Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Been There, Taught That]

I just talked to Phil Reynolds of Direct English/Pagoda about working for them, and everything sounds good so far. That's why I'm here. What kind of experiences/reports/good things/bad things can anyone relate?

From what's been discussed, everything I need with a wife and daughter in tow seems to be in place or achievable, and I think that seems to be because they are such a large organization. Can't be too careful, though.

Whaddaya know about 'em? Anyone? Anyone currently working for them?

[mountainous]

here is a very recent thread: http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=122703&sid=51d7bf2060c99740cb0467031a68b249

[spliff]

Still want to work there?

[darkcity]

i will start working for them soon. should leave in about three weeks. euljiro site.

from the research i've done, the people on this forum seem to have a 50/50 opinion of them. some people have had bad experiences, others feel it's a great way to start out a gig in seoul. there's quite a few threads on Direct English here, but a lot of them are old, so keep that in mind when researching.

Phil gave me a list of some of the current workers there. I emailed four of them. One of the guys sounded pretty dead tired and unhappy. The other three had no serious complaints. They just said to be aware of what you're getting into regarding the split shifts.

They do have a high turnover rate, it seems. I think few people finish their contracts for a variety of reasons.

I wasn't too hesitant to sign the contract. Despite the long working hours and no provided accommodation, it has everything else I wanted: one-on-one, in Seoul, adults, zero prep. We'll see if my decision pays off.

The most common gripe I came across in my research was the long and inconvenient hours. I personally don't care though, what else am I going to do? There's really not much else to do in Korea except eat and drink and go to pubs with stone cold women. You may feel differently about the workload, with a wife and kid to worry about. Best of luck to both of us.

[spliff]

I wouldn't want to work where some disgruntled student can get you fired for not properly kissing their bum.

[PRagic]

split shifts will suck the life out of you. avoid, avoid, avoid, especially if you have a family. young and single can swing it, but it still takes it's toll.

[TOMODACHI-KID]

[Col.Brandon]

[jackdaniels]

I had a job lined up with direct english back in Dec 07. I finally got to talk to a current teacher and the recruiter was toatlly off. Glad I didn't take that offer.

[purple_buddha]