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Four distinct seasons

 
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GoPatriots



Joined: 13 Nov 2008

PostPosted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 3:27 am    Post subject: Four distinct seasons Reply with quote

Hi,

I'm interested in teaching in Korea and I've found a company called 'Four distinct seasons' or 4DS. They seem fine and reputable from their website, but I cannot seem to find any independent information on them (that is to say, when searching online, the only source seems to be the 4DS wesbite). I wonder if someone here has gone to S. Korea via 4DS and can give me any advice on whether they provide a good service or not.

thanks
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ttompatz



Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Location: Kwangju, South Korea

PostPosted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 4:12 am    Post subject: Re: Four distinct seasons Reply with quote

GoPatriots wrote:
Hi,

I'm interested in teaching in Korea and I've found a company called 'Four distinct seasons' or 4DS. They seem fine and reputable from their website, but I cannot seem to find any independent information on them (that is to say, when searching online, the only source seems to be the 4DS wesbite). I wonder if someone here has gone to S. Korea via 4DS and can give me any advice on whether they provide a good service or not.

thanks


Sounds like a recruiter (NOT and employer).

Really, when it comes to a recruiter, who cares?

From an employee's perspective - A recruiter is nothing more than an introduction to an employer.

REPEAT: From an employee's perspective - A recruiter is nothing more than an introduction to an employer.

Hello Mr. English speaker this is Mr Hakwon owner.
Mr. hakwon owner, this is Mr. English speaker.
Mr. English speaker, here is the contract. Please read and sign.
School, here is the signed contract. Pay me.
Good bye.

-You are not paying them anything (or you shouldn't be).
-THEY DO NOT WORK FOR YOU! - They work for the school.
-They owe you nothing once you get here.
-They are not your friend.
-They are not your baby sitter.
-They cannot help you if things go to *beep* after you get here.


Beyond that it is YOUR responsibility to check the school out.

Do NOT trust ANY recruiter. They are like used car salesmen. They will lie and sell their soul to get the signature on the contract.

Do your own DUE DILLIGENCE in regards to the school or get burned.

Use the recruiters for what they are. Use more than one and keep going until you get what you want. There is no rush and there is certainly no shortage of jobs.

When it comes to the school - again - repeat - Do your own DUE DILLIGENCE.

1st - READ the contract over very carefully. If that doesn't scare you away then...

The best you can do is minimize the risk by talking to MORE THAN ONE of the foreign staff and ask POINTED AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS (*when the boss is NOT listening over their shoulder). Don't accept non-specific answers and broad generalizations.

No foreign staff references to talk (directly and via e-mail) to = walk away now.

Accept NO EXCUSES for any reason.

.
7777
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GoPatriots



Joined: 13 Nov 2008

PostPosted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 4:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

ah ok, yes they are a recruiter. thanks for the reply. has anyone any experience of going through them then?

also, how about ETS Language Institute in Daegu? I can't find much info about the school online either. it just seems odd to me that in this day and age an entire recruiter and school don't seem to be on the internet much. does anyone know anything about the school?
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Teelo



Joined: 09 Oct 2008
Location: Wellington, NZ

PostPosted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 1:28 pm    Post subject: Re: Four distinct seasons Reply with quote

ttompatz wrote:
Really, when it comes to a recruiter, who cares?

From an employee's perspective - A recruiter is nothing more than an introduction to an employer.

REPEAT: From an employee's perspective - A recruiter is nothing more than an introduction to an employer.

Hello Mr. English speaker this is Mr Hakwon owner.
Mr. hakwon owner, this is Mr. English speaker.
Mr. English speaker, here is the contract. Please read and sign.
School, here is the signed contract. Pay me.
Good bye.

-You are not paying them anything (or you shouldn't be).
-THEY DO NOT WORK FOR YOU! - They work for the school.
-They owe you nothing once you get here.
-They are not your friend.
-They are not your baby sitter.
-They cannot help you if things go to *beep* after you get here.


Beyond that it is YOUR responsibility to check the school out.

Do NOT trust ANY recruiter. They are like used car salesmen. They will lie and sell their soul to get the signature on the contract.

Do your own DUE DILLIGENCE in regards to the school or get burned.

Use the recruiters for what they are. Use more than one and keep going until you get what you want. There is no rush and there is certainly no shortage of jobs.

When it comes to the school - again - repeat - Do your own DUE DILLIGENCE.

1st - READ the contract over very carefully. If that doesn't scare you away then...

The best you can do is minimize the risk by talking to MORE THAN ONE of the foreign staff and ask POINTED AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS (*when the boss is NOT listening over their shoulder). Don't accept non-specific answers and broad generalizations.

No foreign staff references to talk (directly and via e-mail) to = walk away now.

