TeachESL Korea Recruiters

[gareit]

Has anyone used them?  I'm working with them right now, and they seem great so far; they've answered a lot of questions, and helped with the process of getting my documents in order; as well as recommending a 100hr TEFL course.

I'm now in the "active" job-hunting phase, as my criminal background check has been sent to the FBI.  How quickly should I expect things to go?  Would I be better off looking for something on my own as well?  Has anyone here heard of or used them, and if so, wot's wot?

Any info is appreciated, much thanks,

--gareit

[Berriful]

Honestly,

I had a FANTASTIC experience with them. As did my friend. I have also read nothing but good things about them. Furthermore, of all recruiters I used, they were the ones who answered the quickest, were available at all times, and I actually felt like I was talking to a real person as opposed to scripted responses a lot of other recruiters seem to have.

Check out their facebook page.. there is a lot of praise on there for them as well. https://www.facebook.com/groups/2295650908/

If you're a first timer.. I'd stick with the recruiter just because it bridges the language gap and they're able to answer a lot of questions that may go unanswered otherwise :)

[superdork808]

Has anyone used them?  I'm working with them right now, and they seem great so far; they've answered a lot of questions, and helped with the process of getting my documents in order; as well as recommending a 100hr TEFL course.

I'm now in the "active" job-hunting phase, as my criminal background check has been sent to the FBI.  How quickly should I expect things to go?  Would I be better off looking for something on my own as well?  Has anyone here heard of or used them, and if so, wot's wot?

Any info is appreciated, much thanks,

--gareit

After you send off your CRC application it all becomes a waiting game.  As they tell you EPIK is under first come first serve basis, thus there is no real "i'm more qualified" mentality.  A person who passes their interview with a BA in English is just as likely to get into their desired city as a person with a MA in the same field, it all depends on who is the first to have everything cleared by EPIK and the POE.  If I were you, I would use any form of expedited service as I can (especially if you are trying to get into to the bigger cities) and double check my application before I sent it.  I also recommend using a courier services such as DHL, FedEX etc.  because of the fact that you can track your documents internationally to make sure they get there on time.  Couriers and expedited apostille services all cost extra but it secures your place in line and believe me, time is everything in applying for EPIK.  Hope this helps :)

- David   

[sambalina]

I used Teach ESL Korea too, and they were great.
One of the Korean recruiters they used wasn't my cup of tea, but Dan and his team were really helpful and helped back me up when the Korean recruiter got a bit demanding or weird.
Eventually they found me the job I was looking for. They were really patient and understanding, as well as helpful and, as the above poster said, they act and respond like real people.

I'd definitely recommend them :)

[epd]

I know this is a bit off topic, but I havnt had the time to read all the post. What is the biggest difference in the hagwon and public school? Other than the obvious, like less leave and different working times. Why are people against them?

[JahRhythm]

I know this is a bit off topic, but I havnt had the time to read all the post. What is the biggest difference in the hagwon and public school? Other than the obvious, like less leave and different working times. Why are people against them?

Congratulations! You are the millionth person to ask this question.
Try Google.
P.S. not everyone teaches in one of those 2 settings.

As for the recruiter, I don't know why anyone bothers using one.
Perhaps those guys are better than most, but I wouldn't trust any outfit that continues to perpetuate the confusion over ESL/EFL.

[teachermc]

I originally came to Korea via TeachESLKorea in 2009.  At that time they had recently begun placing people within the GEPIK program (Gyeonggi-do), having previously placed people mainly around Gwangju, where Dan and Aggie had previously lived. 

Their expansion into GEPIK placements seemed a little hectic; they were essentially a second 'middle-man' in the bureaucracy of filling hundreds of GEPIK positions.  The Korean-owned recruitment agency they were using was called 'eZenglish.'  So, before I came to Korea I was trying to communicate with TeachESLKorea and eZenglish simultaneously (the latter being much more of a struggle).  Since Dan and Aggie were located in Canada at the time, they seemed to rely a lot on eZenglish to give information specific to each placement and to communicate directly with the schools.  This is where I personally have some problems. 

Perhaps Dan and Aggie do place for some schools with which they have relationships and direct communication (probably in the Gwangju area), but for the applicants that want to apply for public school jobs through TeachESLKorea, they might be handed off to a less reliable Korean recruiter.  In my case, eZenglish dramatically overstated the positives of my first school and its location.  Still, I had a great time at the school and stayed there two years but it was certainly not 'in a resort area' and '30 minutes from Seoul.'

I would recommend recruiters with foreign ownership/management that are based in Korea and place within their local area.  I had a great experience with KoreanHorizons last year.  They are based in Changwon (Gyeongsangnam-do) and placed me in a school within the same province, with whom they had direct communication.  Still, I noticed that they have begun placing for schools in other provinces.  The logic is clear to me, but I think that it passes on a lot of extra risk to the teacher relying on accurate information.

[Coloradojbd]

Once you submit for your background check, be sure to call your Congress person and ask the to expedite it for you. They can do the same thing once you send it to the State Department but they take MUCH longer!

[Leez]

I came through TeachESL Korea and they were really great. I enjoyed that they provide excellent attention to their prospective teachers all the way until you actually land in Korea.

I'm not sure about waiting, I suppose it depends on hiring season (esp if you are waiting on a public school job). I got a great job within a few days but I was also looking over March hiring season so that might be why...

