So many decisions...

This blog of course is intended to keep all our friends and family informed on what we're up to but besides that we want to update it with step by step information on how our journey has been for other potential ESL (English as a second language) teachers to follow. Thankfully, I have come across some very informative blogs written by other expats that help to explain the process of moving and living abroad as well as where we can find those precious comforts of home, like fitted sheets for example :) Apparently, Koreans don't have them and they are difficult to locate so I've already noted that as something we may want to bring. Hopefully, others will see our blog as an informative resource.

While Aaron is busy with school, I've taken it upon myself to do some research on how exactly we plan on getting to Korea. There are a few ways to go about landing a teaching job and right now I'm focusing on which ones are the safest, most efficient and least stressful. The biggest question raised is whether or not we should use a recruiter. As Aaron metioned in the first post, he has already submitted his resume to a few recruiters but there will be no decisions made until we are 2 or 3 months out from our desired departure date of February '08. However, after reading several opinions on the subject, some expats advise that prospectful teachers arrive in Korea prior to signing a contract and find a school (positon) only after you have seen it, talked to other foreign teachers about how they are getting along, and after you have seen your "rent-paid, furnished" apartment that is promised to all by most schools.
This raises concern with us because as if it weren't hard enough to move to another country, signing a contract here at home (sight unseen), can be daunting. For us, ideally we'd like to work with a REPUTABLE recruiter that can do the leg work for us and help us along the way. The only problem is finding that reputable recruiter who will truly help us get settled and also help with anything else that may come up during our 1 year stay.
I've done the Google search with several recruiting agency's and to be honest, the results are fairly weak. I can't seem to find too may testimonials (except of course the cheesy, always positive ones they post on thier own web page. Ugh.)
That is why I am sorting through blogs and forums like Dave's ESL Cafe and looking for any insight to the best ways to get there. Here's a few tips I've come across several times:


There is no charge to use a recruiter. They get paid by the schools for hiring responsible people for the teaching positions. In turn, you are hoping that the recruiters are upholding a strong reputation. After all, they are a business.


While recruiters are here to help find you a job, it is up to you to look over the contract and sign it.

Before accepting a position, you should request to speak to current teachers who will let you know about their experience at that school.

I'll add more as I think of it :)

Tah tah for now,
Katie