Tefl in South Korea

Tatankbull

Thanks Andy. I can imagine the lack of a coteacher being both a blessing and a curse for a new teacher standing in front of 15 or 20 Korean children for the first time!

roosh

Tatankbull wrote: »

Just a quick side question... are co-teachers more a feature of public schools than of hagwons? What's the likelihood of me ending up without a co-teacher in my classes if I work in the latter?

I'm in public, elementar, school and each class has a homeroom teacher. They're supposed to stay and help with discipline but they rarely do. That's quite a common occurrence, but by no means the rule. I know people who have very engaged co-teachers

Orizio

Chaps, any particular tips for someone applying to EPIK for work next Feb?

Andy!!

Tatankbull wrote: »

Thanks Andy. I can imagine the lack of a coteacher being both a blessing and a curse for a new teacher standing in front of 15 or 20 Korean children for the first time!

It was daunting at first but now I love getting to see my kids And for the troublemakers, well I have no problem administering discipline.

Orizio

Andy!! wrote: »

It was daunting at first but now I love getting to see my kids And for the troublemakers, well I have no problem administering discipline.

Yeah I was considering bringing my hurley with me to Korea so I can 'administer discipline' as well...

Tatankbull

So how difficult is the process of teaching classes in a hagwon for a person with no teaching experience, no formal teacher training and without the support of a co-teacher?

For those who have experience already, is there anything you can recommend a person should do before starting their work (gathering certain materials, preparing lesson plans in advance, reading certain books, etc) besides taking a nail-studded hurley with me of course...

Bungarra

ekevosu wrote: »

Heres the stuff I had if its any use:


http://kr.jobsdb.com/KR/EN/Search/GetSearchResult - this is your best bet I think

http://www.worknplay.co.kr/ - occasionally non teaching stuff appears here but not a lot

http://www.contactkorea.go.kr/talkroIR/recruitSearchEn.do - not sure about this site but maybe post your cv, cant do any harm

http://www.escapeartist.com/korea/jobs.htm - links to job sites

http://www.southkoreajobs.com/ - never found this much good

There are other sites as well but they are in Korean so not sure they would be much good to you.

Korean cv's are very different to Irish ones as well so do a bit of research on this. They want a picture on the cv's as well which is very important. Make sure its a friendly looking but professional photo making you look nice and normal, preferably without facial hair, tattoos, percings etc. These things do matter there. You can do a bit of reseach on the types of resumes they have anyway.

Good luck with it.

Thanks Ek.... I'll keep an eye on these for the next while and apply for anything relevant... If I find anymore good info i'll tack 'em on here.

TMC_Ledge

Hi, Im aiming to go to Korea in February to teach English.

I've read through the thread so I know the basics about what I require etc.

1) Can I get feedback on websites/recruiters for finding positions?
These are some I'm looking at
-ASL
-teachandlivebroad.ie
-gone2korea.com
-footprints recruiting
-worknplay.co.kr/
-teachaway.com

2) Is it common to use multiple recruiters or just one?

3) Resume.
Someone mentioned you should do research on korean style resumes. I'm not really too concerned about mine, but are there important features I should know about that i might be missing?
My resume in 4 words:
-Short
-Professional picture
-Degree
-Experience

Andy!!

Regarding using multiple recruiters, yes, send applications to every one possible.

And for what its worth, I sent in a regular 'western' style c.v. And if your C.V. is short because your just out of college I wouldnt worry about it Have someone look at it though, like a family member in case there is more you could add.

roosh

TMC_Ledge wrote: »

Hi, Im aiming to go to Korea in February to teach English.

I've read through the thread so I know the basics about what I require etc.

1) Can I get feedback on websites/recruiters for finding positions?
These are some I'm looking at
-ASL
-teachandlivebroad.ie
-gone2korea.com
-footprints recruiting
-worknplay.co.kr/
-teachaway.com

2) Is it common to use multiple recruiters or just one?

