Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cdninkorea]

I've just accepted a position to work at the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Language Center. I've looked at the contract and asked lots of questions, and it looks like a very good job. If anyone has any further information or insights about the job I would appreciate it if you could enlighten me.

[bassexpander]

A friend of mine likes it there, but they work him something like 30+ hours a week (he loves extra money, and may have requested that much, however).

[justin moffatt]

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD! DON'T DO IT!

Read the previous posts regarding HUFS Language Institute. Worst job I ever had in Korea. I still have nightmares about that place. -brrrrr-

Bassexpander:

If your friend can continously kiss the psychopathic co-ordinator's royal behind on a daily basis, while backstabbing other instructors, living on campus in a monitored rathole, while appeasing high maintenance students constantly, at a pay rate of 2.5mil for his 30 hours (overtime pay included-not including HUGE prep time) then all the power to him.

[agoodmouse]

Could people shrink their avatar images?

[I'm Seoul Lost]

[Harpeau]

[cdninkorea]

I did a search and came up with a couple juicy threads:
http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=75581&highlight=HUFS
http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=109597&highlight=HUFS

You seem to have had a very bad experience, Justin Moffatt. I don't suppose you could go into some more detail about the on-campus housing, could you?

[justin moffatt]

Same post on other link:

Granted, the housing is not directly charged, however, you are forced to live directly on campus and pay "maintenance fees" totalling up to 200,000won per month. Of course this can be convienent due to your lousy spilt shifts (few hours scattered here and there throughout the day, followed by sporadic evening hours),

The security guards are paid to "spy" on the foreigner staff. I know because I was close friends with one of the adminstrators who told me about the various reports. For example, the rumour mill was churning (in administration) that I had "porn" on my coffee table. When is Maxim considered porn? How did they even know I had Maxim? The security guards regularly enter your apartment to look around and yes, STEAL your belongings. I have numerous individuals who can attest to this. I had everything stolen from expensive designer clothing (scarfs, jeans, sweaters) to sundries, to furniture (bookcase). I changed my locks more than once (which of course was "not permitted").

The security guard would also tell my Korean girlfriend at the time, that foreigners were "dirty" and that she was a "sl*t" for dating foreigners. Of course, when I complained to adminstration, nothing happened.

After surviving in the most hostile working environment for a few years, you may have the option of getting off campus housing, which is usually reserved for families or those who regularly kiss the co-ordinators bum.

Now depending on your standards and luck, you may receive an apartment that has heat, gas, water, stained wallpaper, cockroaches, horrid, rank smells, excessive street noise (or festival noise), paper thin walls (so you can always hear your colleagues business), and clausterphobic interior (shoebox).

If you have no other options, and have to accept this position, get housing off campus with a small deposit and pay 300,000won+ monthly. PM me and I will recommend some places for you. Although, if you enjoy your students seeing you every day and gossiping about what you do on your day off go for it!

[justin moffatt]

Harpeau:

It is my understanding that the co-ordinators husband is a high ranking administrator at HUFS, so she will never get fired. Furthermore, no Korean staff wants her position and have to "deal with foreigners" (according to conversations I had with various Korean administrators). Ironic for a Foreign Language University.

The funny part is she was previously a Graduate Student in the TESOL program, and was highly disliked by all her non-Korean professors (she barely passed the program).

The sad truth is that the program has potential, however, until the narcissistic, borderline personality, anti-social tendencies ridden co-ordinator leaves or gets therapy, the department is doomed.

[Metsuke]

I'd like to confirm the info in this thread.

Avoid the HUFS FLTTC job at all costs.