First Job in Korea (teaching English) - Two Questions

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thedeadsinger
thedeadsinger

*sorry if you've seen this thread before

Hey guys. I'm just about ready to start applying for teaching jobs in South Korea. I have two basic questions.

1.) The mandatory paperwork. Is there any specific paperwork that I can get started on now? I assume that the process can become tedious and frustrating, so I figured it would be best to get an early start.

2.) Company/school suggestions. I know there are a ton of options, but I'm looking for some common suggestions. I've only researched EPIK/GEPIK. My credentials are pretty basic. I have a BA in English, writing certificate, 100hr TEFL cert (online), and experience tutoring (none teaching) ESL students. I am dead set on working in Seoul, but other than that I am flexible. I hope this helps.

Thank you =)

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krazykatie
krazykatie

Where are you from? Why so keen on Seoul? Are you male or female? It is getting a lot more competitive for jobs in Seoul. Female, white, pretty North Americans are the ones most likely to get these jobs without experience.

As for paperwork get your apostilled copy of your criminal background check and degree ASAP, many recruiters won't even consider you if you don't have these already.

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thedeadsinger
thedeadsinger

I'm a white male from the United States. And aside from being a big city person, I have two close friends in Seoul. I understand that it's a pretty accessible city from anywhere in the country, but it would mean a lot to be close to my friends.

I have a copy of my degree. I'll get started on the background check. Thanks!

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krazykatie
krazykatie

Ok fair enough, don't rule out places like Suwon or Bundang, lots of the satellite cities are on the subway and can be as close to central areas in Seoul as some parts of Seoul are.

If looking at hogwan jobs insist on speaking to the current teacher and get their phone number so you can ask them questions when the boss isn't around listening in.

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thedeadsinger
thedeadsinger

Rad. Thanks again.

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zanniati
zanniati

  1. All of it. Do it all. Now.
    Really though, get your paperwork done asap so that you'll be ready. You're much more likely to find a good job if you can leave at a moments notice. Everything in Korea is last minute so you can really steal a good job if you're ready to go. You'll need your CBC, transcripts (official), health check, and there's a bunch of other stuff.

  2. Dude, your creds are better than 90% of the people here. I've got a BA in economics... that's it. and my job is awesome. It's your choice to do public or hagwon. They all have ups and downs. I would say the biggest complaints between the 2 are public school and boring and unrewarding and hagwons make you work too hard. There are tons of ups and downs to both though. Just do some research. (Just a note, it will be MUCH easier to choose where you live if you work for a hagwon.)

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tangofanatic
tangofanatic

Hello deadsinger,

Any updates on your first job in South Korea? I'm looking into where to go etc..

Thanks

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