Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ravel]

Hello Everyone,

I am currently working in China, unfortunately my employer refuses to give me a straight answer about anything:-? I am seriously considering heading to Korea to work there instead (my original plan). I have been reading this board for a while and want to know the best approach to working in Korea. I saw a posting that suggested the best approach is to simply go there, then look. You can confirm what the appartment actually looks like, make sure you are actually talking to teachers at the schools and not some friend of the school recruiter... The posting was dated, about 2001 I think, so I was wondering is this good advice, is there other things I should know? I would greatly appreciate any guidance. My China job is certainly less than promised and I would rather NOT repeat the mistakes I made coming here a second time.

Thanks
Ravel

[RachaelRoo]

I would say that's still pretty good advice. Make sure you have your original degree, sealed transcripts, the correct passport, some money, and a refundable return ticket, and you should be good to go.
Personally I'd recommend not taking a job from abroad unless you need to financially.

[Yo!Chingo]

I'm new to Korea and teaching in general, but before I leave a job, I'm going to darn sure have another lined up. Korea can be a scary place. Before I got here I had 3 job interviews over the phone but wouldn't sign any contract before I came and made sure I liked what I saw. You can do the same. Find a reputable recruiter, I used Park English for some interviews, line up some interviews and when you get a job simply explain to them that before you sign anything you need to look over a contract, see the school, and check out your prospective apartment.
You don't want any surprises!!! Oh, and Koreans are very literal meaning that if it ain't in the contract it's open for negotiation in their thinking. Make sure everything that you feel is important is in writing!!! Salary, apartment, vacations, and work hours. Again get them all in writing!!!
Hope this helps

[Ya-ta Boy]

So far you've been getting good advice. Listen to them.

This is a good time to come. Universities are hiring now for the new school year starting in March. Public schools will also be doing the same.