Korean Job Discussion Forums

Satchel Paige · Joined: 29 Dec 2009

I'm fairly familiar with the company (have done research, read past postings. etc). I have several years of teaching experience in Korea and have almost completed a Masters degree in education from a top-tier school, so I think I would be a strong candidate for the job.

However, is there anybody out there in ESL Cafe-Land who can tell me what the current conditions are like and (more importantly) whether or not they are hiring at the moment?? Can you recommend a specific branch? I would like to work in Seoul.

I am very interested in the part-time contract. Ideally, I would like to work for them for a few hours in the evenings or mornings, supplementing my income with after-school classes in the afternoons. For those who work or have worked there, how feasible is this? If you already have/had a similar set-up, how long did it take you arrange the second job? Finally, how long did it take to work out your housing and did you have to bring over a lot of money to furnish your apt?

Thanks!

RMNC · Joined: 21 Jul 2010

As far as I know, WSI is basically the top of the ladder when you've taught adults for 3-4 years in Korea. The jobs are known to be good, the contracts are solid and the conditions are better than most hagwons, with all the usual benefits. I've never heard a horror story about WSI like I have with CDI, CDL, Pagoda, et all. The pay and hours are supposed to be pretty good as well.

However, it's the top of the hill, so everyone wants to be the one on top, and many people fight for jobs there. Applying directly can't hurt, and there's a fair number of branches in Seoul. I've seen postings on Dave's before, but I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you, since they're rare. The WSI site says they're not hiring for South Korea, but as with most hagwon jobs, it's a revolving door, so it can't hurt to put yourself out there, especially with your good qualifications. Adult teaching is strongly preferred. As with most hagwons, the branches are hiring year-round, but again, don't wait for them to come to you.

As far as housing goes, I have no idea, but I always thought they provided housing and furnished apartments like most schools, but if not then it's news to me.

I'm sure they'd have no problem getting to into morning and evening spots, as those are the most needed but least desired shifts. Keep in mind that only full-time employees are legally required to receive health insurance and a pension, so beware.

If I had my pick, I would probably work at WSI over just about any other hagwon. Good luck.

edwardcatflap · Joined: 22 Mar 2009

Do they still pay 25,000 an hour?

Whistleblower · Joined: 03 Feb 2007

I used to work at WSI in Seoul. It was the best job I had in Korea. If you are lucky you could get to become a BULATS Examiner for them also. Their contracts are good and the benefits are great Have a try.

edwardcatflap · Joined: 22 Mar 2009

No disrespect but how much work did you regularly get out of BULATS in an average month? I get about a couple of hundred thousand every 3 months or so, compared to a regular million a month from IELTS

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

You have experience, are completing your MEd, and you want to work for a hakwon? Saying that WSI is 'the top of the hill' for hakwons is like saying someone is the 'smartest in the mentally challenged class'.

Look around for better university jobs. If you don't have university experience, work your way through the system.

4 months left · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

Satchel Paige · Joined: 29 Dec 2009

misher · Joined: 14 Oct 2008

A guy I know works at WSI and makes pretty good bank. THe last time I talked to him however, he said that he was doing an after-school program and an evening shift at WSI. This brought him home well over 4 million won a month although he can't stand teaching kids and hates every day of it. He loves WSI though.

However, the full-time option at WSI doesn't pay that well I believe (I could be wrong). I think it is around 2.4ish without any kind of housing allowance. You don't do a split but you are teaching around 30 hours a week plus a saturday or 2 every month (which you are not paid extra for). I think that is why my friend and most other WSI employees only work part-time.

If you're looking to make good bank LEGALLY on an E-2 (4 mill +) then I'm sorry to say that kids are the only way to go.