3) Resume.
Someone mentioned you should do research on korean style resumes. I'm not really too concerned about mine, but are there important features I should know about that i might be missing?
My resume in 4 words:
-Short
-Professional picture
-Degree
-Experience

Just on the issue of using multiple recruiters, by all means do for private school (hagwon) jobs, but if you're looking for a public school job then, either use just one recruiter, or apply directly to EPIK. If you apply for a public school job with more than one recruiter, then your application will be voided. This only applies for public school though, and it is beneficial to contact multiple recruiters when applying for public school jobs.

Most recruiters should tell you about applying for public school jobs with only one recruiter, but it's handy to know just in case.

Maybe someone else can confirm this, but I would be inclined to think that, when dealing with recruiters, don't send the originals of your stamped and apostilled documents to any recruiter until you have agreed to take a job. Scanned copies should suffice until you have decided to take a specific job. I'm not sure if it's even common practice for recruiters to try to do that, but I can imagine that some recruiters would try (having worked in recruitment).
Again, someone might need to confirm this.

JJayoo

Hiya guys

should I bring my laptop to Korea or would it be best to purchase one over there? and what kind of adapter should I bring ?

Andy!!

Yeah absolutely dont be sending anything over till you have a firm offer. Recruiters will only ask for scans anyway, reputable ones that is. As for only using one recruiter for public, Ive never heard that one personally. Lots of public jobs up on daves every week with loads of different recruiters, I dont see the harm in applying to them all, they dont cross communicate.

ARGINITE

JJayoo wrote: »

Hiya guys

should I bring my laptop to Korea or would it be best to purchase one over there? and what kind of adapter should I bring ?

If you don't want to buy a new laptop bring it and a UK to US adapter. Most laptop power supplies will work with either 120/240 Volts, this can be check by reading the label on the power supply.

Crann na Beatha

This post has been deleted.

roosh

Andy!! wrote: »

Yeah absolutely dont be sending anything over till you have a firm offer. Recruiters will only ask for scans anyway, reputable ones that is. As for only using one recruiter for public, Ive never heard that one personally. Lots of public jobs up on daves every week with loads of different recruiters, I dont see the harm in applying to them all, they dont cross communicate.

There might be a difference, perhaps, between applying for jobs during the usual EPIK intakes and applying for jobs outside those periods; for example, if someone decides to quit their job two months into the contract, or something. On the EPIK website it says that if they receive your application twice then it is voided.

It would be something to be aware of and to ask a recruiter about.

cloneslad

Andy!! wrote: »

Yeah absolutely dont be sending anything over till you have a firm offer. Recruiters will only ask for scans anyway, reputable ones that is. As for only using one recruiter for public, Ive never heard that one personally. Lots of public jobs up on daves every week with loads of different recruiters, I dont see the harm in applying to them all, they dont cross communicate.

roosh wrote: »

There might be a difference, perhaps, between applying for jobs during the usual EPIK intakes and applying for jobs outside those periods; for example, if someone decides to quit their job two months into the contract, or something. On the EPIK website it says that if they receive your application twice then it is voided.

It would be something to be aware of and to ask a recruiter about.

Both of you are correct.

You can only use one recruiter, or apply directly yourself, for the bulk hiring periods (august and March) but you can apply as often as you like to the individually advertised public school positions.

The positions hire out of bulk hiring season and do not fall under the one application rule.

TMC_Ledge

roosh wrote: »

Just on the issue of using multiple recruiters, by all means do for private school (hagwon) jobs, but if you're looking for a public school job then, either use just one recruiter, or apply directly to EPIK. If you apply for a public school job with more than one recruiter, then your application will be voided. This only applies for public school though, and it is beneficial to contact multiple recruiters when applying for public school jobs.

Most recruiters should tell you about applying for public school jobs with only one recruiter, but it's handy to know just in case.

Maybe someone else can confirm this, but I would be inclined to think that, when dealing with recruiters, don't send the originals of your stamped and apostilled documents to any recruiter until you have agreed to take a job. Scanned copies should suffice until you have decided to take a specific job. I'm not sure if it's even common practice for recruiters to try to do that, but I can imagine that some recruiters would try (having worked in recruitment).
Again, someone might need to confirm this.

