Comments for Reliable Teacher: Teaching Jobs in Korea, Resources, Hagwon Review and more

Comment on Where do most foreign teachers hang out on weekends? by Ian Letschnig

Ian Letschnig — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:31:02 +0000

I go to Busan and attend Toastmasters at Busan University where most of the people are Korean but their English is great. This a amazing way to spend time with Koreans and learn about them. I also get training that my Hogwan recognises as benifiting them. We spend the rest of the afternoon eating and talking. It’s fantastic.

Comment on What are some scam lines to look out for? by Brett

Brett — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 10:29:21 +0000

Watch out for schools that say they have to ‘hold on’ to your passport and original diploma. They don’t. Never let anybody have those two VALUABLE documents unless they work for the immigration department. Give the school color photo copies if they want something to hold onto.

Comment on What’s the best advice you could give someone thinking of coming to Korea? by Brett

Brett — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 10:25:41 +0000

Remember you are going to a foreign country that probably isn’t anything like your home. Attitude is the biggest stumbling block for newbies. Go with an open mind and and learn to flow. You don’t have to abandon your principles but don’t be a negative Nancy when it comes to the food and culture.

Comment on Did you plan on teaching for only one year, but found yourself still teaching in Korea after 4-6 years? Can teaching English in Korea become addictive or is it the long contracts? by Brett

Brett — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 10:19:28 +0000

I came for a one year stint. Met my future wife (South African not Korean). We have carved out a little niche’ on the outskirts of Seoul. We have a car which makes life easier. The pay is good, healthcare is great, and sports are plentiful (just joined an ultimate frisbee league). As long as the economy is in the dumps in the U.S. we are content to live here and make the best of it.

Comment on What’s the best advice you could give someone thinking of coming to Korea? by Ashley

Ashley — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:16:33 +0000

Research your school thoroughly! Talk to teachers who currently work there. Some schools are great, others aren’t, and that will 100% have a huge effect on your time in that amazing country. Other than that, be open-minded, learn some Korean, and be ready for crazy experiences!

Comment on What should I look for in a contract? by Renae

Renae — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 07:41:22 +0000

Make sure you look for what is NOT in the contract as well as what is IN the contract.
1. Where are you going to live? If you live within walking distance, that’s great. However, if you have to use the subway everyday, be prepared to spend 100-150 permonth
2. What furniture is included in your furnished apartment?
3. How many hours are you expected to teach in a month? Are your working hours defined in your contract?
4. Just be careful that you READ your contract, agree to it, and can LIVE with it.

Comment on Do you get more jobs if you are certified? by Renae

Renae — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 07:33:15 +0000

Getting more education can never be a bad thing. Taking a certification course will help you to understand some basic principles and theories.
Almost any hagwon or school, will pay you more if you have TEFL certification. Most places are looking for 100+hours course.
I took an online course (TEFL institute of Chicago) and this was perfectly acceptable. The extra money I made in the first 6 months of teaching paid for the course.

Comment on What’s the best advice you could give someone thinking of coming to Korea? by Renae

Renae — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 07:27:06 +0000

1. Find an excellent recuiter. Let her do the the work for you. You also help protect your information because your not giving it to everyone.
2. Research your school however you can. Most school websites have profiles on their teachers.
3. READ YOUR CONTRACT! Don’t blame your school later because you didn’t read your contract.
4. Bring some snacks from home to eat when you have a bad day.
5. Make a Korean friend. Ask them about their school experience. Learn some Korean phrases if you can.
I hope your Korean experience is as happy as mine has been!

Comment on When are most of the jobs available? Summer or Fall? by Renae

Renae — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 07:21:27 +0000

Well, if you are looking for a public school job, start applying in late November and early December for a February start. You will be more likely to get a job that you like if you apply early and have all the paperwork (FBI background check, passport, multiple copies of official sealed transcripts). To apply for public school that starts in August, apply in May or June for prime spots (Metro Seoul).
If you want a good hagwon job, they usually want extra teachers in January, February, and August. But they are also available anytime througout the year. My advice, find a good recruiter that you can trust!

Comment on What’s the best advice you could give someone thinking of coming to Korea? by Candice

Candice — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 02:21:53 +0000

Travel! Explore the city you live in and venture out into Korea to experience its beauty, its food and its culture. Without being fluent in Korean, I have been all over this country and had a great time.
I co-founded a blog about living and travelling in Korea, check it out!
http://www.justenoughkorean.com