Korean Job Discussion Forums

[browneyedgirl]

When you guys first came to Korea did you just happen to find a good school, or did you have to work at a few bad ones until you stumbled upon one that you liked?

If this question has been asked before, I apologize.

[Lostone7]

First.............good and bad I learned a lot about how to negotiate.

Second .....pretty good....but I now can negotiate very well

I think it really depends I know people who found a great school and stayed 4 years. I know people that had 4 jobs in 1 year.

Best bet is take your time and look for what you want within reason.
but still 50/50 IMO

BUT one persons GOOD is anothers Bad depends on what you are looking for.

Good luck

[BS.Dos.]

I landed on my feet although my recruiter played a big part, but I didn't lay down any specific demands, I just lucked out.

All in all, it's down to you and how you fit in really. Working here is pretty much like working anywhere, inasmuch that the people you work with will play a big part on how things turn out.

Unfortunately, there are d*ickheads in Korea too.

[shaunew]

Been here for over 3 years never had a long term over 12 months "good school" I stopped teaching and started my own business outside of English education, because I was sick and tired of dealing with Korean scum that are in the English scam or business.

[Dome Vans]

[littlelisa]

It took me about a month and a half, maybe?

It's my first school, I haven't had to change or anything, and don't anticipate having to. I found the good school before I came to Korea, though. Did my research and made sure to sign with a decent place.

[Homer]

I found a very good school right off the bat when I first arrived (got hired by them before coming actually).

Used a recruiter too.

But...and this is the key: I did some research before applying anywhere and figured out what I wanted and where before starting off.

Then, I checked the school once they offered me something (talked to other staff there and checked up in other ways).

Finally, I took a chance because thats what working abroad is the first time: taking a shot.

[Bibbitybop]

I was in the country and found a great school in 10 days. I used a recruiter, too. I applied at public schools during peak hiring season and I'm more qualified than your average bear. The Yogi kind of bear, not the bearbacking kind of bear.

[pcs0325]

[Adahma]

Man this is great information. Thanks.

[Gamecock]

It took me 3 years. Now I'm happy as a clam. It's all rolling the dice.

Keep in mind that no matter how much research you do, no matter how many ex and current teachers you talk to, no matter how great the school looks when you sign the contract, EVERYTHING can change very quickly! Hogwans can change ownership, the owner's wife can decide to start running things, the awesome manager can quit and a horrible one can be hired, the school may start losing students (i.e. money) because 3 brand new hogwans opened on the same block and then the laid back atmosphere suddenly becomes a pressure cooker of ridiculous expectations and extra work for you, the owner may suddenly decide to venture into phone teaching which will fall under "other miscellaneous duties," they may decide to scrap their cirriculum and implement some new insane trend that they promised the parents will have Min Su speaking fluently in a month...and a thousand other scenarios. Very few hogwans are able to maintain the same working atmosphere every 3 months, let alone from year to year.

With public schools, you know more of what you are getting. However you have no choice about where you are teaching, and you have to factor in the possibility of having a principal who hates foreigners or is just blatantly trying to steal your money, as well as Korean coteachers who may dislike/resent you and do everything in their power to make your life a passive-aggressive hell.

You might get lucky on your first try, like some of the apologists on this board. Or you might get lucky on your 4th. That's what happened to me. I believe you can minimize your chances of a crappy job...but you can't eliminate them.

[Homer]

[Atavistic]

First hogwon, I got fired from after 4 months. I was trying to get fired because it was a crappy place. They preferred the other FT, who was an awful drunk who swore in front of the children. Why did they prefer her? Cause she was (and still is) spineless and works overtime a lot without pay, gets walked all over, etc. Now, they hired my replacement a few days BEFORE they "spontaneously" fired me. And...they fired him at the 11 month mark. Nice-uh.

My second hogwon, I worked there for just over 4 months. Constant problems that ended in me getting evicted from my apartment because my boss didn't pay a single month worth of rent. She still owes me over 2.5 million won and she's run off.

Third job, public school, nearly 6 months in. Hope to God I finish this contract. I expect to.

[Homer]

wow.....

[twg]

I'm still looking for one.

I've found a couple of them that fit into the realm of "tolerable" though