i-to-i arranged jobs

[peterguevarra]

Hi,

I have heard a lot of good things about the i-to-i TEFL program. As such, I am looking to go on the 'arranged jobs placement' option offered by i-to-i. I am planning to go to Korea. Has anyone else taken this option? Would you recommend it?

Basically, I would like to know if its a good avenue to take and if people have had bad experiences with the schools they've been placed in.

Also, what would be the typical salary for a first year english teacher in Korea (the i-to-i program salary of $AUS2200/month seems quite low).

Thankyou.

Peter

[Antonio]

Yes, AU$2,2000 seems a bit conservative. I think they are just giving a low figure as not to get your hope up high. But realistically you should be getting around 2,500,000 won / mth (AU$3,400 / mth).

You don't need to the jobs placement service. Plenty of jobs in South Korea. The will only introduce you to the schools and most likely you are paying them to do this. Do it yourself and save your money. I don't know what their setup is, but maybe the reason why your salary is so low if going thru them is because the employer than pays them a cut of your wages each month for x number of months.

[peterguevarra]

Thanks for replying, it is very much appreciated.

The reason why I was looking into the job placement program is because I have absolutely no idea where or how to start looking for work. I'm new to this and really don't know where to begin.

I know it's a stupid question (sorry) but how do most teachers find positions? Do they have to apply to the school directly or through ads such as those on this website. Where, for example, would you begin to look for work? (i.e. would you google Korean English language schools and send in applications).

I was also considering the job placement program because I have read a lot of horror stories and I figured the job placement program is a safer option. Any thoughts?

This question is for teachers in China - is 6200RMB/month reasonable for a 25hr week?

Thanks, any response would be great!

[Antonio]

You wouldn't get far by just googling for schools in Korea. You would be wasting your time emailing a school if they have no positions open.

Just use job sites like the one here. Contact both agents and schools from these job ads and sooner or later you will get something you like.

[peterguevarra]

Thanks mate, you've been a big help! I'm definitely going to take the plunge - either in Korea or China. Thanks again.

[i-to-i]

Not meaning to push the brand or anything, but just to clarify, along with that salary our schools offer rent-free accommodation, £500 towards the cost of your flights and a substantial bonus on completion of your contract. Whatever you decide to do, be very careful when applying for jobs in Korea, as there are people looking to rip off first time teachers. good luck!

Jay@i-to-i

[brooksy1]

Hi Jay

You seem to be someone who might know the answer to this. It seems that many people are saying that a TESOL certificate is not sufficient in itself to find a teaching position, but that one also needs a degree. Is this the case? I'm finding it a tad disheartening. I am 2/3 of the way through my degree, but wish to teach next year and hence will not have completed my degree by then, but thought I would complete a TESOL cert instead.

[Antonio]

No... do your degree first. It will open so many more doors for you over a TESOL certificate.

Many schools also offer a high salary if you have both a degree and TESOL / TESL certificate. MANY countries will only allow you to teach if you hold a minimum Bachelor's degree. So don't think you took the wrong path... you are doing everything fine so far.

[brooksy1]

Hi Antonio

Yes, finishing the degree would be the preferred option, but unfortunately that won't be until the end of 2008 and I don't want to wait that long before I go overseas to teach english. I want to go next year. I'm getting older, the clock is ticking...sigh...I don't feel I can wait much longer really that's why I'm hoping the TESOL Cert will be enough.

Thanks again for your reply.

[ICAL_Pete]

Careful with that!

You will need to hold a degree if you want to obtain your work visa and work legally. This is especially true in Asian countries, where a degree is often a requirement due to visa regulations, and not so much a requirement of the institute that hires you.