But yes, if you're a first timer rather stick to the recruiter just because they handle all the admin stuff for you while you are still new :)

[clairemont]

I agree that first-timers are best using a recruiter to help with all the procedural confusion. But I don't trust what they say about certain posts, so I think it's really helpful to ask for an email address for the current teacher, and ask them questions directly. The problem I found with this is that sometimes things move too fast to make this feasible, but do try if you can.

As for Teach ESL Korea specifically; I used them for a while, and found them to be enthusiastic and attentive, fast at replying to emails, and all that sort of stuff. However, I second what a previous poster said about finding one of the Korean representatives difficult to work with. I'm pretty sure I have the same guy in mind! He once set up a skype interview for me with precisely 5 minutes' warning, and I had no info about the job beforehand. So when I was offered it on the spot, I had no idea about whether or not I wanted it. Ultimately, I stopped working with them because I felt a bit pressured to take jobs that didn't meet my criteria. A more assertive person might not have the same problem.

I ended up finding another job independently, but then had to work with EZ Recruiting to do all the paperwork. As someone else mentioned, this company is used by Teach ESL Korea. There were some communication problems, but if you've been researching the whole process independently, then you should have a rough idea of what you're both working towards, and misunderstandings will probably not pose too much of a problem. But I learned to keep asking this recruiter what the next step is - in advance. Keep asking if there's anything else you should be doing. That way, you can sort things out quicker, rather than waiting for the recruiter to casually mention that there's some other random form you need, with hardly any time to get it!

Good luck! It's such a hassle job-hunting for Korea sometimes, but I reckon it's worth it:)

[astoriagables]

I had been using TeachESL and Dan was really great...then he disappeared. I was going to apply with EPIK, and he handed me off to I Love ESL, who were rude and condescending to  me. I eventually decided not to apply with EPIK anyway, so I contacted Dan again to work with him...he said ok, looks good, and I haven't heard back from him. I'm a first-timer but I have a great resume for a first-timer and I had always been really responsive to his emails, been polite, etc.

I guess it is good I am in the minority here if he has found lots of other people good jobs. :)

[clairemont]

@ astoriagables
That's a shame! It seems quite typical of the whole recruiter experience, regardless of who you use. A friend recommended Adventure Teaching to me, and perhaps they'd be worth a try for you. I signed up with them (although then got my job independently, because I heard of a good opportunity) so I can't comment on them very much. But I was impressed with the fact  that they interview you before accepting you on their books; it suggests to me that they want to fill their jobs with suitable and competent people, rather than just matching anyone up with a job to get their commission fees asap. Also, they responded fast to queries (and expect the same from you in return), and they send out various information packages, which were helpful.
Perhaps someone with more experience of them is able to comment a bit more?

[Berriful]

@ astoriagables

Just wanted to let you know that the reason you have (likely) not heard back is because he and Aggie (his wife) are moving this week from Phoenix back to Winnipeg and are driving.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2295650908/

He updated the facebook page. I would suggest going here/joining so you will be better informed.

He had 17 applicants in 3 days, on top of all the others he is helping. He does have others who help him, but I know he is a little overwhelmed at the moment as it is busy season. You should hear back by the weekend :)

As for the other guy mentioned that Teach works with. I also worked with him briefly. I can understand the pressure, and he doesn't listen! Luckily, Kari (who works for Dan and was my representative), told me he was like this and to just be firm with him. Teach ESL is also CC-ed on all e-mails so they will see how he is speaking, etc.. and she even told me if I had problems, she'd jump in and tame him. She explained that his english isn't great so he comes across a lot more abrupt than he actually is. He has a big heart and means well. I was very assertive with him and he backed off.

However, I do agree that I can see why some may feel pressured as he does have a tendency to set up interviews with no prior knowledge of what the job entails, and he sent me like 20 job offers that no where near met my criteria.

Overall, like I mentioned before I've had a great experience with Teach ESL. You just do have to be a little more patient during the peak season.

[astoriagables]

@Berriful

Thanks, but this was two months ago at this point. When I say disappeared I mean I haven't heard from him since March.

It is okay though, because I've been working with several other good recruiters and have a couple offers. :)

[hellomykimchi]

I went thru them last year and this year. Loved them. especially Dan and Aggie. however, after they hand you over to a local recruiter here in Korea, the people get pushy... Dan put me thru EZEnglish and the guy there was really pushy... but you just have to say no to him if you don't like the position. he has to keep trying bc he's getting pay by the school after you accept a job at a school. if you dont, he won't get pay.

[Summer]

I went thru them last year and this year. Loved them. especially Dan and Aggie. however, after they hand you over to a local recruiter here in Korea, the people get pushy... Dan put me thru EZEnglish and the guy there was really pushy... but you just have to say no to him if you don't like the position. he has to keep trying bc he's getting pay by the school after you accept a job at a school. if you dont, he won't get pay.

I'm a bit confused, is TeachESL and EZEnglish partners or something? I was in contact with Scott Jung of EZEnglish and he was incredibly rude. He called my home phone number (which was on my resume) unexpectedly and said, "do you have all your documents?" I had no idea who he was since that was the first thing he said when I picked up the phone.

[veroki]

TeachESL Korea are great. They were very friendly and helpful, and even though the position we eventually took was not through them, they remain full of advice and assistance. Really awesome bunch!