Job Discussion Forums

mb2086 · Joined: 11 Feb 2004 Posts: 19 Location: london

I'm doing my research into the possibility of teaching english in Korea for a year from this summer and wondered what people's experiences are of the accomodation that comes with the usual package? I would prefer single accomodation but I suppose it must vary from school to school? Is air-con standard and are the flats liveable? Also any tips or feedback on general experiences or things to avoid greatly appreciated.

Celeste · Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 6:42 am Post subject:

Post this on the KOrea forum and you will get more replies.

I lived in Korea from 1997-1999, and I can certainly tell you that air conditioning was NOT standard! The apartments varied, but were basically all somewhat small and dingy, but fairly liveable.

gerard · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 581 Location: Internet Cafe

Apartments inKorea will range from ultra-modern to old and dingy. Something in the middle is likely what you will get. I lived in an officetel. Creative Konglish word combining office tower and hotel. It is what it sounds like. I had a nifty little room on the 14th floor with floor to ceiling windows. It was very small though---tiny by western standards. Keep in mind the kitchen will be a tiny gas range and sink. Hard to do any more than boil or fry things. And the shower shocks a lot of people . You stand in the middle of the bathroom floor and turn on the water. This is the norm in Asia .

If you prefer your own place then insist on it..It is the norm anyway. AC??? I had it everywhere but it is not always first rate. It might be a wall attachment that blows out semi-cold air. You need it though it gets bloody hot. And keep in mind July is monsoon season...I was there last year and they had a beauty. It rained like hell for the entire month of July. I loved it.

Things to avoid??? I don't know. Like most of Asia public bathrooms I guess. And maybe bars that stay open later than 4 in the morning. And shopping malls on Sunday. And Busan. Wink

The real thing to avoid though is a shifty employer and it's almost a rite of passage you will get one of these...Problem is you wont know until you are in too deep...They do not lie but they do not tell the truth. Am I starting to sound like the Ancient Mariner??? Wink

mb2086 · Joined: 11 Feb 2004 Posts: 19 Location: london

Thanks Gerard - very helpful. Did you get a contract through an agency or by yourself? I'm not sure whether agency's get a better deal on accomodation or not but your first apartment sounds OK.

gerard · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 581 Location: Internet Cafe

Hi mb---That is a tough question. In my case I was already in Seoul and I used agents. I worked out the contract with the school and -if I signed it- the agent would get his/her commission. This was fine . Just make sure the school is going to pay you. In some cases they pay the agent...If you are not there yet I would be more leery of recruiters. I have seen people get the visa overseas and then arrive in Korea to find a lot of "changes" to the contract. If that happens you are in a spot.

Long distance calls are cheap these days. I would phone the school a couple of times and see what they sound like. In a nutshell don't just speak to an agent. If they are reputable they will put you in touch with the school. They still get paid . Be suspicious of agents on the phone . They make 1000 bucks and will tell you anything.