Expat Advice: Working in Suwon, Korea

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Suwon

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

For English speaking foreigners the most common jobs are as English teachers. Other foreigners work in factories. Most jobs are found through networking or looking online. Networking is good because you will find out a lot about the school before you go there.

What type of work do you do and how did you find your job?

I am an English teacher. I found this job through another foreigner that I met on the subway. I found my last job on the internet. Both are common ways of finding a teaching job.

How did you obtain your work permit? What advice would you have for others about work permits?

I had to fly to China to get my E2 Visa. Make sure that you have all the documents that are required and be patient. The people at the Embassy may not speak English.

Have you taken language and cross-cultural training courses to prepare for your assignment? If so, how have they helped you on the job?

I didn't take any courses before I came, but there are free language courses available on and offline. TESOL is a group for teachers and can be quite helpful. You can see the list of sites that I've compiled at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/expatsinkorea/

What advice would you offer others about finding jobs and working abroad?

Talk to others before you come. Take their advice with a grain of salt. Everyone has their own experience and agenda. Come prepared with deodorant. You can get a lot of things on the black market or through US military friends, but its best to bring it with you.