Job Discussion Forums

cypher · Joined: 07 Nov 2003 Posts: 2

I am currently teaching in Korea (at a hagwon). For those out there who have taught in both places, how does they compare?

I have only ever taught small hagwon classes (no more than 11) so the thought of facing (let alone teaching) the 70+ students I've seen mentioned in some posts is a bit overwhelming.

What are teaching conditions like in general? What are living conditions like on average? How likely are employers to live up to the contract?

I understand that there will be a great difference in conditions between schools but any information would be appreciated.

andrew_gz · Joined: 15 Feb 2005 Posts: 502 Location: Reborn in the PRC

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Noelle · Joined: 26 Mar 2005 Posts: 361 Location: USA

I taught in China last year and currently teach in a Korean hogwon now.I liked China a lot because I was in a pretty good school for me (EF Hangzhou) although it sounds as though you have to be a bit wary of this franchise in other parts of the country. Some good... some maybe not so good.

The most obvious difference between the two I think is the salary. I started at 5500RMB in China (something like 600USD) and now of course I'm getting much more here in Korea. I feel like I work a lot harder here than I ever did in China. For me, China was like a vacation except for the weekends and I even worked a second job in Hangzhou at a Chinese univeristy. Still, it seemed much easier. The lifestyle there I found to be harder though.

Anyhow, if you're in Korea now and you want to talk, PM for more details and I can give you my mobile number and some names of people who've had more experience in both countries.
Good luck and happy holidays!

saint57 · Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2005 10:22 pm Post subject: I Did It

Two years ago I taught in a hogwon in Busan. It was a large chain school. Typically, they worked us to the bone but they were honorable about everything. My maximum class size was 12. Last year I taught at an "international school" in China. Class sizes were up to 45. I used the same activities I used in the hogwon. The only difference was in Korea I rewarded students based on individual achievement but in China I'd make them work in big groups and reward the best group. It's a smooth transition. If you have some money saved from Korea you'll find your life in China will be great. Less classes, no stress, lots of holidays/cancelled classes. If your living of just your Chinese salary you'll be fine but wishing you had more cash.

Noelle · Joined: 26 Mar 2005 Posts: 361 Location: USA

Is it just me or is Korea incredibly clean compared to China?

Mind you, I have not traveled all over each country.

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

I am currently teaching in Korea. I only taught summer school in China but I think the difference is that education in China is a joke. You are not expected to teach but to be there just for show. A nice white face to make the parents happy is all that is expected.

Also if you are going to work in China you should look for a university position. You only need a BA to get a Uni position in China.

saint57 · Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2006 10:23 pm Post subject:

The mountains in Pusan seemed to trap the smog in. I was in a small industrial city right outside of Shanghai. Everything was dirty but the air wasn't too bad.