Korean Job Discussion Forums

Glen NZ · Joined: 25 Jun 2007 Location: New Zealand

HI,
I am considering ESL work in South Korea. Can anyone give me some advice on Wonderland schools please i.e. can they be trusted? Particularly in Anseong. Thanks - Glen

seoulsucker · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2007 5:45 pm Post subject:

RUN AWAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!

Seriously. No personal experience, but I've heard nothing but complaints and horror stories about this chain.

Then again, bad news can travel around the world before good news gets its laces tied.

SHANE02 · Joined: 04 Jun 2003

Which branch/location?

waynehead · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Location: Jongno

I know a guy who works at the bucheon office and loves it. He's been there a few years. He has a blast doing kindy, too, tho so you should consider that.

Alan Partidge · Joined: 29 Nov 2005

Glen, you have to try to get at least a couple of email addresses from teachers already there.
Hagwons are very inconsistent. I've heard horror stories and I've heard good things.
If they don't want to give you some addresses, don't go there.
I think it's a teachers' market at the moment, so if I were you, I'd shop around.
Don't rush into anything, it's not worth having a sh*t year.

diamondjo · Joined: 28 Mar 2007 Location: Munsan, South Korea

I agree, go for email addies or ask to speak to someone in person. I'm at a Wonderland and it's great, but one only a few miles away isn't so hot. So it's not only regions that vary but actual schools and directors.

Don't be put off by the horror stories, not all schools in chain are the same. Ask around.

merkurix · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Location: Not far from the deep end.

As a seasoned Wonderland veteran (nah, not really seasoned, but did my first year in one of those), there are probably better hagwons to work in. Franchised schools have no oversight and it really all depends on the hagwon owner. Hopefully he is a kind and benevolent owner/director.

Guri Guy · Joined: 07 Sep 2003 Location: Bamboo Island

I worked in a Wonderland (guess where? Look at my name...) and it was not a pleasant experience. I am sure there might be some decent Wonderland schools somewhere but I don't think it's worth the risk. I have heard too many horror stories along with my own personal experiences.

Google "Prisoner of Wonderland" for more information.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

Is the search engine not working today?

Wonderland has beat out some very stiff competition to earn its reputation as the worst hagwon franchise in Korea. Just do not take the risk - it's not worth it.

Ilsanman · Joined: 15 Aug 2003 Location: Bucheon, Korea

Unless you have some really concrete proof that a certain branch is good, don't chance it.

I would consider it if I were already in the country, and I could visit the school, check it out, meet the kids, meet the teachers, see the schedule, etc.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

Glen NZ · Joined: 25 Jun 2007 Location: New Zealand

Rad,
Thanks to all of you who replied. I might be getting a job at a good school just South of Seoul, through a friend who is currently working there, so won't touch wonderland!

Ok (seoulsucker), I am sooo sick of Lord of the Rings jokes. I endured that shit for three years over here. It was like a zombie infestation, or a virus of the mind. There were statues of LOTR characters, children (and parents) dressed in elvin robes, every bookstore had copies of the books in the window, LOTR flags on the main streets. It was horrible. Completely insane!

Glen

wylies99 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: I'm one cool cat!

Young FRANKenstein · Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2007 5:17 am Post subject: Re: Wonderland Schools

ESL2007 · Joined: 04 May 2007

Stay VERY far away from any Wonderland. There is one Wonderland that is ok, but please, don't sign the contract. They will treat you like crap, steal your money, lie to you and more. Almost all of them are known to do this.

Now, here is the important thing!!! WHO IS YOUR RECRUITER?????? GIve him or her the smackdown because he/she is willing to sell you into slavery for 1 million won.

Please tell me who your recruiter is.