Korean Job Discussion Forums

Illysook · Joined: 30 Jun 2008

These recruiters are driving me insane and I am looking for some new job leads. I'm flexible about location, but I would be in a place large enough to have a western style grocery store or E-mart type of place and possibly an English-speaking church.

I've come to understand the visa requirements and I am ready to comply. I have a master's degree (in human resources) but no teaching experiences that I can document. I did substitute teach a few times when I was in graduate school, so I know that I have enough interest to sustain me for at least a year. I hope that I will like it and want to stay longer. I am good and tired of simply getting by here in the U.S. so I would like to save some money and move forward in life.

Unposter · Joined: 04 Jun 2006

If recruiters are giving you the run around, why don't you directly apply to places, especially universities since you have a Master's.

Another option is to do the research - find the location and school you want (with your background I would strongly recomend a public school rather than a hakwon) - and tell the recruiter to make it happen.

Remember you do not pay the recruiter anything, the school does. Think about that and consider who their real customer is.

Nok Yong · Joined: 05 May 2006

Most halfway-decent universities won't consider hiring you without a face-to-face interview, but I do know a couple of people who managed to pull off getting a position from abroad without one. Many won't pay for your airfare or offer housing as well. Your best bet is a public school position just to bring you here and get you acclimated to Korea. You should receive housing and full benefits (severance, pension, medical insurance) also. With a year under your belt and some networking, you'll be primed for a university teaching experience. I would try SMOE, EPIK, and GEPIK in that order. One year completed at a public middle or high school and a master's degree should put you on the shortlist for any number of university positions available.

Despite what you may have been told, you're worth at least 2.5~3.0 million won per month. Recruiters will try to pawn you off to the nastiest crapfests out there for chump change like 2.0~2.2. They're commission driven salespeople with their clients' best interests in mind, the schools who have hired them to fill a vacancy. Be specific about what you want and elucidate your stance that there will be no fvcking compromises.

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

jadarite · Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 4:14 pm Post subject:

Hagwons and public schools are working together too. Public schools will get hagwon teachers which is "overtime" for teachers, and then hagwons get more students after school. Pension is often overlooked in contracts for hagwon jobs, so public schools avoid paying this when teaming up with the hagwons.

I am not saying it's bad, just be careful where your income is coming from in if you choose to take these offers. Personally, I perfer one school, one pay.

Nok Yong · Joined: 05 May 2006

bass, I never said public schools would pay 3.0 or more. Currently, the upper limit being advertised is 2.6 base. I'm no expert on public school pay scales either but I think the op would qualify for near the max being offered, considering an MA. With a year's experience earning 3.0 at a university is attainable.

Jimskins · Joined: 07 Nov 2007

Which public school jobs have a base of 2.6??

I have just been offered my contract with EPIK and the best I could get there with an MA TEFL and one years experience was 2.1 as a 'Level 2' teacher. This is the fixed pay scale at EPIK. The pay scale goes up one more rung above my level to those teachers who have the same qualifications as me but have been at the same school for two years. I assume (the mother of all f-u's) that if you stay there for a long time you will get a +.1 or .2 increase every year, but still, the most you could start on is 2.2 with EPIK.

I know I could have got a lot more at a Hogwan but wanted PS.

I am a bit green when it come to negotiating contracts anyway, but is it possible to negotiate these fixed public school pay scales?

Nok Yong · Joined: 05 May 2006

Jimskins,

You should ask Emily Kim over at worknplay why they've listed EPIK positions for as much as 2.85 per month, SMOE for as much as 3.0.

http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/korea/index.cgi?read=32183

Sounds to me like you're getting low-balled.

daz1979 · Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Location: Gangwon-Do

If you would consider Gangwon-Do I can put you in touch with the co-ordinator over here for EPIK. Just pm me.

Otherside · Joined: 06 Sep 2007

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

To the OP,

Yes most recruiters will flood you with responses and try to get you to sign the first contract they offer. Remember they work for the employer not you, so many don't have your best interest in mind. That being said, do your homework and ask lots of questions. You might also post or search for information about both the recruiter and the school to find out what their reputation is.

Jimskins · Joined: 07 Nov 2007

Well to be honest it's a bit late for me to start negotiating, or looking for somewhere else. I'm due to fly out on August 20th and what with finishing off my MA dissertation things are hectic anyway -not to mention the number of hoops I've already had to jump through to get this contract-I'll have to stick it out for a year.

I'll guess I will have to practice my negotiating skills on trying to secure some decent overtime. Is this generally possible to get at a high school? I know a lot of people have talked about it on here before but it seems to vary from school to school -is that right? Or if I really really want it should I be able to get it? What should I ask for or is there a standard rate?
Question

jadarite · Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 12:53 pm Post subject:

I have been offered 25,000 for overtime. I don't know if that is good or not.

Aussiekimchi · Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Location: SYDNEY

Illysook,
With your Masters and no teaching experience, you will be eligible for a BASE salary of:

EPIK: 2.0MIL ( Level 2 )
GEPIK: 2.1MIL ( level 2 )
SMOE: 2.0MIL ( Level G )

You will get offered more in private schools but you may have longer teaching hours and less vacation.

Do a year in a public school, do some overtime at the school and get your take home pay up a little.
In your second year here, apply for some universities.

DongtanTony · Joined: 22 Feb 2008 Location: Bundang

Yeah...a lot of those advertisements are portraying the earnings potential...not base salaries.

Base salaries are minimal...as listed by other posters...overtime opportunities exist in after school programs...summer camps...rural allowances...and my personal favorite...the multiple schools allowance.

Keep in mind...most people in hagwon world would be up in arms because of the illegality behind having multiple workplaces...but the public schools get away with it without a hitch.

The earnings potential is there...but base salaries are typically much lower than other options.