Korean Job Discussion Forums

[pecan]

1) Those of you working for the SMOE and living in the housing provided by your school, would you mind posting about the size, age, and quality of your accommodation? Are you satisfied with it?

Those of you that opted for the 500,000 housing allowance, were you able to find suitable housing with that amount of money? Any details you care to give would be much appreciated.

2) Those of you working for the SMOE, how much unofficial vacation are you able to get during the summer and winter breaks? I realize that every school is different, but I am curious as to whether many of you are expected to come in to school during the winter and summer breaks when you don't have classes.

Also, during testing days, etc. are you expected to come to school?

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

[aarontendo]

When I worked for SMOE I had to park my ass every day at school during the holiday, except my vacation days. Same-same for test days.

I did get to go home at noon though so I can't complain too much, I hear some guys had to stay the whole time. They did try to tell me to stay once and I said had to go for lunch and just bailed heh.

[Fishead soup]

[Mr. BlackCat]

Lots of SMOE housing q's these days. You're lucky I work for SMOE and therefore have 4 hours to fiddle around on the internet every afternoon.

Housing: I didn't like the place they set up for me so I found my own. I had to hold my ground to get the allowance, but nothing compared to getting a chun 'un out of Mrs. Kim Hagwon owner's hands for OT. I actually found my place through this site through another poster and I think I was very fourtunate. So I don't have any advice other than check buy/sell/trade here and talk to as many people as possible. You probably won't know where you're working before you get here anyway, so that makes it harder.

Sitting on arse: I have to come in on field trip days and other do nothing days and just sit around. That's fine. I signed a contract for 8 hour days. They could be mean and just give me busy work to do instead. This may be the only job I get paid to watch the Simpsons online, so I'll keep it. There's been enough school holidays and early days to go around. No complaints.

About summer and winter breaks, I have no real input on those (I haven't been here that long). It really is up to your principal, but a couple of people in my district have told me they got a 5 week break last winter. Again, I signed the contract so I can't get too upset if they expect me to come in on those breaks. It's good because it forces me to do some studying. Or watch the Simpsons. Whatever.

[Charriere]

Although my accommodation isn't that spacious compared to some that I've seen it's good enough for me...On the wage slip the monthly rent that is quoted is 480,000 which I can believe and its within walking distance from my school.
As for this summer, I've been told that i will be expected to honour my 22 hours/week. This is a little frustrating when compared to the stance taken by other schools but as a previous poster said...I signed the contract...so I'm in no position to complain or make unreasonable demands!
Does anyone have any information on the district camps which will held over summer? I have talked to my co-teacher about what happened in previous years but I still feel a little in the dark as to; what's expected of the nset, how long it will last, the likelihood of being asked to take part...

[Bibbitybop]

I'm sure you've read about the insanely small officetell rooms some teachers are placed in at Dongdaemun Stadium station? If not, look it up, avoid it.

My personal apartment is irrelevant as I found the place myself.

Most people who get a studio apartment of decent size. Some people on the outer rims of town get loft apartments. The further away you are from the center, the bigger your apartment should be.

[pecan]

Thanks to those of you that took the time to respond.

What size are the apartments that are being provided? Are you guys living in 5 pyoung closets or 14 pyoung villas? Big difference between the two in my opinion, but after reading other threads, it sounds like some don't mind living in a 5 pyoung box (my stuff wouldn't begin to fit).

Any of you ever worked for GEPIK or EPIK before moving to SMOE? I would appreciate hearing your comments.

I sure hope more teachers from the SMOE will share their experience.

Thanks again.

[aarontendo]

[Binch Lover]

I live in a very expensive area, so the school pays 900,000 for my apt every month. It's not that big... maybe 9 pyeong but it was fully furnished and everything was set up (cable, internet). I'm happy enough and so are others in my district.

[Mr. BlackCat]

I was placed in a 4 or 5 pyeong (not exactly sure) closet when I first got here. My school is on the edge of the city pretty far from the nearest subway in a working class area. I expected a nice big place. I was wrong. Apparently they were paying almost as much as my nice modern and bigger place last year right outside Gangnam station. Huh? And THEY bought most of the furniture! My current place is more than twice the size and in a great and high demand neighbourhood and I pay considerably less (and was almost completely furnished). Maybe they should hire me to do the apartment hunting for them.

[cdpak]

I actually live at the co op in Dongdaemun Stadium. At first, I wanted to move out due to the small size. Now after two months, I actually like it. $100 maintenance fee covers AC, water, utilities... Also, they clean my room twice a month. The location is central to pretty much everywhere. My only complaint is the expensive dry cleaning.

[cdpak]

I actually live at the co op in Dongdaemun Stadium. At first, I wanted to move out due to the small size. Now after two months, I actually like it. $100 maintenance fee covers AC, water, utilities... Also, they clean my room twice a month. The location is central to pretty much everywhere. My only complaint is the expensive dry cleaning.

[Bibbitybop]