Accept NO EXCUSES for any reason.
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GoPatriots



Joined: 13 Nov 2008

PostPosted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 1:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

thanks for that Teelo, very helpful of you.

I can read. I have read. And I wanted friendly advice from someone who may have some. If you are incapable of that, and can only offer patronising and pointless posts like that, then keep it to yourself.
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ThingsComeAround



Joined: 07 Nov 2008

PostPosted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 4:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'd recommend a public school. They are hiring in bulk (to my dismay) in March, but they seem better as far as paying on-time. I've known many HAPPY public school teachers, those that I know didn't have any horror stories (school closing down / owner not paying because they don't get along, etc) Crying or Very sad

but if you want to go right away, then take the crap shoot and sign away Cool
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Perceptioncheck



Joined: 13 Oct 2008

PostPosted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 4:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

If you wanted to go down the Public School route, you could probably get a job right away as well. I don't know about SMOE but I was hired by EPIK mid-semester and haven't had any huge problems with my schools.
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harris411



Joined: 25 Nov 2008
Location: north west england

PostPosted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 8:54 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

i have been offered a job at the ets in daegu. spoken to one of the teachers there so far who says he is starting his third year. he gave only positive feedback saying they had no problems paying on time ect. he did say i would have to work for my money though. i will speak to another teacher tomorrow to find out if the positive feelings are shared as im somewhat skeptical about everything i hear after reading so many negative stories. have you had any further dealings with 4ds and is so what do you think?
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maingman



Joined: 26 Jan 2008
Location: left Korea

PostPosted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 2:04 pm    Post subject: n Reply with quote

Pegasus Teachers Update November 25 2008
Hi!
...
So, we are thrilled to let you know about a new program we have launched. The teachers currently in the program are having the time of their lives!

What makes this new program so unique is that placement is just the beginning of what we do for program participants! These teachers are a community who support each other throughout the year. All of our Pegasus Program teachers live and work in the same city and start their contracts at the same time. So, they are able to stay close throughout the year, giving each other support and having a great time together. Pegasus also organizes dinners, activities and trips for the teachers throughout the year.

The first installment of the program was such a success, we can hardly contain our excitement as we plan to send a new group of teachers over to Busan with our February/March 2009 program.

Maybe you'll be inspired to apply, or you can pass the info onto your friends...
The latest news:
Pegasus Program 2009 Application Procedures & Deadlines
Get Connected with other Pegasus Program Teachers!
PEGASUS PROGRAM
Application Procedures & Deadlines

DEADLINES
Application Deadline: Dec 24, 2008 (tell your friends about it)
This is when we need your original application.
We WILL be interviewing over the holidays.
EPIK form deadline: ASAP after applying
Documents in Korea Deadline: January 15, 2009
This is when we need to have all of your compiled docs sent to Korea.

PROCEDURES
To ensure your spot in the program, you need to get a completed EPIK application form to us ASAP.
Once you've sent the EPIK form in, you will receive details of how to compile all of your required documents (degree, transcripts, criminal check, etc.)
Your position, if offered to you, is not secure until your documents are in Korea.

Don't worry, we'll walk you through the whole process in detail when you apply with us.

Facebook and the Pegasus Program

The September Pegasus Program teachers "met" each other even before getting on the plane!
When the met at Narita Airport, their joint stopover, to all board the same flight to Korea, the Pegasus Program teachers were already "old friends"...

Listen to our current Pegasus Program teachers:
"When we got here, we already had a social network of other Pegasus teachers..."

"You're immediately meeting people and you won't ever feel all alone."
~~~~~
We are counting the days until the Pegasus Program February 2009 launch!
Let us know if you have any questions about getting started or would like help applying with the program.

Sincerely,
Tracy Bymoen, Communications Coordinator
Pegasus Teachers

P.S. Tell your friends about us too! The more the merrier in the program!
Praise for the Pegasus Program
Here's what current Pegasus Program August 2008 Teachers are saying:
"I feel lucky to have been with Pegasus because other English teachers who came through another program were isolated, alone, and lost...They envied us and wanted to be a part of our crew."
"Based on what I've heard from other English teachers here and on my own experience, Pegasus is the only way to go."
"Pegasus just offers more support for its teachers than any other program I've personally heard of. Many of my other friends who didn't go through Pegasus wish they would have because Pegasus made our adjustment to life in Korea that much smoother."
"I would not hesitate to recommend Pegasus...the program is
excellent."

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Scotticus



Joined: 18 Mar 2007

PostPosted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 3:46 pm    Post subject: Re: Four distinct seasons Reply with quote

GoPatriots wrote:

I'm interested in teaching in Korea and I've found a company called 'Four distinct seasons' or 4DS.


I refuse to believe this is legit. It's far too hilarious to reside in the realm of reality.
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