Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kiwiduncan]

Does anyone here know of anyone working at one of the international schools in Korea? (eg, Seoul Foreign School etc). What's their deal with pay and benefits, and how does teaching little embassy kids and other foreign kids compare to standard teaching in Korea?

Cheers,

Duncan

[ttompatz]

[hwarangi]

........

[Konglishman]

Our above renown poster, Ttompatz mentioned Korea International School. You also mentioned Seoul Foreign School. In terms of teacher benefits, work environment, and quality of education for the students, I am under the impression that these are the two best international schools in Korea.

Another school that will likely be a high quality international school is the New Songdo City International School, but of course, we will have to wait and see since it has not opened yet.

At these schools, a teacher is probably making 4 thousand dollars or more per month. Even better, a large fraction of that salary is paid in USD. Also, I am fairly certain the teachers at those schools get around 12 full weeks of paid vacation. With public holidays added in and so forth, it probably works out to be 14 weeks of vacation.

In order to get a job at one of those top-notch international schools, in all likelihood, you be absolutely required to have a teaching certificate.

As for myself, I am working at one of the lower end international schools. In order to maintain my anonynimity, I am not saying which one though. Nonetheless, I am still getting some decent benefits in comparison to the typical foreign teacher. I get 9 full weeks of paid vacation which works out to around 11 weeks of vacation with the public holidays and other random days off added in. However, my salary is only comparable to a typical salary at a hagwon or public school, and I am paid in Won, not USD. But I am not complaining. In fact, I consider my current job to be a sort of resume builder.

[Yesterday]

I was standing outside the "Foreign International school of Seoul) yesterday at Hangangjin Station - trying to spot this "Volvo" building that has the "Foreigner supermarket" in its basement...

It was 2pm and I guess school was just out for the day..

I saw many happy and professional American teachers coming out of the school...

they looked so professional compared to the "usual foreigners" I see on the footpath...

the school itself looked wonderful - so modern and huge and clean..

the students coming out of the school looked mostly Korean - but they were also speaking English and also so mature and well-behaved..

I asked a group of students where the "Volvo building" was - and they politely and maturely - showed me where it was and which way to walk..

I thought it must be great to work/teach in such a fine school that would have great co-workers and great students...

but I figured you would probably have to have a "good education degree" (preferably from a USA University) and also would help if you were American...

I guess - I will never make it - so I will just have to keep slaving away in the Korean Public school system..

p.s. - If looking for the "Hannam Foreigner supermarket" - simply go to Hangangjin station, take exit 2, walk in a straight direction 150 metres, - the road then curves to the right - follow around to the right and immediately there will be a "green" overpass in front of you.

Take the overpass up and over the road - and you will see the Volvo building and Foreigners supermarket to your right.

[kiwiduncan]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm back in New Zealand now considering going to teachers college next year to become a primary school teacher. As a return to Korea in the future can't be ruled out (I'm fond of the place) I was wondering what it would be like to work at one of the international schools. You've all given me good food for thought so thanks again.