Korean Job Discussion Forums

[littlelisa]

Hey,

Hoping for some help in making my decision. I'm currently debating between two positions offered to me. One is from SMOE (level F), the other is from AiCorea.

AiCorea is 30hrs/week max compared to SMOE's 22, and has 10 paid vacation days instead of SMOE's 21. However, the pay is significantly higher (2.6 compared to 2.2). AiCorea also has the advantage of fewer students per class, free meals, no utility bills other than phone, free laptop & free wireless. It's major disadvantages are that I'd be staying in a dorm, and (more importantly) it's a pilot program. Currently all their ESL teaching is done by Korean teachers.

It matches SMOE in some other (very good) things: 15 paid sick days, if you re-sign, you get 2 weeks paid vacation home (plane ticket paid).

AiCorea is a non-profit research foundation near Jamsil. It's an umbrella organization of education and research centers nationwide, according to the recruiter.

Basically, SMOE seems like the safer pick, but AiCorea looks good too.

[littlelisa]

*bump*

No opinions either way?

[KYC]

I've never heard of aicorea. It all depends on what you want more.../ what's more important to you ultimately.

[Bibbitybop]

Who and what would you be teaching at AiCorea?

Can you go home after your 30 teaching hours (would you work 5 6-hour days)?

Have you talked to former AiCorea teachers?

Is housing included?



Personally, especially if it's a new business, I would opt for SMOE simple because of vacation. But if you need money and work shorter days (but teach more), AiCorea could be good. I just don't know anything about them.

[littlelisa]

I'd be teaching ESL, of course. It'd be for kids mostly.
The workdays (like in the contract from SMOE) are 8 hours. AiCorea's workday is 10-6.

AiCorea, as I mentioned, is a pilot program, so there are no current foreign teachers. That's my main risk. The contract is good, though. Housing is included, as I mentioned, in a dorm (I'd have my own non-shared bathroom, though). I'd only have to pay for phone, the rest of the utilities would be paid for.

[Gamecock]

If you're in a dorm, you might want to ask about any special housing rules. Often places that stick you in a dorm treat you like a minor...curfew, no visitors past a certain hour, etc...

[Bibbitybop]