Korean Job Discussion Forums

nate1983 · Joined: 30 Mar 2008

Hey, everyone. This is my first post on here though I have come occasionally for a couple months. I have done searching on older threads and found some good stuff, but I was wondering if anyone who has some experience with SNU's Language Education Institute can tell me about working there. I have never been to Korea but I know a good bit about the language and culture so I should be okay there; I am looking more for information on what a first-time teacher should expect (I just have TEFL certificate and have taught other subjects in the summer as well as during grad school). The expectation seems to be about 20 teaching hours a week (4 of those are overtime)--would this translate into about a 40 hour work week? The people in the department I talked to seemed very friendly and to really care about the work. This is about as good an offer as I could hope to expect now (I'm 24) so I'm leaning towards taking it. It also seems I would be able to take the Korean classes there (at night)...anyone else done this? Thanks for your input.

TECO · Joined: 20 Jan 2003

For you, why not?

Can you be up by 6:00am - 6:30am every morning?

Do you mind teaching 20 - 30 hours a week (prep and in-class time combined)?

Salary is 2.5 million, yeah?
I also understand housing is free - let us know how that is if you take the job. A lot of free teacher housing in Korea can be pretty crappy.

It's a sheit job for someone who is older, more experienced and qualified but for a "noob" - why not?

Gets you into Seoul and serves as a springboard to maybe something bigger and better as they say.

nate1983 · Joined: 30 Mar 2008

In general, how many hours would someone teaching 20 hours a week put in? I guess a new teacher would have to spend a little more time preparing as well. In my two graduate programs (applied math and econ) most people put in well over 40 hours a week. I know a lot of the classes are early morning, but I was a college athlete and often woke up by 5:30-6:30 then so I'm fine with that. I'm not planning on going to the 술집 5 nights a week. Do most teachers have late afternoons and evenings free? Anyone know about the housing? Salary was around 2.7m I believe...contract is forthcoming. Also I really like the 14 weeks off because I'm big on traveling.

Hotpants · Joined: 27 Jan 2006

For a newbie to Korea and EFL teaching, I think you are very lucky to have received such an offer.

I would first of all double check the contract to see whether there are any hidden extras in the role - don't forget that many 'language institutes' attached to universities are these days not much different from a regular language institute in that you might get kids and all and asked to teach vacation classes. Then, if all looks good, go for it.

Yes, you might expect to put in 1 hour of prep for each hour of class in the initial stages, but this will decrease as you establish a routine.

The SNU campus is not bad; it's pretty big and there are lots of student clubs you can get involved in. If you take the subsidized (?) Korean classes, that will be a great plus for you, too. Campus housing is so-so. There are lots of dormitory clusters with average studio rooms.

I'd say go for it because there is defininitely much worse in the way of teaching gigs in Korea.

KoreanAmbition · Joined: 03 Feb 2008

Nate,

Did SNU offer you more overtime, or just the 4 hours you mentioned?

Have you found out what their OT rate is yet?

To a previous question in the thread, the LEI at SNU pays for the language classes so it's free to a teacher.

Also, all classes are non-credit, and just conversation from my understanding. Would this imply less prep work is required compared to the math and economics classes mentioned above??

nate1983 · Joined: 30 Mar 2008

I've since received the contract and was hoping I could maybe get a bit more feedback from people who have experience with SNU. I heard housing is at a place called "BK apartments" on campus; does anyone know about this? How nice are these places usually? Is getting an off-campus place eventually a bit of a headache, especially dealing with utilities and all (for someone whose Korean is far from fluent)? Any more thoughts? Thanks.

Hatcher · Joined: 05 Jan 2007

If they offer you a position, you would-should get offers from other schools as well. Hongik has 70 on staff and their conditions are better.
SNU LEI? Campus is nice, good location.... management is horrible.
This is the no. 1 uni in the country and LEI will have a 60-70% turnover this year. Is that a good sign?

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

I know a couple of people who have worked there and in the department at SNU. From what I've heard, the FLI job is BETTER than the departmental job work-wise, but offers less vacation.

I've been to the housing a few times. The units are actually nice IF you can get the double. The building is new, but it's on campus, which makes getting out and about a bit of a pain, but nothing too bad. The single units, however, are boxes.

For a first job in Seoul, it's a keeper, and I don't say that about many places!

chriswylson · Joined: 20 Feb 2007

PRagic has spoken. Laughing

nate1983 · Joined: 30 Mar 2008

Thanks all for the replies. As it is I feel pretty lucky to get this job, as I don't have much in the way of English-teaching qualifications--I will have two scientific master's degrees and a couple publications and SNU's notice said they were looking for someone with that sort of background but for most places I wouldn't be qualified. When you say "a box," how bad is it? Like a little living area, bedroom, kitchenette? Any idea on square footage? What about the noise level? Also does anyone know what my typical teaching/duty hours would be like, because I'd like to take either the afternoon or evening Korean courses.

Drew345 · Joined: 24 May 2005

The "single" apartments are small. The bed may be a bit smaller than single size, small kitchen sink and maybe stove top. Has washer and is all rather new though. The size was around 3.5 met by 7 meter, including bathroom. Small but livable if your coming from a dorm before. It is not a "one-bedroom" as they might advertise; it is one room studio.
The "double" apartment is about twice as big. If you want a really nice place, try for that and see how much extra you have to pay.
Don't think noise is a problem there.
The campus is beautiful; just a little pain getting down to the subway station as the buses are slow and crowded.

Hatcher · Joined: 05 Jan 2007

YOu may have 2 science masters but dont expect to use that knowledge much. It is 80% ESL.
The house is ok, campus is nice,... management is the worst.

KoreanAmbition · Joined: 03 Feb 2008

Can anyone give an example of what is meant by "the management is the worst"?

Do they pay on time?
Are they honest?
Does someone get what they are promised?

I'm just curious what people mean when saying that management has problems. Anyone care to clarify or give examples?

Thanks.
Smile

Hatcher · Joined: 05 Jan 2007

They pay on time but there is no organization and management makes it very clear they dont give a sh*t about you. They would turn on you in a heart beat. The list goes on.
This is SNU and they have a 60% turnover. I know lots of unis in Seoul that have had some teachers for 10 years. This place is lucky to keep one for 3. Why?

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

And LEI is probably interested in hiring you because they have programs for students and professionals who want help with their business or scientific English. They need people with non-traditional ESL teaching backgrounds.

You should know, though, that once you have worked there, you could indeed scout out other university ESL teaching positions. You have the academic qualifications.