Its been an interesting past couple of days.

Photo:  Is there some major tectonic event brewing underway at HiExpat.com?

Although HiExpat.com tends to bill our job board as "Opportunities in Korea Teaching English," we use that awkward language for other reasons then just to get your attention and have you shake your head ironically, with a tsk tsk.  

"Some English skills," I can hear you mumble aloud in the PC cafe, as you elbow the nonplussed, young Korean teen playing Starcraft II adjacent to you and gesture towards your computer monitor with a snicker.

Let's move past that for a moment.  Our job section, at least initially, and from what we inherited as a website, was meant to be a free job board where English-speakers could find opportunities teaching English in Korea.   Nothing more, nothing less.  Yet, with the passage of time (remember, HiExpat.com only just launched at the end of February 2010), we've noticed something strange occurring on the job board.   Not Inception-dream-sequence earth shattering, just a bit odd:

Recruiters are looking for foreigners to do more than just teach English in Korea.

"Ye gads," you gasp, and motion towards your PC cafe mate who now is asleep, his head gently wrapped in monster-sized headphones and resting on the computer table.  "Could it be true?  Are there jobs out there that don't involve leading merry bands of Korean youths and adults into the enigmatic and fruitful land of English?"   The answer, in short, is yes.  Over the past month, however infrequently, your pals here at HiExpat.com have seen some unpredictable listings for non-teaching jobs.  In other words, there is life after teaching in Korea!  

Photo:  Plenty of non-teaching jobs await foreigners--if you have unique skillz! (NBA)

"Now see here," you jab into the center of your computer screen, pointer finger extended, with the slightest tinge of venom breaking through your voice.  "Where are these jobs?  All I ever spot on HiExpat.com are teaching gigs in Korea.  Prove it to me!"   I understand your skepticism, Dear Reader.  I have, however, come to this blog prepared.  Here are a few recent examples of non-chalkboard jobs over the past month or so that might just tickle your fancy:

1.  "Baby Loves Disco" Launch Party (Dancers & MCs).  Hip, hop, hoobie to the boogie your way to getting paid for what you do best.  

2.  Work as an English Teacher Recruiter.  Try sitting on the other side of the table for a chance, grilling all those bright-eyed and impressionable newbies about their educational history, number of tattoos and probation status.  Feel the power, Wonder Twin!

3. Writers & Editors for educational publishing.  Sharpen those skills and develop your journalist/writing resume putting together short stories and essays, or try research & development roles working on instructional design and pedagogy.   Better than hooked on phonics, guaranteed!

4.  Admissions Officer for an International School.  Cut your teeth in PR, Operations & Strategy and find yourself reporting directly to the Board of Directors, not asking students to "direct their attention to the board."  

5. Hyundai Motor Company.  Hiring English speakers by the bucketload for Marketing, PR, HR, Design & even the China Business!  Who other than a GREAT company to hire English-speakers from Korean headquarters to manage business in China?!

 6. Global Communication & Culture Manager for Dong Wha Pharmaceuticals (no free samples).  Again, get real industry experience and a functional spin in marketing, communications and HR.  Its out there, waiting for you...

Video:  Hyundai hocking cars at Korea Disneyland, Lotte World.  Full HD vid here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_Y76KSM7ec

"Sheesh," you push your chair back in disgust, startling the last remaining PC cafe customer out of his slumber from the seat next to you.  "This isn't Monster.com, for peete's sake!  Its a handful of jobs!  What kind of hustle are you trying to run here, HiExpat?!" you bark out, at no one in particular.  The truth is, you are right.  

We do not actively target non-English teacher recruiters here in Korea, nor do we market the free job board to recruiters outside of Korea.  Still, I'm glad you ask edthat question, Dear Reader. Because now I have a question for you:  Would you be interested in jobs in Korea that do not involve teaching English?  Or jobs teaching English in other countries?  If so, tell us in the comments below, and we'll endeavor to bring you what you ask for in terms of job listings as best we can.  

After all, HiExpat.com is your site--we're just along for the ride.  

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