FireBoard Site Syndication http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:20:19 -0600 FireBoard 1.0.5RC2 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/components/com_fireboard/template/default_ex/images/english/emoticons/rss.gif http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com FireBoard Site Syndication http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/random-questions/1251-tesol-certification#1255 Hello John, Thank you for your post. We discuss the ESL certification issue on our website, so please follow this link: http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/tefl-tesl-tesol-programs/ The bottom line is that there is no governing body for ESL certification so you will see a lot of variety in the types of courses. There is no way to check if the course is recognized. What schools look for is something that is over 100 hours in length. If you can meet that requirement, you should be fine. Korvia is a recruitment company just like us. Be careful of "guarantees" for jobs. Koriva is not a school, and they are not the company who hires you - so there is no way that they can "guarantee" anything. The only person who can make any such promise is the school that offers you the contract. We refer applicants to an online ESL certification course that we've been getting great feedback about. You can meet the hourly requirement, and we can assist you with placement as well - at a much lower cost than ATI and Korvia. All roads lead to Rome. http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/online-tefl-certification/ -Footprints Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:34:41 -0600 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/chatter-about-korea/1253-i-m-a-new-teacher-and-could-use-some-help#1254 Hello Sarah, Thank you for your post. We actually have a ton of lesson plans and activities that we plan on giving the teachers access to via the website, but it isn't up and running just yet. Have you tried Dave's ESL Cafe? I banked with KB, which is Kookmin Bank - and never had any issues. -Footprints Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:28:47 -0600 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/chatter-about-korea/1097-debts-money-savings-soko-style#1252 I'm not sure what the 60% thing is you're talking about. Where did you see that? I got back from Korea just this past September-was there one year. I never heard anything about only allowed to send home 60% of what you make. I sent home as much as I pleased, no questions asked. The Korean bank charged a per-transaction fee (I think about 20,000Won) when you sent money home. Then my US bank charged about $20 also to receive the transfer. If you have loans, just send money from Korea into your US savings/checking account and pay them off as you normally would. Don't bother trying to pay through a Korean bank. I can't imagine the nightmare of trying to figure that out. Billy shizaquawn wrote: I will throw my scenario out there, and maybe the answers that come back will help others, also. I have student loans that I need to pay while I'll be overseas. What are the fees, if any, that come with paying a bill online? Can you pay bills through your Korean bank account like you would using the BillPay options in the States? As far as savings go, I noticed that you're only allotted 60% of your income to send home; the other 40% should be spent in Korea (or that's the idea, at least). What if I were to simply save up won in my Korean account and wait for a good exchange rate to pop up ... could I, in this way, bring home a bag of US dollars, basically, that exceeds the 60% rule? I don't really want to pay fees to send money home every month. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:43:39 -0600 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/chatter-about-china/1244-work-z-visa#1250 Hello Chanin, Thank you for your post. There are different visa regulations for every country, but generally speaking you have to exit and re-enter the county under a new visa. It is best if you apply from abroad, as some countries make it very difficult to apply for a new visa from within. -Footprints Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:11:31 -0600 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/getting-started/1243-qualifications#1249 Hello Darren, Thank you for your email. The basic requirements are to be a native English speaker and hold a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in any discipline, so unfortunately, we can't assist you at this time. -Footprints Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:09:02 -0600 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/getting-started/1247-re-qualifications#1248 Hello Farzana, Thank you for your post. We screen all schools to make sure that training is provided to you, and we do refer people to a great ESL certification program, but we, as a company, do not train teachers. We are simply an organization that facilitates the hiring process for teachers and schools. For information regarding the ESL certification we refer people to, please follow this link. http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/online-tefl-certification/ -Footprints Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:07:23 -0600 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/chatter-about-taiwan/1226-public-school-positions-in-taiwan#1242 Hello, Thank you for your post. Unlike South Korea, the Taiwanese public schools typically hire for the August semester. This means that positions will most likely start accepting applications in May, with August as the intended start date. -Footprints Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:57:34 -0600 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/footprints-information/1234-what-happens-at-the-end-of-the-contract#1241 Hello Doug, Thank you for your post. We often have