Korean Job Discussion Forums

IncognitoHFX · Joined: 06 May 2007 Location: Yeongtong, Suwon

I'm thinking long term. I know I'm going to be here for awhile, at least more than three years, so what better time than the present to begin gathering information.

My plan is to switch to a hakgyo or a hagwon after this contract ends next year. The thing is, if I switch to a hakgyo, where my contract ends in June, then I'll have to wait until September until I can start. I originally thought that would involve going home for several months inbetween contracts which is something I'd like to avoid, then I heard about summer camps and thought about maybe working summer camps in Seoul for a couple months.

Is this possible? I'd also like to take a trip home for a week or two somewhere in this time, would I have to spend my own money to do so?

On the subject of hakgyos, I've heard that the SMOE program is really good. What is the general reputation of it and what are the hours like? I've heard four teaching hours per day with a co-teacher and very little prep. This excites me. I'd rather have short teaching hours a big controlled classes than having long teaching hours, loads of prep and uncontrollable classes.

If I decide to work another hagwon though, which is more than likely, is it possible to find a hagwon that only teaches middle school/older kids? If you've read my recent posts, you'll know that I have major disciplinary problems with kids under 12 and I would like to avoid teaching that age category in the future. Are middle school and older hagwons hard to come by? Good hagwons, preferrably?

I think I want to go the hakgyo and summer camp route, even if I just do one summer camp and stay on a tourist Visa for a month. Are there any really good summer camps I should keep my eye on?

xCustomx · Joined: 06 Jan 2006

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

I second what xCUSTOMx said. It all depends upon your school and your co-teachers. Some SMOE teachers love their job. Some hate it because the school is unorganized and unhelpful. But it still beats a hogwan job

SMOE is also better than GEPIK and EPIK from what I've read on this forum. SMOE itself has some major communication problems, but the districts and most of the schools are good to work with.

IncognitoHFX · Joined: 06 May 2007 Location: Yeongtong, Suwon

richardlang · Joined: 21 Jan 2007 Location: Gangnam

Actually I've heard lots of pain from people in SMOE. I'm in GEPIK and it's great. Most of my friends in GEPIK like their placement.

From what I remember, SMOE pays less than GEPIK. We're talking 200,000 less a year, starting at base salary. SMOE still pays 1.8 million a month, right? If so, that's not good compared to GEPIK's 2.0 million a month.

That said, it's all a toss up unless you visit the school or know a native teacher who can tell you about their experience at that particular school.

IncognitoHFX · Joined: 06 May 2007 Location: Yeongtong, Suwon

I don't care about pay so much. I'd work for 1.8 million at a great school rather than 2.5 at a terrible school. I mean, I want to make enough money to be content with, but I'd rather be comfortable and make a moderate amount than be miserable and ultra rich. You know?

Whatever school can offer me the best working conditions for my next contract is what I want. Pay is secondary (but nice, nonetheless).

Jizzo T. Clown · Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Location: at my wit's end

Something else to consider is that teaching 40 students you only see once a week is a helluva lot different than teaching 8 students you see every other day.

As for control, you and your coteacher will determine that.

I agree with xCustomx on the prep time. I spend two or three hours per lesson, not only because I have the time but because that's how long it takes (me, anyway) to plan something that: A) The kids will find interesting; and B) I won't mind teaching 12 times.