Korean Job Discussion Forums

[myne24]

I have decided to teach English in Korea by the end of this year. However, I have numerous questions about working and living in Korea. Hopefully some of you can answer my questions.

I have never traveled outside of the United States so I do not currently have a passport. Should I obtain my passport before I apply? Or can I apply with different agencies/schools and provide them with a copy of my passport within 2 months? It takes about 6 weeks to get my passport. Should I expediate the process and get it in 2 weeks?

There are numerous agencies/recruiters on the web which is really discouraging as I have been reading horror stories of some of the agencies/schools. Can you refer me to some agencies/schools that are reputable?

Did you apply to several agencies/schools before you accepted a position in Korea?

How are the accomodations in Korea? Can I request a single with an A/C unit? Also, do you share or have a private bathroom?

I am Korean-American born and raised in Southern California. Is it true it will be harder for someone like me to land a good job?

I understand dress code will differ between schools, but am I required to wear suits to class? Can I wear jeans?

I have so many other questions but I guess I'll end it here. If any of you can help me, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks.

[jmbran11]

You've asked too many questions for one thread. It would take too long to answer them all in any detail, so I'll just give you a quick response:

Get your passport now. Why wait if you know you'll need one.

You can get a single apartment with A/C. Just make the quality of your apartment a priority when job-hunting.

With only a few exceptions, you will not have to wear a suit to teach class. Jeans are possible at some hogwons. Ask for the dress code before you sign a contract.

Being Korean-American can hurt you, but it can also help you (particularly if you speak Korean).

Do a search on this site to find information about particular recruiters that are trustworthy (or not). There have been many posts over the last year. Some people apply to many recruiters to get a wider variety of offers. Personally, I waited until I found the one job I wanted and then applied directly with the company (no recruiter or agency).

Good luck.

[Bibbitybop]

In addition to jmbran's good advice:

Jobs will ask for a copy of your passport. Get it now.

Many posters on Dave's a p!$$ed off people with nothing better to do than rant. Others are some of the smartest people who have been here for years. Take everything with a grain of salt, sugar or your favorite substance.

If you sign a contract that makes you share a bathroom, that is your fault, you can find jobs that allow you to have your own. An exception would be if you share a house or apartment with other teachers.

Apply to as many jobs as possible, as long as they fit your specifications.

Read through the FAQs and stickies on this site.

Bibbity

[ChuckECheese]

[djmarcus]

Hey there,

Yes, a lot of questions, but I will try my best to answer them

Q. I have never traveled outside of the United States so I do not currently have a passport. Should I obtain my passport before I apply?

A. Yes

Q. Or can I apply with different agencies/schools and provide them with a copy of my passport within 2 months? It takes about 6 weeks to get my passport. Should I expediate the process and get it in 2 weeks?

A. I thnk you should get your passport first and then apply to schools. Why do you want to expedite the process? Are you in a hurry to get to korea?

Q. There are numerous agencies/recruiters on the web which is really discouraging as I have been reading horror stories of some of the agencies/schools. Can you refer me to some agencies/schools that are reputable?

A. Well I can't refer you since I haven't started yet, but I think you should try to do your own research using this forum and google. I know it's daunting, but I think overtime, you'll see which schools are really and which one's to stay away from (or better yet, which one's are right for you)

Q. Did you apply to several agencies/schools before you accepted a position in Korea?

A. I did apply to a number of recruiters. But I am currently working with Footprintsrecruiting, and they seem to be professional about things. I start next week, so we'll see what they set me up with. But don't take my word for it, check it out yourself. And you may have to go through some bad ones to know what a good one is.

Q. How are the accomodations in Korea? Can I request a single with an A/C unit? Also, do you share or have a private bathroom?

A. This is going to vary. When you apply for a position, ask them as many questions as you can about the Apt.

Q. I am Korean-American born and raised in Southern California. Is it true it will be harder for someone like me to land a good job?

A. I am Korean-American too. You are considered a Gyopo in korea. It maybe harder for you to get a job because some schools may want to hire a foreigner rather than a korean (I won't get into why here). But there are schools that will hire you just because you are a gyopo. So I woudn't worry about finding a job.

Q. I understand dress code will differ between schools, but am I required to wear suits to class? Can I wear jeans?

A. This will also vary.

Hope this helps.

[myne24]

Thanks for your replies.

I would like to leave this country by year end so I believe I should expedite the process of obtaining my passport.

djmarcus - Are you going to apply for a F-4 visa as Chuck stated? BTW thanks Chuck for this advice. It would seem to be very beneficial if we obtained an F-4 rather than an E-2. Here's what I found from http://www.teachkoreanz.com/terms/immigrat.htm#f4:

F-4 VISA - This came into effect after December 3rd, 1999. This visa allows OAKs (Overseas Adopted Koreans) to live and work in Korea indefinitely. This means OAKs are able to work and live in Korea just as a native Koreans.

Who can obtain this visa?

-People of Korean decent residing overseas that immigrated after 1948.
-Overseas Korean Nationals (Haewe-Hankook/Dongpo = Kyopo)
-Foreign National Koreans (Wekook-Kookjeok-Dongpo = OAKs, Overseas Adopted Koreans)
-Koreans born overseas with another citizenship. - APPLIES TO ME
-Koreans who have changed their citizenship.

How does this benefit you?

-Legal status in Korea for two years and renewable without having to leave the country. If you decide to move within these two years, you must notify Seoul Immigration office.
-You no longer need a sponsor from a school, company, family or friend. This means working, school, or family visas are not necessary.
-You can buy land, property, housing, or open up a business.
-Private tutoring is now legal. - THIS MAY REALLY HELP US MAKE MORE $
-Employment in companies will be a little easier to obtain, as the companies will not have the hassle of foreign paper work for a work visa. But speaking Korean is always a plus!