Andy!! wrote: »

Yeah absolutely dont be sending anything over till you have a firm offer. Recruiters will only ask for scans anyway, reputable ones that is. As for only using one recruiter for public, Ive never heard that one personally. Lots of public jobs up on daves every week with loads of different recruiters, I dont see the harm in applying to them all, they dont cross communicate.

Thanks guys. I won't be send over any originals over before I take something.

Interesting about the public jobs applications- i'll have to be careful.
Maybe its specifically applying to the EPIK programme multiple times through different third party agencies that gets your application voided?

Or is it the case that all public school positions are granted through the EPIK programme?

As regards the EPIK programme itself- i would like to be able to say yes or no to locations i'm placed in- I presume this isn't really possible if you apply directly?

And finally, thanks again for all the advice throughout this thread, its brilliant.
If anyone has good experience with a recruiter they've used recently please let me know.

thanks.

roosh

TMC_Ledge wrote: »

Thanks guys. I won't be send over any originals over before I take something.

Interesting about the public jobs applications- i'll have to be careful.
Maybe its specifically applying to the EPIK programme multiple times through different third party agencies that gets your application voided?

Or is it the case that all public school positions are granted through the EPIK programme?

As far as I know all public school jobs are granted through the EPIK programme, but, as with much of what I say, I would need someone to verify that. I know that there are other bodies for Seoul and that, like GEPIK and SMOE, but I think you still apply through EPIK.

EPIK has two main hiring periods, or intakes, one around the end of August and one around the end of March. They have a couple of smaller intakes then in September and October, and in April I think it is. There are strict closing dates for applying for these intakes; I applied around April I think it was, and got into the October intake. Recruiters will know what these closing dates are, and it should be on the EPIK website as well (http://www.epik.go.kr/).

For these main intakes, the two applications [voids your application] rule applies, as cloneslad has said.


However, it can occur that, very early into their contract, someone decides that they don't like their job, for whatever reason, and quits; these jobs will then be given to recruiters to fill. It's possible that there will be more than one of these public school jobs available at any one time; it might be possible, also, that one recruiter will have one of the jobs, while another recruiter will have another, even though both are EPIK positions. In this case, where jobs arise outside the usual intake periods, cloneslad says that the two applications rule doesn't apply. So you could apply for both positions, with two different recruiters, even though both positions are with EPIK.

TMC_Ledge wrote: »

As regards the EPIK programme itself- i would like to be able to say yes or no to locations i'm placed in- I presume this isn't really possible if you apply directly?

On the EPIK application you can specify whether you want a metropolitan area or a provincial area; you used to be able to specify which city you wanted, and I think which province, but I think they've changed that now. So you can decide that you want to be in a city, but there is no guarantee which city you would be in.

With regard to saying yes or no to locations, after an offer, I don't think it matters whether you go through a recruiter or apply directly. To my understanding, EPIK would still be making the same offer, it's just that you'd be going through a third party. Again, this would have to be confirmed by someone.

TMC_Ledge wrote: »

And finally, thanks again for all the advice throughout this thread, its brilliant.
If anyone has good experience with a recruiter they've used recently please let me know.

thanks.

I only applied for public school and did so through a recruitment agency called reach to teach. I found them to be very helpful. When I contacted them, I had only about 2 weeks to get everything sorted, and they helped me through everything. There was a small lack of contact for a short while after getting the documents in, but this was in part due to the EPIK application process.

They are based in Taiwan, I think, but have a presence in Korea; they have events organised every now and then for people they've helped find positions; I haven't been to any, but it is a nice touch.

I recommended them to someone else though, and she didn't find them helpful at all. I'm not sure was that bcos the application period for the next intake had closed, or was it bcos there had been a change in co-ordinators for Korea - which happened during my application. I'm not sure if they do hagwon jobs, but they might be worth asking.

roosh

Just looking at the EPIK website (http://www.epik.go.kr/) and it says on there that the minimum [qualification] requirement is a Bachelors Degree; it doesn't state anything about having a TEFL.

