Korean Job Discussion Forums

[SrBurrito]

The wife and I just got an offer for Avalon school in Youngtong. This is our first time teaching in Korea. I got offered 2.1m and my wife got 2.2 due to experience teaching in the US (of which I have none, although I was an English major). Just wondering if anyone had any insight about this school specifically or the area.

This is the first offer we've gotten, should we hold out for something better?

Thanks

[Justin Kimberlake]

Hold out. Someone with teaching experience in the States can make A LOT more than 2.2 here in Korea.

[ChinaBoy]

yes, well I read what the OP posted and he does NOT have teaching experience

take it

[Justin Kimberlake]

[xCustomx]

Even without teaching experience you should try to get 2.3+

I was making 2.0 without any experience, and that was more than 3 years ago.

[KYC]

You have an English major..that should count for something at least. Even without experience, you should be starting at least 2.2 with Hagwon.

With no experience, I started at 2.2 at public school with a non education major.

[I-am-me]

Wife should demand 2.5 and you should demand 2.3. Don't let them snowball you with the lowest amount. An inexperienced korean teacher will make 1.9 and be part time!!!!

[SrBurrito]

[theatrelily]

[IncognitoHFX]

[DongtanTony]

I'd say pass...

Avalon...and many franchise/chain schools keep wages low by constantly hiring new teachers. Plus, these schools typically have low teacher retention rates...partly because teachers will find greener pastures after their first year...or because many teachers find themselves leaving before the term of their contract expires.

In my opinion...you're not going to get much better of an offer from that particular school.

[IncognitoHFX]

[Poemer]

I can attest to being F*cked with by Avalon in a variety of ways. The sad thing is that as much as they put me, and others, through, it is still probably a middle of the road type place. There are definitely better hakwons, but there are definitely worse places too. They have been aggressively expanding and franchising recently, so take that in account as well. Conditions at individual schools will vary. The location you are talking about didn't exist when I worked for Avalon, so I can't tell you anything about it.

That salary is definitely low, I started there as a newb 3 years ago and was making 2.3 mil after getting 2.2 for a three month trial period. They always low-ball, but if you bring something to the table and have some negotiating skills, they will go higher. I had an MA, but no relevant teaching experience.

[IncognitoHFX]

[branchsnapper]

Is that part of the method-school chain based in London, with the lessons with a set series of questions?