Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Mellovely516]

Hi everyone,

I'm a newbie, currently seeking employment in Korea through a bunch of agencies and this website. I was wondering if it makes a difference whether or not the agency is based in Korea? I'm looking into working with Footprints, which I believe is based in Canada...but I hear it's a good agency.... any advice?

Thanks:)

[some waygug-in]

The problem is not with the agency, but because they are in Canada, they will have no idea what kind of place they are recommending to you.

Keep that in mind.


Not that recruiters here are any better..........they all are about the same.

Tell you anything to get you to sign a contract and then.........

Seeya later sucker!!!!!!!!!!

I'm not trying to say anything bad about Footprints. I'm sure they try to do their best, but it really is impossible for them to know what the school is like ........from Canada.

[sheba]

I went through a Canadian recruiting agency too, and I got a terrific job....

[some waygug-in]

Just to clarify, here are some questions you should ask your recruiter:

1. How do they insure that the school is OK? Do they interview past teachers? What do they do to find information?

2. Have they ever had problems in the past? Things like schools that don't pay the teacher or schools that don't have books or schools that expect the teacher to work excessive hours for free.

3. What can they do if there is a problem? Can they offer some assistance to the teacher, for example if the school is losing students and can't pay the teacher's salary. Will they help the teacher in that case?

4. What do they do to prepare the teachers? Do they offer some kind of cross-cultural information? What do they do in cases where the teacher is simply overwhelmed by a new culture and can't handle it?

5. Will they help to find a replacement, if the teacher has to leave early?
What if there is a family emergency?

If the recruiter can't answer these questions to your satisfaction, then you should look elsewhere.

[Mellovely516]

Thanks guys for the advice. And thank you especially to Some waygug-in
for the questions. I will definitely ask some of them when I speak with the agency next week...

[Homer]

[SPINOZA]

I used Footprints and I too did very well out of them. If you're applying to work in public schools, I recommend them. Hakwons tend to be more of a gamble no matter what the recruitment process used is. If anything, it can be beneficial to have a third party involved, especially as you're paying them bugger all.