contacts and positions for our Footprints Alumni (teachers who have taught through us for a year) that we are happy to assist you with. We don't have the ability to assist you in finding work in your home country, as we are primarily focused on foreign markets, but if you are looking to continue your ESL experience abroad, that is something we are willing and able to do. Please feel free to contact us anytime. -Footprints Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:56:16 -0600 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/footprints-information/1235-job-searching-availability-and-reputability#1240 Hello, Thank you for your post. We're happy to work with applicants while they are still waiting for their degree, so please apply anytime you like. As for the positions that are available, most private language schools only contact us a month or two in advance, so if you're looking for February, you will most likely see a lot more options in late December and January. The weeks leading up to Christmas are a slow period in the industry because most teachers don't want to go abroad prior to the holidays, and subsequently most contacts at this time of year start in January and end in January the following year. There are jobs that don't make it to our job board, because there are a lot of teachers looking for work who have applied, interviewed and are ready to go. So when a school contacts us for a teacher, we have them ready, and the job gets filled before it hits the job board. The only way to be considered for a position like this is to apply, interview and get your documents ready so that you can take advantage of these opportunities as they come. We've all been overseas and we understand that a applicant will do what is in their best interests. However, we are very dedicated to our teachers and we put in a lot of hours working on behalf of our teachers, and we appreciate teachers who show the same type of dedication to us. As for situations where we have to step in on behalf of our teachers, it doesn't happen often, thankfully. We screen all of our schools (as well as the teachers) and the schools that develop a reputation for mistreating our teachers are not schools we continue relationships with. So we're very happy with the schools that we work with. We do have an office in South Korea, and in case of any emergency we encourage our teachers to contact us. We can be present at your school should the situation request it. We pride ourselves in the support we offer our teachers, and if we need to step in and mediate a situation, we're happy to do that. -Footprints Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:54:07 -0600 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/getting-started/1232-qualifications#1238 Hello Vicki, Thank you for your post. In order to successfully place you, the minimum requirements are to be a native English speaker and to hold a minimum of a Bachelors degree in any discipline. First time applicants are asked to select from South Korea, China, Taiwan, Vietnam or Saudi Arabia. -Footprints Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:32:43 -0600 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/getting-started/1233-tefl-cert-test#1237 Hello Kristen, Thank you for your post. TEFL certification is unregulated, so while one certification may allow you to take an equivalency test, another may not. If you are an accredited educator, odds are you don't really need it as your background in education is most likely sufficient. -Footprints Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:29:33 -0600 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/random-questions/487-is-age-an-issue#1231 I have a BFA in Graphic Design and Illustration. I am 48. I don't have any teaching experience but I am considering taking a 140 hr TESOL course from an accredited school. My first country of choice to teach in would be Japan. I have found that several companies there will not hire anyone over 40. Is this a standard hiring practice in Japan for foreign teachers? Will it be impossible for me to find work there because of my age? Thank you. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:28:14 -0600 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/random-questions/374-university-diplomas#1216 Hi guys, I wanted to ask a question about my sister: basically, she is a UK national with a UK Diploma - she started her BA but had an accident in her final year so was unable to complete her degree & therefore came away with a diploma :-O . She has been teaching ESOL for about 2 or 3 years, but does not have a TEFL, CELTA or any teaching qualification. As she does not have a "full degree", will she still be applicable, given her level of experience? Please let me know where she stands as it would be great if we can both go to South Korea (or indeed anywhere) together. Many Thanks, MJ Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:37:01 -0600 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/getting-started/1215-december-graduation#1215 Hi, I am interested in applying to the SMOE program but I am graduating a semester early from college this upcoming December and I believe my diploma will be ready by early January. Please let me know if you have any information about SMOE's procedure on graduating seniors applying to the program. I would really like to go ahead and get my application in through Footprints before it's too late! Thank you so much. