just because]

as everyone else has said...you would have a much bigger advantage by being over here first...

It is unlikely you would be picked if you just stayed at home but if you flew yourself over(which in my opinion no matter what age is a good idea) than your chances would increase dramatically...

[captain kirk]

Helped the manager hunt for another foreigner online and she was only interested in teachers already in Korea. Because she wouldn't have to pay airfare. The deal is if you're already here they pay for the visa run to Japan. If you're coming from overseas they pay your ticket over. So it's cheaper for the school if you're already here. Also, who wouldn't want to personally meet? Meet the boss and see if you can get along with him. See the school. I mean you could arrive from overseas and the school's a dump, the boss is a grump, and so on. That's your life for a year. Or worse, you decide you've had enough and have a hassle with immigration about it. Affecting your eligibility for another job, red tape and so on.

Lots of schools don't care if you're not a barbie or ken, really. Nor do the kids because kids are adaptable. It's the good schools that care more about the process; are you an effective, fun, whatever teacher? It's not about being a pretty face, or young. If you're here, and contact a school without a recruiter, as well, the school saves a grand right there.

[Zark]

I'm 53 and not so pretty. No problem. But, I am an experienced university instructor - across several countries.

You might explore your teaching experience a bit more. Some the smaller international schools here might be very interested, might well hire you from overseas - and would pay your airfare. I am thinking specifically of Pusan Foreign School - Gwangju (sp?) Foreign School - etc.

Chemistry and Science teachers can be hard to come by. A friend here (math major) got a nice int'l school job in a smallish town.

Maybe tell us a bit more. Most people on these boards will slot you right away for a hogwan job - but if you can avoid that - it's not bad to shoot just a bit higher on the food chain.

Graduate degree (you were lab ass't at a uni) maybe? Certified in your own state? Taught in public schools those five years? Be more specific and your responses may be more focused.

[Ya-ta Boy]

[mindmetoo]

I thought after the whole English Spectrum scandal female teachers were in high demand?

[UncleAlex]

Hey, Just Because (Just 'Cause), who's that gorgeous gal in the picture?
I'd like her to teach at my school!

[UncleAlex]

If you're as pretty as you claim to be and are a socially outgoing person,
numbers shouldn't make a difference with many employers. Perhaps you
can come to Korea and arrange personal interviews to make a good impression.
All the best!

[margaret]

I'm a 54 year old Amercian woman. I found that I get more points for being American and female than I lose for being old. I got my job both times without being here and both times found the job I wanted in a few days. Also both times I think I fared better than the average reported experience if there is such a thing.
Margaret