That doesn't mean that, unofficially, they aren't considering people without a TEFL, but it's probably worth pointing out that it isn't an official requirement, for anyone thinking of applying.

TMC_Ledge

Great reply roosh thank you very much. I suppose I'll just get going on applications and see how it goes.

As a matter of interest where did you end up getting placed?

roosh

TMC_Ledge wrote: »

Great reply roosh thank you very much. I suppose I'll just get going on applications and see how it goes.

As a matter of interest where did you end up getting placed?

Got place in Gangwon-do; it's the northeastern province. A town called Taebaek, up in the mountains. It's a town about the size of Tralee but the nightlife here is crap, so I leave every weekend.

Other people have been placed in smaller, more remote places, which are even worse.

There is always that risk with EPIK, if you choose provincial regions; mind you, you could still end up in a bigger town; it's the luck of the draw really. If you definitely want a city then be sure to specify it.

If you think you could stick anywhere for 1year, you always have the chance to transfer within EPIK after that.

TMC_Ledge

roosh wrote: »

Got place in Gangwon-do; it's the northeastern province. A town called Taebaek, up in the mountains. It's a town about the size of Tralee but the nightlife here is crap, so I leave every weekend.

Other people have been placed in smaller, more remote places, which are even worse.

There is always that risk with EPIK, if you choose provincial regions; mind you, you could still end up in a bigger town; it's the luck of the draw really. If you definitely want a city then be sure to specify it.

If you think you could stick anywhere for 1year, you always have the chance to transfer within EPIK after that.

I see. So you make your choice- provincial or urban- then do you know your region going over but not the exact location?

roosh

TMC_Ledge wrote: »

I see. So you make your choice- provincial or urban- then do you know your region going over but not the exact location?

I knew I was coming to Gangwon-do, I just didn't know where in Gangwon-do. I found out on the last day of orientation, about 15mins before getting on the bus to Gangwon-do.

Unless it has changed since; and, as many people in this thread have alluded to, it can change quite quickly. I would imagine that you would know which region you'd be in though, before coming over.

WhimSock

Is it worth doing the CELTA course over the TEFL equivalent?

Sivousplait

roosh wrote: »

I knew I was coming to Gangwon-do, I just didn't know where in Gangwon-do. I found out on the last day of orientation, about 15mins before getting on the bus to Gangwon-do.

Unless it has changed since; and, as many people in this thread have alluded to, it can change quite quickly. I would imagine that you would know which region you'd be in though, before coming over.

Hey roosh, just looking at the application now, I have specified Daegu as the MOE I would like to go to. Is this ok? I am not sure whether to just say I would prefer a MOE as opposed to an POE. This section is confusing for people to say the least judging from anyone I've talked to.

Andy!!

WhimSock wrote: »

Is it worth doing the CELTA course over the TEFL equivalent?

Read the last few pages this topic is discussed.

squeakyduck

Andy!! wrote: »

Yes co-teachers are typically more of a public school fixture. A big reason why I prefer to work in a hagwon. Significantly reduces the risk of working with a psychotic xenophobic ajumma.

Not always true Andy. I've always worked with a co teacher. I am working quite closely with my current co teacher and she is so helpful. I have a great relationship with her. They can help you out in the most suprising of ways. But, it is true (according to my friends in public schools) that your co teacher can make or break your time in Korea.

Orizio wrote: »

Chaps, any particular tips for someone applying to EPIK for work next Feb?

Get your docs together ASAP and use several recruiters. Speak as slow as you can in interviews and TAKE YOUR TIME WHEN ANSWERING QUESTIONS! (caps for most important ) that was my downfall.

roosh wrote: »

Got place in Gangwon-do; it's the northeastern province. A town called Taebaek, up in the mountains. It's a town about the size of Tralee but the nightlife here is crap, so I leave every weekend.
.

:O You've got an amazing mountain to hike on your door step, not to mention an amazing snow festival.

WhimSock wrote: »

Is it worth doing the CELTA course over the TEFL equivalent?

Yes, it will give you a pay bump in some jobs.

