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I'm looking for information on teaching english in Korea and came across this site using a goodle search. I have visited Dave's ESL cafe but found it to be very negative regarding Korea. I have so many questions about the area of teaching / life in Korea and feel that I would like answers to judge for myself whether it is something I want to pursue.
Has anyone else taught in english in Korea, specifically in a public school? I am British and up to yet havent been able to find many UK nationals teaching in this country, although its definiely allowed.
I have decided that I am better suited to a public school based on that I would prefer daytime classes / children / settled work life etc. I am eligible for this having a degree and a CELTA qualification. I am interested in lifestyle mainly; what are the difference between Seoul and Buzan (the areas I am likely to be interested in living, definitely need somewhere populated / things to do and visit / people). I am likely to be the only foreigner in that particular school or one of a group / department? What can I expect in terms of accomodation?
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Be careful, because a lot of these jobs are scams. I do know someone whose kid taught English in Korea for 2 years, enjoyed it and had no problems. Sorry I don't know what agency he went through, or many other details but he came back and is now looking at doing the same in Japan. He was happy with the accommodations, and had a chance to do some traveling around on days off.
Dave's Esl cafe generally has a bunch of negative nancies. There are negative issues here, but same goes with other areas. For looking at jobs, Daves Esl is good and probably will have less scams as people should pay to post on there. Craigslist Seoul also has lots of postings and scams can flow through there as posting is unfiltered.
I have many British national friends that teach at public schools in the greater Seoul metro area. The pay is usually around 2.1m KRW ($2000 USD) and housing is provided rent-free. Housing is usually a small studio.
Generally, it has been getting more competitive to teach in Korea but as you have a CELTA, it should be a little easier for you to find a job. You will generally not be the only foreigner in a public school. The hours tend to be much better than private schools. Private schools can range from being very nice to being very abusive in terms of hours and treatment.
Seoul is main city in Korea and most money is concentrated in the area. It is a fairly high-strung city where people are not really relaxed. Parents are very sensitive to education. Busan is a coastal city which tends to be more relaxed, slower but also has much less in terms of conveniences especially for foreign nationals.
Things to do vary. If you want to keep an expat lifestyle, you will bleed cash and spend all you make. Most of my British friends teaching at public schools send about 4500 GBP back per calendar. That allows for going out on Saturdays, dinner in a restaurant once or twice a week, occasional taxis, and one or two trips down to the Philippines or Bali during vacation.
Korea is a homogenous country and culture and explicitly discriminates on the basis of gender, nationality, and race. The most favored teachers are females from North America. While not impossible, Blacks have a substantially harder time finding jobs than Whites. There is a preconceived notion that foreigners from South Africa have AIDS. Every single school, employer, and recruiter will ask for a picture along with your resume. What do you think that's for?
Thank you Seoulja, I had noticed that there seems to be a culture of "if your face fits" as opposed to your teaching qualifications/performance. I am still keen.
Thank you Seoulja, I had noticed that there seems to be a culture of "if your face fits" as opposed to your teaching qualifications/performance. I am still keen.
P_R
If you are a white, female and young(pretty), go for it,
otherwise, don't go.
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