Korean Job Discussion Forums

[JJM30]

Hi,

Does anybody know anything about SDA (Seventh Day Adventist) schools? I've been offered a position with one of their schools. From the background research I've done I know they are Christian missionary school. I am in no way religious but am wondering what it is like to teach at the schools. Also, do we have to teach any religious classes? And what are accomodations like? I am going over to Korea on my own and they said there is a chance I may not get my own private studio and would have to be in a apartment with others and share a commons room. I definitely would not want that and would want my own private studio.
The last posting I saw on SDA schools was for 2005 and that information I would say is somewhat dated. Thanks!

[Scorpion]

Your first time in Korea? Be careful about some things. a) It's the norm to have your own accomodation. It's highly advised. Rooming with Koreans might make the culture shock that much worse. b) If you are non-religious you do NOT want to be rooming with religious folk. That should go without saying. You're every move and 'indiscretion' will be monitored and frowned upon. (Good luck drinking or bringing a love interest home.) Rooming with Koreans who are also religious could make your stay in Korea most uncomfortable.

Enquire about these questions. Better still, for your own peace of mind, insist on your own private accomodation.

[Lucas]

[cheolsu]

There are SDA-run private schools (they go by the Sahmyook name) and SDA-run hagwons that use the SDA name. The hagwons, as you might not be surprised to learn, have significantly worse working conditions and a greater role for religion. Public schools have better pay, shorter hours and less of a religious component.

I worked at an SDA-run elementary school for two years. When I started, we used to have to lead daily prayers, though by the end of my first semester, they became pep talks with our eyes closed. We never did it after my first semester there. Other than that, I was never once asked to do anything religious. I had my own apartment and teachers hired at that particular school continue to have their own apartments.

If you're going to be working for an SDA hagwon, don't take the job. Just about anything else would be better.

[Kiwigoddess]

Interestingly I have also been offered to interview for what appears to be the same job (I know they have several schools). I am not religious either and after reading the SDA Samyook website, it appears I don't fit the criteria anyway as it states "- Must be a baptized Adventist Christian" and "You daily will teach five hours of classes in conversational English and one Bible class" ....ummmm, not gonna happen!!

Oh well, next!! lol

[sojusucks]

A good friend of mine taught in one in Cheonan and he lasted about two paydays before running. There were maybe 7-8 foreigners at any one time, most were spouses teaching illegally or on missionary visas. The head teacher was a moody older Canadian named Kevin who would seldom talk to any of the other foreigners but would always smile and light up for any Koreans.
My friend knew it was time to leave when he was invited by one of the church elders to sit with him during services and Kevin was sitting on the other side of the church elder. Kevin didn't even acknowledge my friend. On Monday morning Kevin finally spoke to my friend and informed him that no matter how much he tithed, Kevin would tithe more and keep his head teacher's position. My friend ran the next payday.

[katsu]

I have never worked at an SDA institute, but know of those who have. I also know of a few SDA Koreans and in general I find them more caring towards foreigners. Almost all the foreigners that I know of who have worked at an Institute, have a very good relationship with their bosses, and co-workers. However, I know working for them means a lot of work.

[JJM30]

Hey - thanks for all the responses! I didn't even realize I was getting them, thought they would show up in my email, maybe that is only the first response that you get an email about, whatever ha. I'm still getting used to this whole message board process. Anyway, it sounds like a varied experience for these SDA schools. In the end I didn't take the offer and I'm pretty sure it was the right decision, for me anyway...

I've been ramping up using the recruiters, and I've got a couple possible options coming up. Does anybody know anything about YBM and the ECC division specifically? I found a job posting on here for it. I just spoke to the HR manager. They seem super organized, guaranteed single accomodations, most schools within walking distance or a short subway ride. I originally wanted to be only in Seoul, but after speaking to the HR manager he suggested I may interested in just outside. He has one possible opening for Ilsan..it looks like a nice area. He said it would only take like 15 minutes to get into main area of Seoul. I need to be in an urban area, I hail from Toronto, so I think coming this far would be good to be where the action is. I know Seoul is supposed to be super busy etc.. but still I think it might be the best option. The locations I've told recruiters are Itaewon, Gangnam, Mokdong, Myeong-dong, Daebang, Nam-yeong, Shinlim. Basically anywhere in central area of Seoul would be good. Anybody have any perspective or opinions on these areas? And Ilsan, any thoughts on location? The HR manager said by mid April he will know about positions right in Seoul for starting dates in July. I can't leave until mid-June...thanks!

[YTMND]

On a good note, you might get 4 day work weeks. They don't like to work on Fridays, so it's either no classes or just a few early ones. Enjoy the longer weekend at the expense of the religious wackos!!!

Yay for cults!!!