Andy!!

squeakyduck wrote: »

Not always true Andy.

Hence the use of the world 'typically' ;P

cloneslad

roosh wrote: »

Got place in Gangwon-do; it's the northeastern province. A town called Taebaek, up in the mountains. It's a town about the size of Tralee but the nightlife here is crap, so I leave every weekend.

Other people have been placed in smaller, more remote places, which are even worse.

There is always that risk with EPIK, if you choose provincial regions; mind you, you could still end up in a bigger town; it's the luck of the draw really. If you definitely want a city then be sure to specify it.

If you think you could stick anywhere for 1year, you always have the chance to transfer within EPIK after that.

I got a mountain load of fried chicken and a speeding ticket in Taebek.....The chicken was more enjoyable.

roosh

WhimSock wrote: »

Is it worth doing the CELTA course over the TEFL equivalent?

I chose to do the CELTA before coming out bcos I had no teaching experience and didn't want to be coming into teaching completely cold. I heard very good things about it, so decided to do it.

I got a public school job so my pay increased by around €65 a month on the strength of it, so it will have paid for itself in about 2yrs (allowing for the increase in pay for being in the job 1yr).

You will get the same pay increase, in public school (not necessarily private), for any 120+hour TEFL certificate, though, so if you just want the increase in pay any of those would do.


I wouldn't be able to advise for or against doing the CELTA bcos I have no idea how I would have managed without it, or how much more competent it has made me in the classroom, if at all. I found it to be very informative and certainly gave me a lot more confidence coming over here.

roosh

Sivousplait wrote: »

Hey roosh, just looking at the application now, I have specified Daegu as the MOE I would like to go to. Is this ok? I am not sure whether to just say I would prefer a MOE as opposed to an POE. This section is confusing for people to say the least judging from anyone I've talked to.

sorry SVP, I can't remember clearly what the application form was like when I was filling it out. I've heard that it has changed since then also, so I'm even less sure.

When I was filling it out I think I was able to nominate 3 preferences in MOEs or 3 preferences in POEs. I had Daegu as my first choice, Busan as my second and Seoul as my third; but when it came around to being offered a position, my recruiter advised me to change it to POEs bcos all the MOE positions had been filled.


Are you applying through a recruiter, or directly through EPIK? If it's a recruiter shoot them an email. If not, see if you can attach a scan of the application for til we have a look at it.

roosh

squeakyduck wrote: »

:O You've got an amazing mountain to hike on your door step, not to mention an amazing snow festival.

Both of which I've done; that just leaves the other 363 days of the year

It levels up a bit in winter bcos the High 1 resort is just up the road in Gohan, so I'll be getting a season pass this year and should hopefully get a nice bit of boarding done.

Nightlife is pretty much non-existent though.

roosh

cloneslad wrote: »

I got a mountain load of fried chicken and a speeding ticket in Taebek.....The chicken was more enjoyable.

That sounds like an exciting day in Taebaek!

Orizio

Any ideas when the EPIK closing deadline for applications for March is? It only states the opening dae, not the closing. I assume its open for a couple of weeks anyway>

squeakyduck

roosh wrote: »

Both of which I've done; that just leaves the other 363 days of the year

Still amazing views!

roosh

squeakyduck wrote: »

roosh wrote: »

Both of which I've done; that just leaves the other 363 days of the year

Still amazing views!

funnily enough, I'm just on the way back from there now; went up with the school today

JJayoo

Just wondering how much money I should bring to cover my expenses until the first payday? and will my credit card work in Korea?

Andy!!

You should bring a fair bit because youre gonna have to set yourself up when you get here. I burned through maybe 800 as far as I can remember? Could have been 600. Who is your credit card provider? It will almost definitely work. Mine does and Im with AIB and mastercard.

JJayoo

Thanks for the reply Andy. My credit card is with BOI Mastercard. I'm just trying to tick all the boxes before I go.

squeakyduck

JJayoo wrote: »

My credit card is with BOI Mastercard. I'm just trying to tick all the boxes before I go.

