Korean Job Discussion Forums

[nolegirl]

Ok, so I was going to work with an after school program but then I realized it really is not that sweet of a deal. You work 12-5 every day, your apt is shitty and I have to work for a sketchy program for 2.5 million and as the recruiter said you could be jobless if you don't keep attendance up. So............

How does this job sound:

M/W/F - 3-9:40
T/T - 3-5

Really big apt in a nice Bldg with 2 bedrooms on the 12 th floor.

Its in the area just south of the river where the Olymics was held, forogt the name.

10 days paid vacation and Natl holidays.

I am going to make 2.3 but I said I want 2.4-2.5 so we'll see.

I think it sounds good... right?!

[nomad-ish]

there's other things to consider then just pay, hours, and housing... i suggest you post the entire contract in the contract sticky above for people to read over and comment on

[PRagic]

Take it while you can. If the new measures go though, then 2-year degree holders will be lowering the roof on hakwon pay anyway.

[wylies99]

Hagwons are bad news. If you have a genuine diploma, why not go for a public school job? You do have a genuine diploma, right?

[DongtanTony]

I've worked at two hagwons...staying for a third year...at my second school.

They're not all bad.

Nolegirl....talk to foreign teachers...go see the school and facilities if possible...it sounds like you might have the ability to do so.

Research research research. Especially if you have the ability to do a face-to-face with these guys.

I echo the sentiments of nomad-ish.....post that contract in the sticky for more detailed opinions.

[nolegirl]

Well I don't have the contract yet b/c I just sent an e-mail on Friday saying I was interested to my recruiter but when I get it I'll post.

I dunno, from looking at other jobs posted this seems like a pretty good deal. And the apt pics were real nice. I wish there was a way to get a job where you had Fridays off, now that would be perfect!!! I mean it seems like you can't really travel around Asia b/c you have to be back at work on Monday... do alot of people travel or have 3 day weekends??

[wylies99]

Don't dismiss the "secure" issue so lightly. You can have a lot of fun in Korea but you can't do any of it unless you GET PAID.

[loose_ends]

[nolegirl]

Yeah... I got the contract and it was not that great it said this:

1) Actual class instruction hours of Employee shall be 120 teaching hours per month.
The work week runs from Monday through Friday in monthly periods.
The Teacher�s schedule will be assigned by the Institute Director and Academic supervisor.
If, however, Employee's actual monthly class instruction hours exceed 120 teaching hours, overtime pay will be provided.
2) The Work Hours of Employee are 9hours including break time or 8hours per day.
The Employee is required to stay and work at the times in school.
3) The Employee will be required to devote the remaining hours to related academic work under the supervision of the director.
4) Working hours may be modified from time to time at the sole discretion of the Employer depending on a session and needs of Institute


So I guess my hours are not that great since I have to stay at the school it seems like. I thought I was getting better hours but I am not.

[ttompatz]

And before you dismiss public schools altogether, they are not all out in the sticks. There are 2 elementary schools in Bundang still looking for teachers.

The starting salaries at public schools have gone up. Starting salary with no qualifications other than a bachelors degree is 2 mil for 22 classes and 20k per extra class. M-F, 8:30-4:30. (extra classes happen between 2 and 4:30pm) 4-6 weeks paid holiday. Secure pay and benefits.

.

[nolegirl]

Thanks ttompatz. I don't know. I did a big mistake and gave my notice to my current employer here in the states so my last day is May 27th. So I want to get a job rather quickly.
How do public schools work.. when do you get your vacation?? In the summer months?

Wheres Bundang?

thanks

[garykasparov]

There are many new teachers who make the mistake of not asking questions to teachers. For example:

Hagwons

It would be a good idea to e-mail the following questions to more than two foreign teachers who are currently working at the school. If you speak to a teacher over the telephone, there�s a good chance the employer may be listening to the telephone conversation.


Working Hours

( 1 ) What are your working hours?
( 2 ) When do you prepare for classes?
( 3 ) How long do you prepare for your classes?
( 4 ) How long are your breaks?
( 5 ) Does your employer allow you to use your breaks freely?
( 6 ) How many classes do you teach per day?
( 7 ) How much time do you spend teaching per class?
( 8 ) Do working hours change during summer and winter vacation periods?


Job Duties

( 1 ) What job duties do you perform that are not written in your contract?

Wages & Overtime Wages

( 1 ) Does your employer always pay overtime wages?
( 2 ) Does your employer pay your wages in cash or deposit your wages into your Korean bank account?


Pay receipt

( 1 ) Does your employer provide pay receipts that clearly state the date of pay, pay period dates, overtime wages earned, monthly salary including deductions from your monthly salary for ( a ) pension, ( b ) income tax and ( c ) health insurance?

Health Insurance

( 1 ) Has your employer provided you with a health insurance card?
( 2 ) Does your employer pay contributions for both parties to the National Health Insurance Corporation?

Pension

( 1 ) Does your employer pay into the Korean Pension Plan?

Income Taxes

( 1 ) Does your employer deduct the correct amount for income taxes from your monthly salary?
( 2 ) Does your employer pay deductions from your monthly salary for income taxes to the tax office?

Severance Pay

( 1 ) Does your employer always pay severance pay upon completion of the contract?

Living Conditions

( 1 ) Was your apartment clean upon arrival?
( 2 ) Were you provided with all the furnishings as stated in your contract?
( 3 ) Were all the furnishings/appliances in working order when you moved into your apartment?
( 4 ) Does your employer respect your right to privacy?

Paid Annual Leave

( 1 ) When and how do you use your paid annual leave?

Dismissal

( 1 ) Does your employer have a reputation of dismissing teachers for the sole purpose of not paying them last month�s wages, airfare and severance pay?

Financial

( 1 ) Is the school in financial trouble?

Paid Sick Leave

( 1 ) If teachers use a day of paid sick leave, does your employer require them to work another day to make up for the hours missed?

Students/Teachers

( 1 ) How many students attend the school?
( 2 ) How many students do you teach per class?
( 3 ) How many Korean teachers work at the school?
( 4 ) How many foreign teachers work at the school?
( 5 ) Is the director abusive towards students or teachers?