Korean Job Discussion Forums

[KoreanAmbition]

PRagic,

I think your last post might point towards the reason of why other posters are commenting about a high turnover.

Yes, high turnover often raises questions about problems, however, there is also a chance that high turnover is caused by some other things.

If Pragic is correct, then possibly a larger than average number of teachers move on to better (or more conducive) jobs thanks to the experience and resume-assistance they get at the LEI of SNU.

I do however agree that a 60% turnover rate is high, but I just am not sure how that poster received the information, and whether it is accurate.

[Hatcher]

I wont tell u how i know but all you have to do is talk to any of the teachers that were-are there. They have ten to twelve on staff and this year maybe 3 will stay, four if they are lucky. I know several. The longest anyone has been there is four years.

[KoreanAmbition]

Hatcher,

I did not mean to say I didn't believe you, but at the same time, I unfortunately have no way to talk to any teachers that "were/are" there.

Since you do know about the staff issues, can you answer something for me?

Even though those teachers have left due to management issues, were the issues really horrible? I have worked for jobs before that had problems, but sometimes things were "inconvenient" and "not perfect", which was a pain in the butt, but I could tolerate.

The money at the SNU job is pretty decent, so based on that, there is a higher threshold of tolerance for "inconveniences".

[Hatcher]

As far as hogwans go -and it is a hogwan - it is ok. The management at Pagoda and YBM dont care about their teachers either. In that respect, it is no different at SNU LEI. I would say that if they hire you, you can probably get another job at a university where you get better pay and more holidays.

[TECO]

[DrunkenMaster]

[TECO]

[KoreanAmbition]

Teco, I'm hoping that in 4-6 months I'll still be able to say it's "tolerable". hehe

To be honest, they haven't told me about hours other than how many I'll be working. Hmmm, I wish I knew all these details you guys seem to have.


The LEI contracts 16 hours of work but it seems there up to another mandatory 5 hours per week they can issue a worker, so basically 21 hours a week is the working hours..... then that averages 4 hours per day. I admit that I'm a night person so I won't enjoy getting up at 6am... but if the day starts at 6am, there is only so many ways to distribute 4 hours of class. There has to be off-time in there somewhere.

I only have to promise 2 office hours per week so that's not even something I'll care about since I'd be there more than that anyways.

I'm not disagreeing with comments from this thread, I'm just saying I really don't know all the details of how things operate there.

If anyone would like to offer specifics that would be appreciated. Should we assume shifts start at 6am each day?

[DrunkenMaster]

I'm guessing this is the job. Doesn't sound too terrible considering it's a hakwon and there's no grading involved.

Job Post (Feb. 2008)
Position: Full-time English Instructor (annually renewable; no expiration cap on number of contract renewals)
Organization: Language Education Institute, Seoul National University
Location: Seoul, Republic of Korea

In response to the continuing success of its expanding programs, the Language Education Institute (LEI) at Seoul National University is planning to create one additional full-time English instructor position. We are looking for a dedicated and responsible, native English-speaking instructor who can start teaching our English Conversation/Composition/EAP/ESP classes in July or September, 2008. The LEI provides non-credit classes for SNU students, faculty and staff as well as specialized classes and services for the various SNU professional and academic communities. SNU, the most prestigious university in Korea, boasts an outstanding academic atmosphere and a spacious campus comfortably surrounded by scenic mountains. Come join us now!

QUALIFICATIONS:

A master�s degree from an English-speaking country, with preference given to candidates with EFL related credentials and teaching experience at the university level. We are interested in instructors who can help us to continue advancing our popular core conversation and writing classes as well as candidates who could assist with the workshops, intensive programs, and consultation services tailored toward specific professional and academic communities on our campus. A BA degree holder is required to have over three years of teaching experience at the university level.


JOB DESCRIPTION:
16 hours in-class hours per week, as well as work related to the classes.

SALARY:
The monthly salary is 2,470,000 KRW (about 2,400 USD) for a BA holder and 2,670,000 KRW (about 2,600 USD) for an MA holder. You will be paid separately for additional/extra teaching/work. Upon the completion of the contract, severance pay is also made.

HOUSING:
You will be provided with either a rent-free, minimally furnished, one- or two-bedroom Faculty Apartment close to the campus or housing support in a certain amount each month.

VACATIONS:
You will have an annual total of 14 weeks paid vacation.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:
- You will be paid the amount of 1,000,000 KRW for one round-trip airfare at the end of the contract.
- You may take courses in the LEI�s Korean Language Program free of charge, provided that your attendance does not interfere with your duties in the English Conversation program.
http://nursing0.snu.ac.kr/eng/se08_ca/se08_notice/1217834_6208.html

[KoreanAmbition]

What is the going definition of "hakwon"?


Drunkenmaster,

I'm a fan of the 14 weeks of paid vacation plus 2 more weeks of national holidays.

When I first came on these boards my goal was to find something that paid in excess of 3 million won per month. This job pays about 3.3 million won per month if they make me work the 21 hours that the contract says I have to abide by.

I know that many others here have superior jobs and don't need to work as many hours (and still possibly earn more money), but for a pre-newbie I can say that I'm willing to take the risk on this job.

[DrunkenMaster]

In my opinion, a hakwon is any Korean for-profit non-credit language teaching organization.

The truth is, you could do worse. If you want to come over and start out at 3.3 million month, then take the job.

[KoreanAmbition]

Drunken, TECO,

Are you both with universities? Or language institutes at universities maybe?

If so, can you tell me a bit about your hours and also how much vacation you get?

You both seem to have good jobs, so I'm curious how long it too you get them.

(Anyone else that wants to share is more than welcome of course. )

Thanks