Korean Job Discussion Forums

[hedonizm]

Hi all....

I'll be coming over from Japan very soon and I'm just wondering a few things about the basic hagwon. I'll be teaching ages 6-15.

1. What kinds of materials are usually provided and made available?

By this I mean books, flashcards, etc.......as well as access to photocopiers and such.

2. Are there Korean assistants in the classrooms to help?

I have 3 years experience, so I know what I'm doing.......most of the time anyway! But..... every country is different, so I'm curious about what to expect from the school itself.

Thanks in advance for any insight.

[overq64]

Many might be surprised you are going that way across the sea of Japan...

But, some things about Korea are probably better.

I have never worked in a Hogwon, so cannot say for sure but I know resources vary enormously. The only people who can tell you are previous/current employees where you will work.

You shouldn't take a job anywhere in Korea unless you can speak by voice to at least one person who has worked there. Preferably someone who has recently left, so cannot be pressurised.

A huge difference between Korea and Japan visa laws means you will be locked in for a year if you take any legal job. In Japan if your boss messes you around you can walk down the road and work for his competitor. That changes everything.

Whatever you decide I hope it works out for you.

[ttompatz]

[hedonizm]

This answered none of my questions!
I have a job and am pretty confident it's a decent school.
My reasons for coming to Korea are also not of importance.........but the teaching situation here sucks if you really want to know and finding a good job in Tokyo is tough. I quit my job because my boss was an ex-nova tool, and after looking for several months I couldn't find anything I wanted to take.
I teach because I like to travel and experience new things.....that's what I'll be doing in Seoul.
I'm married to a Japanese man so I'll be back.....but to tell you the truth, I need a break from this place!
So........any answers to my questions posted?

[hedonizm]

sorry....this addresses the first post. my reply posted later than the last poster........thanks for the info!!

[call_the_shots]

Just out of curiosity, why are you leaving Japan? I was thinking about going to Japan next year after my contract here is finished. But the job market in Japan seems challenging for teachers nowadays, and your leaving Japan in favor of Korea seems to be further evidence of that, unless you have a different reason for coming here?

[maingman]

What kinds of materials are usually provided and made available?

zero expect some /from set text books

I bought MY OWN flascards out of my OWN money


2. Are there Korean assistants in the classrooms to help?

ttompatz wrote : 2) NO - not in a hagwon. You will teach on your own. There will probably be some K-teachers in the school but you will not be in class together.
(this is different from a Public School).

- wrong


YES - i have one in each of my class -usually marking books and doing nothing else ! in my hagwon

[noumenalself]

I was also considering Japan. You might find these links to be of some interest:

http://www.geocities.com/esl_korea/TheJapanMyth.html

http://seamonkey.ed.asu.edu/~jonb/upd_ko_jp.html

The second link contains a letter, I don't know how old, from someone discussing why they are leaving Japan for Korea after having taught in both.

[call_the_shots]

[hedonizm]

ummmm.......read my post! i think i mentioned why. i need a break from this place and am craving a little chaos in my daily life!

everyone over there seems to want to come to japan...it's a great place, but not the best place to teach. i can only speak for tokyo.
it's expensive if you lead a somewhat active lifestyle and enjoy eating out, shopping, entertainment, etc....
there are jobs, but a lot of competition and outside of the peak hiring times it's difficult. many places only hire pt and wont sponser a visa.
i really wanted to come here and i did it......came straight from bangkok and found a job, got married, moved into a nice apartment, etc....

u need money and you have to have a good head on your shoulders. i know i'll miss it here....especially the food....but i'm also really looking forward to exploring a new place.....that's why i'm in the game!
and....i'll have an apartment in both places.....oh yea!

[call_the_shots]

You're right, I seem to have overlooked your 2nd post. Anyway, thanks for the information.