Korean Job Discussion Forums

ions · Joined: 24 Jan 2003

Hello I have been offered a job at a school called Wonderland located in Mokpo. I wanted to know if this school has a good reputation. I recall reading bad things about a Wonderland school, however, I am not sure if it was the one in Mokpo.

Also I wanted some opinions on the following. Currently I can work in Mokpo, Budang and Busan. I would like to get to know the Korean culture and see both the nature and the city life. I would also like to learn more about Buddhism.

What City would you recommend for a person that wants the best of both worlds; spirituality and nature along with city life and parties?

Finally, how important is to have one's own apartment. Would you definitely go for a single apartment vs. a shared apartment?

Thank you for responses.

Bulsajo · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

I don't know that particular school and have never been to Mokpo, but I can tell you this- Mokpo is way out in the boonies, the Wonderland franchise doesn't have a sparkling reputation, and you can learn about Buddhism just about anywhere in Korea.

rasta man · Guest

One phrase: DON'T GO TO WONDERLAND!!!!!!!!!! The horror stories are incredible. There is even a website called "Prisoner of Wonderland" that describes 2 girls horrific experience at one in Taegu. There has even been talk of organizing a boycott of Wonderland

Somebody may counter with "they are a franchise operation so each school may be different" thats a load of bull. The horror stories are from all over Korea.

If you take it be ready for lonng, looonnnnngggg hours, coming in on Saturdays for no pay, getting shafted on OT, being forced to serve lunch to the munchkins you name it.

There is another phrase we long timers use: "Friends don't let friends work for Wonderland"

kimcheeking · Guest

Do a web search for "prisoners of wonderland" there are some stories there for you.

Captain Obvious 2.0 · Joined: 09 Jan 2003

Hotuk · Joined: 10 Jan 2003

In my experience, Rasta's correct. Reports of good Wonderlands are in fact quite rare, though they do exist. I saw one in northern Seoul that makes me believe, having also heard similar complaints from around the country, that their problem is systemic rather than with individual franchises.

I think it's particularly dangerous for us to advise newbies, "Wonderlands could be great! Who knows - they're all different..." That's only going to result in more jaded and bitter whining ex-teachers. Those girls' website is a good lesson in how prior education and research (which they didn't do) can save you. This board, and the job information journal, provides that valuable function.

asamouse · Joined: 19 Jan 2003

ions · Joined: 24 Jan 2003

So I guess I should not accept the contract at Wonderland. Its hard to know what school to choose. At the same time I am becoming impatient and want to take the contract that sends me out of Canadas as soon as possible. I was suppose to leave January 7 but my contract got cancelled and now my recruiter has been busy with his father's funeral for the last two weeks. He said he cannot find me a job because there are so many competing recruiters.

Grrrr..... I don't know who to trust anymore. I trusted him and he disappointed me.

Maybe what I can do is post my contracts on here and you guys can tell me what you think. Hmmm but this may be unproffesional. Should I post contracts (perhaps summarize them ) on here and get your advice???

Thanks

Peter.

Hotuk · Joined: 10 Jan 2003

Summarize very briefly in this thread (no need to start a new one) - I think some of us would be glad to give our opinions. Be aware though that a contract that another teacher wouldn't consider might be perfectly acceptable to you. Especially with salary issues - personally, I'd prefer the school that paid me 1.8 and treated me well over the one that paid me 2.2 and made my life miserable in ways only hogwons can.

Good luck-
H

kimcheeking · Guest

rasta man · Guest

What I really want to say about your response to my post isn't appropiate for this forum nor would I ask the moderators for any latitude if I wanted to post it.

What I will say is your "incorrect" response to my post is a waste of bandwidth and time. If you are going to conter what I and anybody else say then give some reasoning for why what I said was "incorrect" Do you work for Wonderland? Can you provide documentation of what said to be "incorrect"? Do you know the website those girls wrote is a lie? Can you offer any evidence that what has been said is in error? Facts win arguments, simply saying "incorrect" is no way to engage in a civilized debate

This board had been doing a great job in posting reliable information on topics. Simply saying a post is "incorrect" and offering no evidence to counter me or anybody else does the original poster a serious disservice.

there I feel better, Wink

now time to start thinking about the Super Bowl Very Happy

. Take the Buc's (you can't go wrong with a Dayton grad coaching a team) and the over in the point total, you should be able to make some good money. At least I hope so

Dan · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Sunny Glendale, CA

you should know never to make a bet until you know the spread Wink

jaderedux · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: Lurking outside Seoul

I agree in some respects that each Wonderland is different.

Some friends of mine worked in a Wonderland in Anyang. While they were there it wasn't bad as far as the general treatment.

They were frequently taken to dinner, in fact almost every Friday night. The supervisor helped one of the teachers arrange for his parents to visit and gave him some time off when they came. Same for one of the teachers when her boyfriend came to visit.

One thing that did suck for them was the schedule. They absolutely never got home from before 6:30 p.m. And they had to be there at 8:30 or 9:00. 6:30 p.m. was the absolute earliest they got home and didn't happen often. Usually they all worked till 7:30. They had to do alot of extra stuff that wasn't mentioned in the contract.

The paperwork and schedule was made up by someone on another planet I am pretty sure of that. The activity days were hell for them. Lots of extra work and no extra pay. But, they were never abused and when one of them got sick they took them to the doctor and then insisted they stay home. (yes, I said "stay home"). Same thing for one of the female teachers she got food poisoning and she had to stay home for 2 days and they not only took her to the doctor they also brought her food etc. while she was home sick.

One of the teachers decided to leave early and did it above board and they were very fair with him. He paid his return airfare but they did return all of the deposits taken out of his pay. They paid him his regular pay on his payday and the day before he left they paid him his deposit back. I think they were very fair but he did give them a little over 2 months notice.

I do need to mention that the really nice supervisor and his wife left the school to start their own business so I have no idea if it is still as generous with their foriegn teachers. But there is no question they underhire and the schedules can be brutal. This seems to be inherent in the Wonderland system.

As for me I worked for a Kid's Herald (Pyong Chon) and it rocked. The best experience for a first year teacher. Great boss, great school, good teaching enviroment, decent accomodations. Not that there weren't problems but the boss was fair, kind and EXTREMELY generous to all his employees. But if you read these boards they will tell you how horrible Kid's Herald was and is.

The bottom line is DO YOUR RESEARCH. Insist on speaking to speaking to former and/or current teachers. If you are here already. Visit the school, ask to see accomodations. Really read your contract. And ask questions.

Trust me it can be a great experience.

Jade

william beckerson · Guest

rasta man · Guest