Korean Job Discussion Forums

JZer · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Location: South Korea

I am currently applying to work at some Korean Universities. Can anyone tell me what it is like working at a Korean University? I am applying to Kyonggi University, has anyone ever worked there? Can you give me some feedback about this university.

Thanks!!!

the_beaver · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

JZer · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Location: South Korea

the_beaver, I just saw an add for a univeristy that said you had to be at least 28 to be hired. Does this mean the other universities might not hire me because I am too young. I am 26 and have two years of experience teaching at a univeristy in the United States. I am currently finishing my Master's and have spent the last two years teaching and studying.

Thanks for the help.

the_beaver · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

merrilee · Joined: 13 May 2003 Location: South Korea

I started at a university when I was 25, but I looked about 20. I'm now 28 (at a different university) and have been told that the university likes to keep some "young ones" on board. (Apparently it goes for Koreans and foreigners both.)

With your experience, I don't think you'll have any problem landing a good gig. It may not be your first choice, but don't jump into the first offer you're given.

JZer · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Location: South Korea

Most of the jobs besides Soul UNiversity are offering only 2.1 million Won a month. What are the chances of getting additional hours at the university? How about extra work? I have heard that the Korean government is really strick on tutoring private students. I would really like to earn more than 2.1 million. I have been investing for a while and would like to have more money to invest.

the_beaver · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

JZer · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Location: South Korea

Where can one find postings for university jobs other than on Dave's? I am going to apply to three universities listed on this site. I am applying to Kyonggi University, Chungnam University, and Cheju National University. How many universities should I apply to? How about universities in Soul?

Also do universities offer Korean for foreigners? I would like to learn as much Korean as I can. I plan on staying for awhile.

SuperHero · Joined: 10 Dec 2003 Location: Superhero Hideout

Jzer,

You can try to navigate the universities web site. Most universities post there. Some universities have Korean language schools where employees get a discount (50%?) but usually your schedule will conflict with that unless you get full-vacations.

JZer · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Location: South Korea

Thanks for the help everyone. Can anyone tell me how long it will take before the university gets in contact with me? I am just wondering because I will be in Korea in January. Maybe they will try to contact me when I am no longer in the U.S.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

JZer · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Location: South Korea

Well, hopefully I will be teaching at a Winter Camp in January. If I am offered a job tomorrow I will not have to work about checking my email since the college where the camp is held has email.

If the application deadline is November 18, how long will it take before they decide who they are going to hire.

SuperHero · Joined: 10 Dec 2003 Location: Superhero Hideout

lastat06513 · Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 12:34 am Post subject:

I applied in December of last year and they didn't tell me until February 25th, 6 days before the start of the semester.

Luckily, I was the only foreigner applying for this position...no competition Wink

denverdeath · Joined: 21 May 2005 Location: Boo-sahn

Your master's will be a definite plus. For the place that's requiring a minimum age of 28, it might help if you are gay and/or willing to go to church...my understanding anyway. Keep in mind that it helps alot if you are in-country for interviews and/or if you have friends working at the uni. The age thing might be because "respect" and "responsible bhr" comes with age...many Koreans believe that and I guess we do back home somewhat, too. Don't panic if you don't land a job before you come. Follow the others' advice in putting good contacts on your resume and remember that some people pull out of positions at the last moment and some places also post positions late. With a master's, you should expect anywhere between 1.8~2.4 to begin, but it depends on the place(some of the places that offer less also require only 8-12 hours of contract teaching - so do some of the higher paying ones). Ask about OT either during the interview or in your first contact with the HR/hiring people. A lower paying uni can suddenly become quite a bit better when you only do an extra 4 hours each week at 30,000won per hour(keep in mind that uni's have all kinds of different payment schemes when it comes to OT, so ask questions). Some of the more rural locations may pay more which will help you save more, but you might go a little shack-wacky...depends on your personality.

Not all unis post. Here are a few sites you may want to check out and maybe cold-call a few of the unis. Usually you can find some kind of contact/address when you navigate your way around each site:

http://www.mit.edu:8001/people/cdemello/kr.html

http://www.bulter.nl/universities/university.asp?CountryID=115

http://dir.yahoo.com/Education/Higher_Education/Colleges_and_Universities/By_Region/Countries/Korea__South/Complete_List/

http://www.kyonggi.ac.kr/eng/default.asp

Keep in mind that these aren't really up to date as a lot of the links are dead ones. Sometimes you might find the one you want by putting www.university'sname.ac.kr.