Questions

[Dean31]

Dan,

Before I launch into my list of questions, I just wanted to say that your website is absolutely fantastic, it has really inspired me! The content is very informative and it covers, in detail, all the questions that I had about living and working in Korea. Again, congratulations!

I graduated from Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia last November, majoring in International Relations (History) with a minor in Sociology. I am very keen to teach in Korea. I would appreciate if you could assist me by answering the following questions:

1. Is it too late to apply for teaching positions, I know that the new school year starts on March 2nd? If not, will positions become available towards the end of April, or possibly earlier?

2. I would prefer to teach older students, will this be a problem?

3. My official graduation ceremony is not until April 22nd, therefore I do not have my degree in hand perse, will this be a problem? I have my official transcripts and I can obtain copies in a sealed envelope from my university.

4. Upon accepting a potential teaching position it is my understanding that my return airfare will be paid for by the school and my apartment will also be provided by my school. Are these points correct?

5. Does Gwangju have any professional sporting teams, for example baseball, soccer and/or basketball?

6. Can you snowboard in Gwangju in the winter?

7. Can you surf close to Gwangju during the summer months?

8. Is it ok to call you on your cell phone?

9. I would like to teach in Gwangju, is this possible?

Thanks for taking the time to respond to my questions, I realise that they are quite extensive. Best wishes to you and your family!

Kind Regards

Dean

[Dan Henrickson]

Dean is interviewing with a very reliable school today, so we will hopefully have helped him with this exciting process.

To answer his questions:

1. Is it too late to apply for teaching positions, I know that the new school year starts on March 2nd? If not, will positions become available towards the end of April, or possibly earlier?

There are new jobs in Korea, all months of the yr, with it being a bit busier starting in Feb/March, as well as July/Aug and Sept.

2. I would prefer to teach older students, will this be a problem?

What many people do not realize, is there are very few jobs in Korea, especially for new teachers, in which you'd teach kids in middle or high school. The reason is they focus so heavily on teaching them grammar at this age, they use the Korean staff for this, who can explain it in Korean. If you teach the afternoon schedule, approx 1-9pm, you'd teach mostly elementary aged students, with a few middle school classes during your week.

3. My official graduation ceremony is not until April 22nd, therefore I do not have my degree in hand perse, will this be a problem? I have my official transcripts and I can obtain copies in a sealed envelope from my university.

You must have your original university degree, at least 6 weeks before you can start teaching in Korea. This is required, for the E2 teaching visa.

4. Upon accepting a potential teaching position it is my understanding that my return airfare will be paid for by the school and my apartment will also be provided by my school. Are these points correct?

Yes, except they normally buy a 1 way ticket to Korea, and then a 1 way ticket home, or the value of, at the end of your 1 yr contract.

5. Does Gwangju have any professional sporting teams, for example baseball, soccer and/or basketball?

They have the Kia Tigers baseball team, which has won the most championships ever in the Korean Baseball League. It's a great way to spend an afternoon, and in Korea, you can bring your own beer, or fried chicken to the game! Much better than spending $7 for a beer at the game!

6. Can you snowboard in Gwangju in the winter?

You can do this, at Muju resort, which is not too far away. Less than 2hrs for sure.

7. Can you surf close to Gwangju during the summer months?

Sorry, I do not know where you can surf in Korea.

8. Is it ok to call you on your cell phone?

Of course, that's what it's for. 204-221-9000 is the best number, or 204-333-5563. The country code, if you're calling from outside North America, is "1"

9. I would like to teach in Gwangju, is this possible?

Sure, no problem. Some people read our site and think we only have schools here, but it is not the case at all. We have jobs in all major cities in Korea. You let us know what you're looking for, and we'll find the job that is best for you.

Thanks for the questions Dean!