Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Muanyata]

Nothing.

[dr_feelgood]

I worked for an Avalon in Seongnam. They made up some reasons to fire me in my 11th month such as being late for class, not completing work and being sick without giving notice. When in reality they were losing students and needed to get rid of a teacher. I took them to court and won. Constantly they were firing and replaceing Korean teachers and the people that worked there were generally un-happy and a lot left on their own free-will. Although I think suing someone was a great/cool experience for me, especially in a foreign land. I would not reccomend it to anyone. So stay away from Avalons in the Seongnam area, please.

[andrew_e29]

[Muanyata]

Nothing.

[bobbybigfoot]

I'm quite surprised with all the negative comments about Avalon. I had no idea the kind of reputation the company has earned since going franchise crazy in the past couple of years.

It's seems franchising is what kills alot of hagwons.

[malinanicole]

I don't really want to contribute to all the hagwon horror stories, I started at Avalon last month and I was a total newbie. After 2 weeks at Avalon I was dismissed mostly because they had hired too many new foreign teachers. I found another job at a public Elementary school south of Seoul on my own and life is good.
I would have stayed at Avalon even though there were some things I didn't like. It is really not that bad as long as you have what you need and you work hard. They do expect things from newbies that you might not know or be able to do, you just have to stay positive and deal with it. I would have stayed if they hadn't dismissed me.
I would suggest reading up on TESOL if you don't have certification like me, and getting to know some Koreans, I think if you show respect and enthusiasm it will go a long way.
It won't be a piece of cake, but its a job.

[bobbybigfoot]

[Ramen]

I heard some horror stories about the place from two of my friend who worked there. Both ended up leaving mid contract.

[SeoulNate]

All depends on the branch i guess.

I have worked for the Dobong branch for a few years now and for the most part they have been good to me. No issues over payment / housing or anything. All of the managers are pretty nice and the pay is good.

Just check with the teachers that are working at your branch before you go.

[malinanicole]

[thekingofcheap]

I've been at Avalon for five months and hope I can offer some insight.

Across the board, as a corporation, it is run in typically Korean style: Wasteful of man hours, implenting ill-conceived business ideas, more conscious of its image than the substance behind it, etc. etc. Indeed, Avalon is like the Basil Fawlty of companies -- it tries so hard to project an image of quality that it sacrifices everything else, including quality, to maintain that image.

That said, it depends on the brach you work in. From what I've come to understand, I work for one of the better branches. My school's director and my head teacher are very kind and understanding in most dealings with us foreign teachers. As such, I am able to recognize that the director is only bitchy because she's middle management and has to keep people happy above and below. Other Avalon branches have hardass management who will give you shit for leaving the classroom during a lesson, or who will monitor your computer use for all non-work activity. My branch, in Bundang, is VERY chilled out about those things.

All of my complaints about the company are due to the head office's ridiculous policies and hair-brained moneymaking schemes. For example, my branch has no data backup for its computers. If something were to happen, all the work I save would be lost forever. When this was brought to someone's attention, we suggested they buy an $80 USB hard drive to use as backup for everyone's data (we don't generate THAT much, but it's important). They told us there was no money. What's more alarming? That the 2nd largest hagwon chain the country has no emphasis on data backup, or that they can't find $80 to implement it at one of its branches?

Another thing I find bothersome about this job is the increasing pile of marketing busywork I must do. This includes calling every student on their phone TWICE a semester, taking time out of class each day to shower certain students with encouraging compliments even if they are struggling and/or hate learning English.

It is my opinion that the company is hemorraging money, my branch in particular. Enrollment is way down and there has been an emphasis from the director to be more cost-conscious (turning off computers at the end of the day, picking up our own garbage even though we employ cleaners, providing our own office supplies).

Overall, I'd still say it's one of the better hagwons to work for if only because they still pay more than 2m KRW a month, always on time, and the hours are reasonable. I've heard a lot of horror stories about the near future of hagwon teaching in this country but in spite of Avalon's problems, I mostly feel insulated from the trends affecting other teachers.

[Mes Nicholas]

Any word on Kwangmyung (Gwangmyeong) Avalon Academy?

I may be offered a job there but so far have heard nothing specific about that one location. I know there's been a lot of negative feedback on Avalon in general but I'm curious if this is any different. I'm interested and would like to go if it is. Any information based on direct experience or through the grapevine would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[DosEquisXX]

Can anybody outline the positives and negatives about the Avalon academy in Uijeongbu?

[Ramen]

I talk to many teachers working or worked there and they all said they regret ever working there.

[allovertheplace]

Ive heard so so things about Avalon. The pay on time, less funny business thing is nice.
For a newbie Avalon is pretty good though. You will be with at least 4-5 other foreigners which means its easier to have fun and settle in.