Don't forget to inform the bank that you are going away. My card went on lock down as they saw ATM transactions on my account in a country that isn't Ireland.

Andy!!

squeakyduck wrote: »

JJayoo wrote: »

My credit card is with BOI Mastercard. I'm just trying to tick all the boxes before I go.

Don't forget to inform the bank that you are going away. My card went on lock down as they saw ATM transactions on my account in a country that isn't Ireland.

Good point Maybe BOI are smarter but AIB frequently lock my card despite being told a multitude of times that I no longer live in Ireland. Morons!

cloneslad

Andy!! wrote: »

Good point Maybe BOI are smarter but AIB frequently lock my card despite being told a multitude of times that I no longer live in Ireland. Morons!

They aren't, unfortunately. They blocked mine regularly when buying flights there. I did tell them not to block it while i was travelling around S.E Asia and India afterwards and they didn't, which was good.

They still block it here in Ireland when I purchase things out of the ordinary. It can get annoying, but i suppose it's better than getting robbed.

JJayoo

Thanks for the info guys

Is it best to buy a new phone/electronics out there. I'm expecting to have a lot of excess room in my suitcase so half thinking of bringing random things over.

Andy!!

JJayoo wrote: »

Thanks for the info guys

Is it best to buy a new phone/electronics out there. I'm expecting to have a lot of excess room in my suitcase so half thinking of bringing random things over.

Depends. A phone will need to be bought here. I wish Id brought over a george foreman with me though. What are you thinking of bringing over? Why is your case so empty?

JJayoo

Past long distance relationships have trained me to pack light. I was thinking of bringing over a blender as we have two. I think Korea has the same current 220, so all I would need to get is an adapter.

Have no idea what my luggage allowance is as the flights have not been booked yet. Just got my work number today so will probably be heading to the embassy tomorrow which is a pain in the hole.

Andy!!

JJayoo wrote: »

Past long distance relationships have trained me to pack light. I was thinking of bringing over a blender as we have two. I think Korea has the same current 220, so all I would need to get is an adapter.

Have no idea what my luggage allowance is as the flights have not been booked yet. Just got my work number today so will probably be heading to the embassy tomorrow which is a pain in the hole.

Yeah but that has to be done asap so best just get it out of the way. Remember to bring all your documents especially your passport. And 35 quid for the year visa too. Get the number 7 bus on oconnell bridge in the direction facing away from the spire, and get off at the american embassy stop (ask the driver) and theyll guide you from there. Best get there as early as possible.

Blenders are cheap here, I wouldnt waste the space if I were you. Better to bring an xbox or whatever, if thats your thing.

squeakyduck

JJayoo wrote: »

Thanks for the info guys

Is it best to buy a new phone/electronics out there.

I brought over my smartphone thinking it would work straight away. It would only work on wifi. Korea doesn't do top up for data or anything so you would be looking at getting a smartphone.

You can get some electronics cheaper here. I got a DSLR in Namdemun market (Seoul) second hand for a great deal. Yongsan (electronics) market is great for anything you might want or need and you can bag yourself a good deal by bartering.

camoramo

Fyi I went to apply for my arc today and they changed the rules in Sept so now everyone has to wait a month for their card! I'll be here 3 months by the time I have a phone so best to apply as soon as you get here if possible.

Andy!!

camoramo wrote: »

Fyi I went to apply for my arc today and they changed the rules in Sept so now everyone has to wait a month for their card! I'll be here 3 months by the time I have a phone so best to apply as soon as you get here if possible.

You can request your ARC number in advance though, in immigration itself. Unless they've changed that too.

And yes, get all that medical and immigration sorted as soon as you get there, it's foolish to put it off. Nag your director/co-teacher to accompany you asap, I know directors can be in no rush to put themselves out for you but you can't really settle in to normal life without getting these basics done fast.

camoramo

Hopefully they still do it the manager is going to ask tomorrow when he brings other teachers to get theirs.
I managed to get bank account without my arc but it is very annoying not having a phone!
Couldn't get it any sooner with visa run etc but I'd agree that directors need to be reminded about stuff like this..