Recruiting local teachers for South Korea.

• Author: Larmour, Adelle
• Position: SPECIAL REPORT: SUDBURY

Recruiting English-speaking teachers in South Korea is big business for thousands of private schools in the densely-populated country, and Sudbury's Jason Cress-well has capitalized on that need.

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Along with co-owners Mathew Boulton and James Moor-house, the recruiting business ASK Now Inc. (Access South Korea Now Inc.) was born out of their 10-years combined teaching experience in South Korea.

"It's about opening people's views," Cresswell says. "When you get there, it all makes sense."

In a country with 45 million people living in an area approximately half the size of Ontario, Cresswell says people want the best for their children, including a good education and the ability to speak English in order to be competitive in the global job market.

The schools pay Cresswell and his cohorts to recruit teachers, but the service is free to those inquiring about a placement. ASK Now Inc. performs the interview and does the advertising.

"We deal with a lot of different businesses," he says, from large chains to smaller 'mom and pop' businesses. He adds they are constantly meeting with new schools and companies.

With a monthly turnover of about 2,000 teachers, the demand outweighs the supply by about 20,000 to 30,000 depending on the contract and whether people choose to renew.

"There are always positions available," he adds, beginning each month with a commitment of one year. Should the teacher choose to stay and extend their contract, there is a bonus equal to one month's pay. Flight and accommodation is covered, and the monthly salary is approximately between $2,200 and $2,300, paying only four to five per cent income tax.

Cresswell, who spent five years teaching in South Korea with intermittent travel throughout the world, gained valuable exposure to different cultures while building his independence. He sees it as a great way for recent graduates to save money for travel, or to pay off their student loans, while acquiring worldly experience.

ASK Now Inc. recruits approximately 20 to 30 English-speaking people per month throughout Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, although the majority are from Canada and the U.S.A. Prospective teachers require a degree (not specific to education), must be a native English speaker and have a passport from any of the previously mentioned countries. Cresswell says the schools prefer to hire recent graduates.

"They want people with energy," he explains...