So here is the gist of the interview processes that I am going through:

At first I wanted to get a job through the public school system in South Korea because they have better job security. However, thanks to the remarkably slow Pennsylvania State Employees working for the Police Bureau, I did not get my background check in time and subsequently missed the deadline.

So on to the next option: private schools. In South Korea these are called Hagwons. They are very different then private schools in America. In South Korea, students take their education very seriously. They usually attend public school during the day, then afterward they attend a hagwon, which specializes in certain activities like language, music, art e.g. They are strictly a "for-profit" business, so many have been know for cutting corners to save money, especially when it comes to foreign teachers. The best way around this is to go through a reputable recruiter (like I am) and make sure you research the school you plan on working in. There are many sites that list the not-so-swell schools, which is helpful.

After completing my certification online, I was set up with a recruiter, Joanne, who works for this company Four Distinct Seasons. Joanne then emails me information about a school that would like to interview me, with the basics of its name, location, if airfare and housing are included (which, by the way, most schools will cover completely), pay rate, hours, class level, etc. Then time is set up for a phone interview. Because of the time change, it usually winds up being at either 10pm or 8am, both excellent times. The interview usually only lasts about 5 minutes or so. The interviewer (usually the principal or head of the school) asks some basic questions about why you want to teach in South Korea, what age group you think you will be best with, if you've had experience with kids, and so on.

Then the interview talks with Joanne and they decide if they want to offer me a position or not. I was offered one already, but it fell through because the woman I was to be replacing decided to stay at the school. So as of now I am still interviewing. I had one this morning that was promising, hopefully I get it.

Now you know how it all works!