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:12:53 -0600 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/getting-started/1197-qualifications#1209 Hello, Thank you for your post. The basic requirements are to be a native English speaker and hold a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in any discipline. Beyond that, the experience and qualifications that you have are assets to you. We do have positions with some schools that are looking to hire teachers with additional qualifications, and if you would like to take a look at our job board, we're confident you'll find something you like. http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/job-board -Footprints Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:43:53 -0600 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/random-questions/1203-traveling-with-a-friend#1208 Hello Amanda, Thank you for your post. You are welcome to apply to us in advance, but as we normally deal with positions no later than 6 months, it is difficult to move forward with positions for after the 2012 school year. For now - just research and identify areas of interest and perhaps look into developing some of your language skills - both in terms of teaching ESL and perhaps learning a bit of the language for the country you are looking to teach in. Keep an eye on our website as well as this is a constantly changing industry, and there will certainly be very different opportunities in the future. -Footprints Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:38:30 -0600 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/chatter-about-korea/275-is-there-an-age-restriction-to-teach-in-korea#1207 Hello, Thank you for your post. There is no age restrictions for applying to Footprints Recruiting, and we welcome all applications from qualified candidates. As for the countries we work with, some have visa regulations that include age as part of the restriction. From what we understand, a Z-Visa in China requires applicants to be less than 60 years of age. As for South Korea, it is our experience that the E2 Visa does not have any age regulations. -Footprints Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:34:40 -0600 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/application-information/1206-app-question-tesol-photo#1206 2 quick questions regarding the SMOE application. I am waiting to sign up for the online TESOL at the discounted rate through footprints, but on the application it asks "subject area". What should I put here? Is there generally one people usually use? and also, it states to send a "digital photograph". is a scanned passport style photograph ok, or did you want a new digital photo taken which might not be as "professional" looking as the passport style photo? thanks! Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:30:56 -0600 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/random-questions/1199-letter-of-recommendaton-in-china#1199 i am in beijing and completed a contract, my old employer is refusing to release the letter of recommendation for me to move on to other jobs in china, what can i do? Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:01:19 -0600 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/random-questions/1175-accompanying-significant-other#1187 Hello John, Thank you for your email. You can be placed in most of the countries we work with, but as your girlfriend has not yet completed her degree, we won't be able to assist her in finding work. She may be able to enter on a tourist visa, but she won't be able to work, which would violate the terms of the visa. With two of you on a single salary, your funds would be stretched a little thin. Your girlfriend would have to exit and enter again every three months, but this is a costly process, and you would most likely not be able to accompany her each time. There are no rules against it, but you might not be granted permission for that kind of time off every few months. Generally, housing is either shared with another teacher from your school, or a bachelor style apartment, which might be snug for the two of you. You may try for a housing allowance option, but to find suitable housing for two will likely cost more, and that will stretch the single income further. The school sponsors your work visa, but not the tourist visa. Your girlfriend can apply for that on her own. It isn't impossible, but it would be difficult. -Footprints Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:46:26 -0500 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/teacher-mentoring/1184-i-am-brand-new-to-teaching-and-kids-for-that-matter-can-i-do-this#1184 I have been accepted by Footprints. I have a job lined up, visa and plane ticket. I am leaving next week. I am freaking out. I have no idea how to teach... what they heck am I supposed to do!!! In my interview the guy I talked to, can't remember his name, said that it was easy but that it would take me about 3 months to find my form as a teacher. THATS A LONG TIME. WHAT DO I DO TO SPEED THIS LEARNING PROCESS UP. How can I prepare? What should I do? I have read the Footprints website for New Teachers... there is some great advice in there. I just wanted to hear from someone who is doing it. My placement coordinator Laina has been totally cool and has me stoked about heading out. I am just tweaking a bit here as the anxiety builds to get out there. Anyone know what I am going through? Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:51:36 -0500 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/getting-started/1181-posting-resume#1182 Hello - that isn't a silly question. For the time being, if you wish to update your application with a new resume, please email it to recruiting@footprintsrecruiting.com. We'll update your application for you. -Footprints Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:45:26 -0500 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/chatter-about-korea/1178-f4-visa#1180 Hello, The F4 visa is for persons of Korean Heritage, and you can certainly obtain that visa prior to going to South Korea. Please follow the following link to our website for contact information for the Korean consulate nearest you. It contains information regarding E2 visas, but if you scroll to the bottom it has a list of all the consulates in the United