Korean Job Discussion Forums

[api218]

Hi everyone! I've been lurking on and off here for a year or so, and I've learned a lot of incredibly helpful information; thank you for that.

I have a few questions, the first about contract negotiations. In general, I've seen it written that 10 days vacation a year is a pretty standard offer. According to official policy, my workplace does not offer *any* vacation, only unpaid sick days. My potential supervisor promised she would take my request to upper management--but only after I confirm that I am definitely coming. My gut instinct says this is suspicious, as what's to stop the school from simply deciding that no, they can't accommodate my request? By that time, it'll be too late for me to back out, and I'm stuck holding a bag of no vacation-hot air.

I also asked for a copy of the contract, and instead of being given an official copy, I was given a summary. Is there a legal confidentiality matter here of which I am unaware? Otherwise, I'm unsure why I can't have a copy to look over before I make a verbal commitment.

Other things--class preparation time is unpaid and is not included in the weekly hours, so whatever my salary, according to one of the teachers with whom I spoke, it really covers approximately 15 hours a week extra; 30ish class hours + 15 prep hours = 45 hours. I was thinking about asking 3.0 million, but now I'm not sure if that's too low.



As I write this, I'm struck by how negative the position sounds, so here are the counterweight positives that are keeping me interested:

-It's not just a teaching job. As I speak to my potential supervisor and a current teacher, I'm getting the feeling that teaching will be the least of my duties. Instead, most of the work will be focused on developing their literature program--literature, not English-Korean language classes. The opportunity to teach literature in Korea--Shakespeare, for example--is *extremely* attractive to me. From what I've seen on these forums and other websites, it's also a rare position.

-The students are different than those enrolled at other schools. They're not there as a babysitting alternative; they're trying to prepare for standardized tests, to improve their academic English, and so on. I don't have rose-colored glasses on, and I'm sure every class has a few less motivated students, but I can't imagine the situation being as severe as those I've heard of at other hagwons.


I don't mind taking slightly less pay in order to teach classes with a fantastic curriculum. Money's not the problem. In fact, I'm going to Korea on an F4 visa in order to learn the language; career advancement's not on my mind. I'm most worried about burn-out and not having any respite written into my contract.

I'm really not sure what I should do. Any advice or thoughts, here or through PM, are more than welcome. Thank you so much in advance for all of your help.

[oskinny1]

Approx. 45 hours a week and no vacation? How can you lose? Commit to a job without seeing a contract? Why not?

Actually, you can commit as much as you want but nothing is legal till you sign that contract. I wouldn't take it personally, as I don't believe you will be teaching Shakespeare like you think. The babysitting has more to do with those that teach kindy, so just avoid those (and possibly public schools, though I don't and my school...much).

I think if you have to ask this question in the first place then it isn't a good idea to take the job.

I don't make 3 million, but then again, I teach 3 hours a day and get 10 weeks vacation.

[mumblebee]

Just a caution about getting excited about a literature-based program...it may be truly all you hope, but, based on my experience, it may be very frustrating, because although the school is promoting it's 'literature'-based program, the students themselves will likely really struggle with the material (Shakespeare???) and it might well be an uphill battle. It sounds like a parent-pleasing gimmick rather than something that is genuinely of interest to the students (if it is kids you are teaching.)

If it is kids you are teaching, and the program is geared towards taking tests, I would be prepared for lots of BS...give the kids 5 hours of incomprehensible homework, make them memorize obscure word lists, compel them to write essays that end up being so poorly written that they are nearly impossible to give meaningful feedback on...

anyway, sorry to rain on your parade, I'm not saying this job is for sure like this...but what I described would be very typical. This kind of program can be unsatisfying to work in if the expectations on the students are unreasonable...they struggle along, but they don't learn much.

[api218]

[api218]

[jellobean]

You have an F-4???? Pay for your ticket (use a credit card if necessary) and get here first. You own your own visa so you can live here and pick up substitute work until you find something you want. If this job is everything they say, then you will know it when you visit the school. If not, you can find something else. It doesn't really matter anyway because you can quit a job anytime and it won't come back on you.

[hubba bubba]

would be willing to bet they are blowing smoke up your ass.

a position like the one you described wouldn't need to be advertised.

no contract? psahw! as if.

we'll talk about vacation after you commit? guess how that will work out.

I'd also be wiliing to bet that there isn't a student in korea that is capable of understnading Shakespear. language wise. well, maybe a few that have spent most of their time overseas.

like the other guy said, with an f4, just get here.

[Atavistic]

[oskinny1]

[api218]

[api218]