Korean Job Discussion Forums

[hedonizm]

Hi....I have accepted a job here. I don't need to know about all of the bad things that have happened in the past at Wonderland schools....I'm just curious to hear from anyone who is currently working here, or at another branch.
I am coming from Japan and have teaching experience.
Please don't ask me why I'm coming from Japan....it seems everyone wants to come here????
I just need to know the honest situation there so I know what to expect.
I took the job quickly, and didn't do much research, as people that I know working in Korea recommended the recruiting agency I'm using.
If I get there and things are unacceptable.....I will leave. No problem.
I've been reading about teachers not getting paid, etc....and I really can't be put in that situation.
Thanks for any info!

[crosbystillsstash]

I did a year at WL Songpa. It's not the worst, just the average hakwon.

Here are the problems I saw first hand:

1. No health insurance ILLEGAL

2. No pension ILLEGAL

3. Threats of being fired for taking sick days which are in the contract.

4. Appartments that are full of roaches.


(what does it say about Korean hakwons when this is NOT the worst)


Good luck, you should have asked before signing.

Basically it will be all about edutainment. There were 3 runners while I was there, but that's not all becuase of the hakwon. I wasn't paid late. But make sure you count your money, especially final pay and airfaire. "Mistakes" happen.

[hedonizm]

Thanks for the straightforward info!

My contract says: the teacher will be covered by medical insurance under the korean medical insurance union.

Anything else about the apartments.....specifically the condition of the place? I have lived in Thailand and various strange places....even a place with rats in chicago....so I'm more concerned with things like: natural light, flooring, size, etc......how the place can look when I get in there and make it mine.......very important to me!

Thanks!

[crosbystillsstash]

The apartments again are not the worst. WL Song pa appts will be old, and may have leaks/mould/roaches.

BTW: my contract said medical too. We never got the insurance card, and were naive about it. Not anymore.

[hedonizm]

Thanks again....one more question if you don't mind......
What is the the Songpa area like.....markets, gyms, shopping, etc......?

[ttompatz]

You WON'T get:
Your pension
Your medical
Your overtime

You will get:
Your base salary
Your airfare
Your severance (mostly).
Basic housing.

You will be overtaxed (by about double) and will NOT get your refund next spring.

You will work longer days that most. 8-11 hours per day (start time to finish time).

.

[hedonizm]

I will simply refuse to work overtime without being paid for it. Simple enough for me.
Also, how is it that they don't pay medical if it's in my contract?
I will insist and if I don't get it....well......I'll have to quit.
I was told I would be working from 11 to 6.
I guess I will find out for myself next week about all of this. I'm not a picky person, but I will not be lied to and taken advantage of.
I hope that the situation is not too bad. I have worked in several places and you always the people who complain and pick apart every little detail and make things sound worse than they are.

[cruisemonkey]

[hedonizm]

I don't think so! I've been there and have worked in S.E Asia.....just curious what they will say to me when I ask about the insurance and why they won't provide it?
I will call them out on it and find other employment if I am lied to and not provided with what is in my contract.

[ttompatz]

[esetters21]

You always seem to mention that you are coming from Japan in every post here. Then you get all bent out of shape when people ask you why you are leaving there. Why do you feel the need to always mention that? Is that special? You ask questions here and get offended when people tell you the way Korea is. Get off of your high horse. We have ALL been in and around Asia. You are in for a rude awakening in Korea with your "I'm special" attitude. Good luck in your hagwon job at WonderLand. That chain has earned its reputation for many reasons.

As far as having teaching experience goes; Korea doesn't care. You have no more leverage than a noob, which you will be here.

[hedonizm]

thanks for taking the time to browse through my posts......any info??
i certainly don't think i'm special....i'm coming to korea because i need to get out of this city for awhile.
i am clear about the situation there and am also clear on the fact that so many people exaggerate when they post here.
i am also willing to accept many things which may be out of my control and simply part of working in asia.
i am not willing to accept being taken advantage of and lied to.
are you following me?
now.......if things do not work for me at the school, i am well aware that i will have to take care accordingly, and on my 'dime'. i have a friend there and a husband and an apartment here in tokyo and if i need to leave i will. i didn't ask for advice on how to handle my personal life, nor do i need any help with that.
so.....i'll get back to you on whether or not i get my health insurance at wonderful wonderland.
and........i'm a woman DUDE!

[Cheonmunka]

[crosbystillsstash]

They fed us this line: " You pay for your doctor visits, and we reimburse you at the end of the contract".

They will pay overtime, but the way they work the monthly session will me most of what you thought was overtime can magically dissapear.

Kindy starts at 9 AM, and classes finnish 7-30 PM. Most people have a few months of hideous split shifts which we all moaned about.

[crosbystillsstash]

Wonderland cetainly doesn't care about experience, but may be usefull as far as classroom management goes. The boss at Songpa is a little less crooked than most, but don't fully trust him.