Good evening everyone,

My name is Rafael Sabio and my school is currently hiring for the March 2007 school year. Although not a prerequisite, we are looking for someone that is currently in South Korea as the start date is in a few weeks. Now for a little background:

Myself

My wife and I have been here for approximately 3 years. We love Sahmyook and the children that attend this school.

Sahmyook Elementary School

Sahmyook is the only private elementary school in Wonju, South Korea. It has been opened approximately 50 years. Being the only private elementary school, Sahmyook gets children whose parents are doctor’s, lawyers, and workers in other professional occupations. What this means for you is that you do not have to worry about the stereotypical gripes one reads on the Internet or hears through word of mouth. This school has never paid laid, nor have they ever tried to not pay insurance, pension, etc. Everything is legitimate and by the book. There are 7 foreign teachers currently employed by Sahmyook.

Wonju, South Korea

Wonju is a quiet little city just one and a half hours by bus east southeast of Seoul. Last years census showed Wonju to be just below 300,000 residents. There are foreign restaurants such as Outback, Subway, and Baskin Robbins; plenty of places to go hiking or enjoy nature. There is a movie theater here (Lotte Cinema 12 screens); plenty of coffee shops and other misc. hang out places. If you like quiet with the ability to get into town in 10 minutes, then Wonju is the place for you.

Contract Terms

This contract is for 1 year and goes from 3/1/07 to 2/28/08. The pay is 2 million won per month (subject to normal deductions). You get a fully furnished studio apartment about 8 minutes away via bus. Also, lunches are free during the week. You will be required to work 26 classes a week; 50 minutes a class Monday through Friday. The schedule varies (i.e. some days, classes are blocked; other days classes are not. Usually, Monday through Thursday are busy days, Friday classes are usually done by 12:15pm) between 8:15am and 4:30pm. You will never work before or after those times. We at Sahmyook do not require you to be here hours before class. Rather, we ask that you are ready to teach within 5 minutes of the class start time. If you have several hours between classes, we do not expect you to stay here. You can do as you please.

Additionally, you get at least 6 weeks paid vacation (2 in August, 2 in December, and 2 in February). I say at least because this year, all foreign teachers got approximately 10 weeks off. Holidays are not considered vacation and are paid for as well. Because we are a private school, we tend to have more vacation time than public schools. Everything else regarding deductions, behavior, dress, etc. is standard.

If you are already in Korea, we will pay for your ticket to Japan to get your visa taken care of. Also, if you are coming from another country, we will pay for your one way ticket here. Upon completion of the contract and you deciding to return to your country, Sahmyook will also pay for a one way ticket back to the closest point of your original departure. If you are currently in Korea, then obviously you will only get the return ticket home. If you are not going home, then you will not get a ticket.

At the completion of the contract, you will get 1 month’s bonus equivalent to 1 months salary (this is standard).

Requirements

English must be your primary language. Also, you must have a 4 year degree from an accredited university (I will be verifying your degree). Preference will be given to those already in Korea and with prior teaching experience. Please send a recent photograph, your resume, and a brief summary about yourself to ralphsesljunction@hotmail.com . I will be interviewing those that apply.

Closing

We look for teachers that are sincere about their work. Sahmyook thrives to be the best at what they do. We hope that energetic individuals apply for this position; we are teaching children (not babysitting them) and need someone with pep. Thank you for taking the time to read the job ad; I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Ralph Sabio

Head Foreign English Teacher – Sahmyook Elementary School