The Agency: HandS Korea

Sunday, June 27th: I stumbled upon HandS Korea while searching for teach abroad jobs on GaijinPot.com (a Japan classifieds website).  The description of the recruiting agency made me feel like it would be worthwhile to create an account with GaijinPot Jobs and apply.

Description

We are really excited to introduce you a teaching opportunity in Korea. Teaching in Korea is one of those rare opportunities for recent graduates or experienced teachers who want to take chance of Asian culture while furthering their career goals in teaching.
We, H&S Corp, are a recruiting agency located here in Seoul with prominent clientele from public and private education sectors. Education of English is a hot commodity in Korea, and many educational institutions are looking for dedicated teachers who enjoy working with students in Korea

1. Job title
ESL/ EFL teacher (Generally conversational English classes)

2. Contract length
Most institutions require 1 year contract with possibility of extension with a raise.

3. Working hours
25~30 hours per week less than 120 hours per month / Mon. - Fri.

4. Overtime payment
15,000~25,000 won per hours (USD 16~26 )

5. Salary + Severance payment
The general salary of a native-speaking teacher ranges roughly from
KRW 2.1 million to 2.5 million
Depending on the qualification.
But unlike US’or Australia’s 15% income tax rate, Korean tax rate is 3.3%, which means a teacher gets to bring home most of their pay check. Also, most of the institutions offer over time with weekends’ rate being slightly higher than that of weekdays.

6. Airfare information
Institutions or school provide for the economy class flight ticket to Korea and the institution will also provide for the airfare back to your country upon successful completion of your contract.

7. Housing
Fully furnished single accommodation provided. (studio apartment)

8. Severance payment
One month salary after completion of one-year contract

9. Medical insurance
50% of medical insurance plan from either an insurance company or National Korean Medical Insurance. (after registering alien card)

10. Holidays and Vacations
Up to 10 days of your paid vacations plus up to 15 days Korean National holidays.
(5 days for summer vacation + 5 days winter vacation)

11. Other benefits
- Attractive salary packages including paid holidays and severance package
- Flexible class hours available. (Morning or afternoon classes)
- Visas arranged by the school or the institution

Monday, June 28th: On my 22nd birthday, I received an email from Ray asking if it would be okay to contact me the following night for an interview. It was also requested for a resume, picture, and earliest start date.

Tuesday, June 29th: While my cousins were over for our scary-movie-sleepover, I got a call on my cell from an odd 026 area code number. I took it to my room for privacy and answered. It was Rebecca in Korea! She asked me a few questions (such as why I wanted to teach, why I wanted to teach in Korea, what age group I was interested in teaching in, and where I would like to be placed) and told me about the documents I need to start gathering. She was from the states and taught abroad Korea and was able to answer some of my questions about teaching abroad as well.  The same day she emailed me a descriptive list of the documents she went over on the phone.

Friday, July 2nd: I went to the local UPS store for a LiveScan (fingerprinting for a criminal background check). Next step for that is to bring it to the Korean consulate in L.A. once I get back the results in the mail for an Apostille.

Other documents I need (on top of the LiveScan)

1. Original diploma
2. 2 sealed transcripts (+1 to keep on me)
3. A copy of my Passport
4. 4 passport-sized photos
5. A self-medical statement