Korean Job Discussion Forums

berrieh · Joined: 10 Feb 2009

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Ukon · Joined: 29 Jan 2008

2.3 is easy to get if you play hardball negotiating....many schools are desperate....

Scotticus · Joined: 18 Mar 2007

And the won is worth crap right now. You shouldn't settle for anything LESS than 2.3.

berrieh · Joined: 10 Feb 2009

Cool. I told the recruiter 2.3-2.5 depending on hours worked and other considerations.

I'm not coming over till May-ish, so I'm trying to be proactive, but I understand a lot of the offers won't come around until that time. We'll see where the won is then. I think we'll see better rates by August personally but that's based on no scientific knowledge, way too much research that tells me jack shit, and mostly a dream I had.

plynx · Joined: 03 Jun 2008

it would be unreasonable to ask for anything less than 2.5.

shifty · Joined: 21 Jun 2004

You could easily get 2.4 and 2.5 with a push. However, along with a negotiated higher salary could come a resentful hakwon that wants extras.
There are few that can afford more than 2.2, yet a great many that will offer 2.4 or 2.5, knowing they'll get the difference back through swings and roundabouts.
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You may be well disposed toward kindy, but unless you're one of a select few, chances are you'll learn to hate it.

It is nice to have a fellow native show you around and as a confidant. But there are likely to be standards, when more than one foreign teacher. A ready example is one hour prep and you writing out wads of nonsense that noone ever reads. Maybe meetings. Entertain students who arrive too early. The list is endless.

Best is to insist upon previous teachers' testimonies. Current teacher/teachers should be regarded with caution.

man_of_words · Joined: 18 Oct 2008 Location: Seoul

Sometimes... the extras aren't that bad. Find out if there's a union for foreign teachers at the company. A union can make a real difference when the company pushes too hard or asks too much.

crosbystillsstash · Joined: 12 Oct 2008

NoExplode · Joined: 15 Oct 2008

You're a sucker if you're taking anything less than 2.8 with the exchange rate what it is.

ontheway · Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 7:04 am Post subject:

You should get 2.3, plus all the usual benefits, plus extra nice housing.

If you're coming to party, go to Seoul.

If you're coming to save money, stay out of Seoul.

If you want to really teach, find a good hogwan with small classes, paid training, years of experience, a program in place and a solid financial base.

If you like babysitting and bureaucracy go to a public school.

berrieh · Joined: 10 Feb 2009

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PigeonFart · Joined: 27 Apr 2006

I've found that location plays a major part in salaries. Those schools that know they're in a desired location (next to Hongdae/Sinchon) tend to offer lower pay.

Those schools that are further out from the city centre tend to offer higher pay.

This is just a general trend that i've seen. Pay is not the only thing that should be considered. I don't agree with 'NoExpolde'. According to him, most hogwon teachers in central Seoul would be "suckers" (because most wouldn't be getting 2.8 ). Other things like working hours and housing and location should be taken into consideration.

berrieh · Joined: 10 Feb 2009

berrieh · Joined: 10 Feb 2009

Delete... Deleting (mostly) all posts... Mods please delete

Ukon · Joined: 29 Jan 2008

Tip of advice, there isn't really much of a pub culture here(except at expat bars).....they have WA bars which are similar in concept only....usually people hit up some "hoffs"(look it up) and then head off to a club, another hoff, karaoke, etc.