States. http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/visa-information/e2-visas-americans -Footprints Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:05:44 -0500 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/chatter-about-korea/208-can-we-bring-pets-with-us-to-korea-specifically-cats/Page-2#1177 I bought a jin-do mix while I was in Korea- so I am fully up-to-date of the nightmares of a large dog in Korea. With that being said, I would trade her for anything- she's my baby! As far as pet supplies go, I shop online. I am Canadian, so everything in Korea is cheaper to me. I have 2 sites which I love and recommend- but you will need a Korean friend, or some Korean yourself to navigate them. GMarket (http://www.gmarket.co.kr/index_eng.asp) has some English in it. Buried under, "Home & Books" is a section for pets. (http://www.gmarket.co.kr/challenge_eng eo_category/category.asp?gdlc_cd=100000038) Dog Cafe has very little English, but LOTS of choice- and a whole section just for cats. I stopped using it because it had/ has very little for LARGE dogs. (http://www.dogcafe.co.kr/) Sherry Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:17:47 -0500 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/footprints-information/1173-teaching-in-spain#1173 To Whom It May Concern, I am currently working as an au pair in Madrid and would like to find a position teaching English. Do you offer your services in Europe? Or can you suggest someone who does? Thanks a lot, Anna Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:05:34 -0500 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/random-questions/1167-teaching-in-korea-with-girlfriend#1171 Hello Trevor, Thank you for your email. When you have completed your degree and have graduated, we can certainly assist you in applying to the schools. However, we can not assist your girlfriend unless she has a Bachelor's degree. This is a visa regulation and often a stipulation of our agreements with the schools and their hiring policies. All is not lost though, as your girlfriend may be able to secure and F4 visa, which is granted to people of Korean heritage. She would be able to travel to South Korea, live and work there without issue, as that visa gives her nearly all the rights of a Korean citizen. She would be able to find work directly with the schools. -Footprints Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:58:36 -0500 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/getting-started/1170-public-schools-why-teach-in-seoul-learn-about-the-smoe-download-details#1170 Interested in teaching in the public schools in Seoul? Not sure what the deal is? The SMOE (Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education) hires for all the public schools in the city of Seoul. They offer a great program, and you can read about their program in the downloadable PDF guide to teaching with them below. Take some time to read it over, and if you are interested, apply! http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/images/fbfiles/files/Teaching_with_SMOE_10_16_09.pdf Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:56:03 -0500 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/application-information/1166-original-degree#1169 Hello Melissa, Thank you for your post. American citizens can use an official letter from their University stating that they have graduated in lieu of the actual degree itself. Canadians must have the degree in hand. -Footprints Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:54:41 -0500 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/getting-started/1168-public-schools-why-teach-for-epik-soooo-many-reasons#1168 Interested in teaching in the public schools in Korea? Not sure what the deal is? EPIK (English Program In Korea) is one of the biggest employers of teachers in Korea. They hire for virtually all the public schools in Korea. They offer a great program, and you can read about their program in the downloadable PDF guide to teaching with them below. Take some time to read it over, and if you are interested, apply! http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/images/fbfiles/files/Teaching_with_EPIK_10_16_09.pdf Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:50:18 -0500 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/chatter-about-korea/1165-e2-visa-expiry-date#1165 Hello, How long can my employer make me work until...like in relation to my Visa dates? Does my one year contract start from the date I arrived in Korea and got my passport stamped...or from when I finished orientation and began teaching for pay (I did orientation for 5 days...at first they told me 2 of those days would be paid...but then they "changed" their mind!!!!) Now I'm just trying to figure out the deal for the end of my contract! Thanks, Rachel Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:33:37 -0500 http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/forums/chatter-about-korea/1142-electricity#1164 Another good thing to keep in mind: The restrictions will depend on the airline you choose, but there is a weight limit on the bags you carry. I had to unload a bit during check out in California (sort of a hassle). Needless to say, packing anything that you will be able to find easily (and cheaply) in Korea is more than unnecessary. The adapters don't take up much room, but most converters are built like a brick. Also, you never know what will be in your home already. Some people I know had power strips in the outlets in their apartments when they got there. Some have a full set of tablewear. Some don't have a bed. Take what you want eed that will be unavailable and play the rest by ear. That's my advice. Speaking of which, if you use a beard trimmer, or anything like that, you should bring it. People don't have beards in Korea. It took me forever to find one. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:02:42 -0500