Korean Job Discussion Forums

[megraham]

Hey, I am trying to get a job teaching in Seoul starting February. My boyfriend and I both want to teach there and I am wondering if it is a good idea to try for a couples position or just to do it independently of each other. We both have a BA, teaching certificate, and over 1 year teaching experience.
Also, how easy is it to find adult teaching jobs, so far I have been receiving offers only from children's schools, but I think I would really prefer teaching adults. Is there a good place to look for jobs specifically teaching adults?
Any advice would be really appreciated as I am a bit overwhelmed with all the options and decisions about teaching in Korea.
Thanks a lot,
Meredith

[ttompatz]

[jmbran11]

I suggest working at two different schools, one of you gets a decent apartment where you both live, and the other one will get a housing allowance (extra money). Many will disagree with me and say you need each other's support. However, with two employers, you have two support bases, so if things turn south for one of you, you won't both have to leave suddenly. Plus, you'll make more money. This is what my husband and I do, and we get an extra 500,000 won/month. Plus, I like teaching adults and he prefers kids, so we both get what we want. Of course, one of you needs to find a gig that offers a great apartment, so make that a priority.

[Novernae]

jmbran makes some good points.

My husband and I chose to work together because we are picky about who we work with (bad experiences with coworkers). This reduced one of the major job stresses for both of us. If you choose to work at the same school, just be aware that you must be willing and able to spend a lot of time together. The only time we are not together is when we are in class. Our desks are next to each other and our appartment is a one bedroom officetel loft. We are very comfortable like this though, being homebodies who fit together quite well, but this kind of close quarters lifestyle is not for everyone. It can break a relationship. The main thing I'd look at when considering this question is whether either of you need your alone time.

[mrd]

Also, if you want to teach at the same school, I would consider telling recruiters or schools that you are married. You will find that you get much more respect and are treated much more fairly. While I don't like to lie, living together before marriage in Korea is frowned upon, and you can avoid a good deal of grief by stating from the outset you are married.

If you are both at the same school, it also stregthens your neogotiating position with the school if problems ever arise. For instance, if something bad was happening, the school could be losing two teachers and not just one, so it would be in their best interests to keep you both happy. Also, they are more likely to make your apartment comfortable for a married couple rather than "sinful" boyfriend and girlfriend. Just my 2C.

I love teaching at the same school as my wife. Aside from people assuming we're attached at the hip, we both have the freedom to do whatever we want in the evenings with no troubles. You can ask for a 2 bedroom, and you'll have your own space at home too.

Good luck!

[spliff]

Try BCM Kangnam, you will teach adults and they have a real nice spacious apartment for couples. Big school they are usually always hiring. Also, it's the franchises flagship school and the management is above board, you'll have no problems w/ payments etc... But, you will have split shifts for the first 6 or 7 months.

[jmbran11]

[thebomb]

The thing is that if you are planning to do any traveling whilst you are here, if you do both work at the same school, there is a distinct chance that the school will not let you take your vacation at the same time.