Korean Job Discussion Forums

rusty1983 · Joined: 30 Jan 2007

My girlfriend and I have been offered positions in Gyeonngi public schools, through their Gyeonngi English Programme in Korea thingy. We are yet to receive references but could anyone enlighten me on conditions etc as we believe they are not EPIK placements and so are sceptical.

Thanks

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

jaderedux · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: Lurking outside Seoul

With the hell fires yawning before me I would not work for GEPIK. Sorry but they have stupid meeting and trips you have to attend.

I work for a smaller satellite city outside of Seoul. We stay under the radar and have some Gepik teachers....I will be honest some like it ... some left bitter and angry and with alot of anmosity. Very seldom do the GEPIK people re-up. The city hall folks tend to re-up more frequently.

Jade

kimchi story · Joined: 23 Nov 2006

Enter GEPIK into the search function and scroll down to 'Still thinking of giving GEPIK a go'. If that flaming rant persuades you not to sign on, everybody is probably better off for it.

GEPIK is run by Korean bureaucracy. 'Nuf said...if you can't take the heat that comes with that, it's best you stay out of the fire.

(of course, if that doesn't dissuade you it might shake you up a little, and that's ok. Success as an expat in Korea requires two faces - one that is cautious and wary worn under a mask of naive optimism.)

patongpanda · Joined: 06 Feb 2007

I have a GEPIK contract, but I have never had any interaction with the bureaucracy. The school takes care of everything.

I must say my school has been perfect in every way, perhaps I'm just lucky.

ilovebdt · Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Location: Nr Seoul

I work at a GEPIK school. My school sticks to the contract like glue. There is no leeway whatsover and it has not been a v fun place to work.

Before you sign anything I would speak to the current teacher and see what the arrangement is regarding holidays, winter and summer classes etc.

ilovebdt

Sody · Joined: 14 May 2006

Just to add to this, I believe both EPIK and GEPIK have pay scales but the EPIK pay scales are higher. Also with EPIK you are not told at what school you will work for until you arrive in Korea. Whereas with GEPIK you are told before you arrive so you know what city you will be staying in.

Notwithstanding what has already been mentioned by Mack, most people experience problems with GEPIK because of the red tape. Others like myself and patongpanda have had better luck and have not had to deal with the BoE or bureaucracy.

Sody

rusty1983 · Joined: 30 Jan 2007

Hey guys, thanks for all your help!!!

It sounds pretty much like the luck of draw, I guess I just gotta figure out if Im bold enough to take the risk.

Although I have to say, Ive been doing the job I do now in England on/off for two years, so without going into too much detail I can definitely say Ive experienced a beauracracy with pointless rules and regulations, and I can definitely say I have worked for people I dont like and who dont respect me!!!! Sorry that was a rant.

antoniothegreat · Joined: 28 Aug 2005 Location: Yangpyeong

GEPIK itself is a joke, so much beauracratic BS it is unbelievable. BUT, basically, in my experience, it is your school that makes the difference. many schools tend to ignore the BS parts and do things that make sense (like dont ask you to come in during vacation if there are no classes). other schools are horrible, enforcing all the retarded rules to the letter.

so, talk to the current teacher, if there is one, and ask about those things.

that is the best thing for all newbies, talk to the current teacher, in a way that you know their overllords are not watching, like email, where they can write anytime and give an honest opinion.