Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sweetonsno]

So you've got your contract. You already have your reasons to come to Korea to teach for a year. You've already posted your contract on here for people to review. What more to do?

Get your hiring manager/recruiter/etc to give you the contact information of a few people and write to them:

1- The foreign teacher who you are replacing. This one is vital. Find out first and foremost why they're leaving. It's uncommon for a teacher to not be offered an extension, so ask them why they aren't staying longer. Did they have problems? Did they get a better offer? Was it just that they were tired of Korea? Sure, it might not be a positive and encouraging opinion, but it's better to find out before you sign.

This person will also be able to tell you about the classes you'll be teaching, most likely. Which kids are problems, which are great, what classroom management strategies work best, and so forth.


2- The foreign teacher who has been there the longest. This is the best person to go to for the pros of working for the institution. They'll be able to tell you how stable the environment is, whether there's a lot of turnover, and they can probably also give you a realistic opinion of how your academy stands up against others. It's also not a bad idea to ask them how much money you should bring, how long it takes your institution (on average) to get you your ARC, how to set up your bank account, and all of the other things that make your first month so hectic.

Find out about the environment. Do most teachers take their job seriously, or is everyone really laid-back? Is there a problem with office gossip or cliques? Basically, think about the kind of place you want to work and find out how the job stacks up. This person will also be able to tell you about the social scene in Korea at large. It sounds silly, but it might be harder to find like-minded people than you think.

3- A Korean teacher. Korean teachers generally know a lot more than the foreign teachers. They'll have a good idea of how stable the institute is in the long term (has it merged with another and so forth) as well as what might be coming up in the next few months... will there be any major changes (they're adding classes, reducing teachers, changing working hours, adjusting vacation policies, etc). They can also tell you if they think the school is having problems, which could have a significant impact on your stay.

4- Your future roommate, if applicable. Find out how big the apartment is, especially your room. (Note: if you have a single, ask the person you're replacing.) Find out how well-equipped it is. Are there plates? Silverware? Knives for cooking? A cutting board? You might wind up wanting to bring various utensils (a serrated knife will be next to impossible to find). Also find out what kind of person they are, etc. If they smoke or have a pet and you have asthma or allergies, you'll need to mention this to the boss.

5- Yourself. It sounds silly, but figure out why you're looking at a job in Korea. It's a big commitment and a big change. Before you make the decision, weigh the pros and cons and decide if it's the best one. Some people love it and some people hate it. If you know what to expect, you'll probably have a better chance at being one of the former.

[Wondering]

Find out how long the Korean teacher has been there before putting a lot of weight into his/her opinion. I quit trying to learn the names of the Korean staff MONTHS ago because they never last very long. I've been at my place for 10 months and only one Korean, the receptionist, was there before I arrived. (only by a month) Supervisor? I think we are on our 7th or 8th. Manager? If you count temporary and emergency managers.....this is our 4th. If they cannot talk the receptionist into staying once her contract is up (next month), then they are in a lot of trouble because she knows everything and they know very, very little.

[maddog]

The Korean teacher could be very biased. At my first hagwon, the Korean teacher I spoke to told me how great the school was, how honest the director was, how there were never problems with hours, late payment etc.

Within a week of me starting, she was gone. And, of course, the conditions were terrible, the director was the most dishonest person I've ever met, payment was late (and 300K light), I had to start work before my visa was processed (I was naive, and I had been told I'd be sent on a visa run within days of arrival) and my visa run was delayed....indefinately.

I wonder if the Korean teacher got a bonus, or was allowed out of her contract early in exchange for me signing. Hmm

So, I left Korea after 3 months, having been thoroughly shafted. Basically, I disagree with point 3. You simply have no way of knowing if you can trust them.

MD

[TOMODACHI-KID]

I agree! Yeah, it's very difficult to trust a Korean teacher to give you the inside scoop. Even more so, when one (the prospective teacher) hasn't been hired yet; that is, as an outsider trying to find out the "truths" about one's intended Hogwon...

And if there are "friends" to be made in the Hogwon--watch out! A lot of "backstabbing!"

[aphong420]

I would also talk to 'Vicissitude' - the final word on all things regarding everything in the world. He'll Wikipedia the crap out of anything for you.

[alabamaman]

Talk to MORE THAN ONE of the foreign staff and ask POINTED AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS (*when the boss is NOT listening over their shoulder)

1) What are the hours? (start time / stop time / breaks).

2) How many classes per day, week, month? NOT hour many hours per month. 30 classroom hours can mean anything from 1350 -1800 minutes per week standing in front of the class. The difference can be up to 7.5 HOURS in front of the class EACH WEEK.

3) Do they ALWAYS pay on time?

4) Do they pay at the end of your month or do they have a hold back period (5-10 days after your month end) to prevent runners? (no=red flag 1)

5) Do they really pay overtime or avoid it with creative book keeping?

6) Do you get credit for classes on the national holidays or do you get the day off but still have to work your 120 hours before you get overtime? (no=red flag 2)

7) Do they have national medical (with the little booklet)? (no=red flag 3)

8 ) Do they pay into pension? (no=red flag 4)

9) What about the holidays? 10 or more WORKING days? (legal requirement here) (no=red flag 5)

10) When and how do you get your holidays?

11) What extra stuff do you really have to do - mentioned or not in the contract.

12) Then consider the quality of life issues - things that are important to you that aren't mentioned here (housing, furnishings, THE BATHROOM, access to recreational facilities, shopping, banking).

13) Do they take additional deposits in addition to the delay in payday? (yes=red flag 6)

[asamouse]

I've got a series of posts pertaining to this topic over at my blog (http://janesdailyblah.blogspot.com/search/label/Teaching%20in%20Korea%20Guide) if anyone's interested. I'll definitely make sure to post a link to this discussion!

[merkurix]

[wylies99]

[wylies99]

[wylies99]