Interviews

I just got an email from a recruiter from SeoulESL. 

I have a phone interview with a school tomorrow night around 10pm. The job is pretty nice. It's located in Gangnam-gu. Pay starts at 2.1 million won per month. I won't mention any names, but it's with a fairly reputable school. 

I also have another interview on Monday night around the same time. I will keep updating this blog as the interviews progress.

A key thing that I didn't mention is that there is an awesome Facebook group called ESL Teachers in Korea that has helped me a lot with my search. There are many people in this group who are eager to answer questions about their experience in Korea. I heard great things about one of the schools I have an interview with from a member of this group.

Another thing I should mention... The more people you know in your host city, the better. I am lucky enough to have 4 years of experience as a conversation partner in Brock University's Intensive English Language Program (IELP). I've been able to meet many people from all over Asia, especially China and Korea. I have 4 or 5 contacts in Seoul, who are all aware of my plans to come there, and who are all willing to help me, just as I helped them when they were in Canada.

Well, that's all for now. I can say so far that I recommend SeoulESL as a good recruitment agency... so far... I won't know for sure how good they are until I arrive in Seoul and take a look at the school and my apartment. 

The fish are biting...

Well, I've been applying to different recruitment agencies, all found on Dave's ESL Cafe Korean Job Board. 

I got a call one night around 10:30pm from a recruiter. In broken English, she asked me how my Korean visa application is going. I was glad she asked, because she outlined the entire process for me. I had been getting conflicting messages online. 

Here's what you need:

- A copy of your diploma

- 2 copies of your university transcripts, sealed

- A criminal background check, specifically the Vulnerable Sector Screening. To get one of these, you will need a letter from a school requesting it. 

- The criminal background check needs to be notarized by a "notary public" or a lawyer

The idiot at the police station didn't seem to know what he was doing. He had me enter the employer requesting the criminal background check as the Korean consulate. The criminal background check needs to be notarized... This doesn't make sense to me. The police station is providing this check, why would they need a lawyer or a notary public?

A notary public is a doctor, dentist, or someone in a higher position in society. Notary publics differ by country. For more information on notary publics, see the wikipedia article here. 

So far I've been in contact with 3 recruiting agencies, one of which called me. She seemed nice and sincere, despite her broken English. She estimated I would be in Seoul in mid-July, which is perfect since it's just the time I was hoping for. 

First Post

Hello everyone,

I've decided to start this blog to catalog my experiences obtaining employment in the ESL field in Seoul, South Korea. 

So, let's start with a brief introduction.

My name is Mike. I am a 24 year old Canadian with a BA in Psychology, and a business diploma from Niagara College. I am very interested in culture, photography, and technology. I also have a love for the English language, and lucky for you, I love to write. 

I have just last week finished my TESL/TESOL certification through Oxford Seminars. If anyone is considering taking the course, I would highly recommend it. 

So, while I am waiting to graduate (June 12), I have been applying for jobs in Seoul. My main resource is:

http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/korea

I am waiting on Oxford to email me some job postings, which is supposed to happen soon. 

Going to Korea, I have a few things that I must have in order to feel comfortable. These are:

- A decent apartment. I'm not looking for anything crazy. I just want a semi-spacious apartment with decent space to keep my things.

- A North American toilet. This is pretty essential. I am excited to try a traditional Korean toilet, but I don't want one in my apartment.

- An apartment within walking distance to my school.

- Close to a subway or bus.

More to come...