Korean Job Discussion Forums

Blue Flower · Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2003 5:48 pm Post subject: the contract has arrived....

hi - I've been offered a job in Anyang, teaching children, 1.9 million won which is apparantly good for a kiwi teacher (?), it is unassisted, though apparantly I will be taking the kids for trips etc, I get 5 days annual leave, which can't be taken all at once - only 2 days together, the recruiter is Geoff Benning from Christchurch NZ - teach-in-korea.com. Does this sound alright? I'm not too impressed with the holiday allocation, so will see about that. I'm just a little bit freaked out about getting to Korea and then finding out that I've been f**ked up the arse. so any help would be appreciated by this complete novice. Confused

itchy · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Busan

justagirl · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Location: Cheonan/Portland

Hi--just a few thoughts for you! Very Happy

I'd also ask about the class time hours. After a year of having some morning classes, I am SO happy that my next contract will be from 3-9.
I'd ask for the exact hours to be written into the contract. Nothing is worse than working random hours between 9 am and 7 pm...hour on, hour off...two hours teaching...another break...will this day never end?? Confused

On the topic of hours, will you be teaching more than 120 a month? Many more than that gets exhausting. It may seem like, "Oh, I'm only working 30 hours a week," but the added strains of preparation, living in another culture, etc, really make 30 hours a week as much as you'd probably want to handle.

Another thought--how many students per class, and how many kindergarten classes? The little ones aren't too horrible, but is is definitely more draining to teach them. If you are teaching morning AND afternoon and have lots of tykes, that will wear you out quickly.

I agree that 5 days is WAY too short. The standard is 2 weeks (full weeks, so 9 days if you count the weekends on each side). One would be in the summer, the other in the winter. Also check to see if these are going to be paid vacations.

The wage is pretty normal, but again, if you're working split-shift, lots of kindy-kids, and more than 120/month, it's not too marvelous of a deal.

I have never heard of your recruiter...sorry I can't help you there!

If you'd like to repost with more details or ask more questions, I'd be glad to help as much as I can.

Zyzyfer · Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2003 3:46 am Post subject:

Blue Flower · Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2003 11:06 am Post subject: some extra info.

Thanks for the help guys. I will be mainly teaching kindergarten kiddies, but with some older children coming in the afternoons. I've been told there will be 4 - 6 children per class, and 8 - 10 max (which is VERY small compared to what I am used to.) So do you all think I should state that I want 2 weeks holidays? 1 week in summer, and 1 in winter? I have got a teaching diploma, so I have taught before, but only secondary school. I'm getting pretty excited about the whole prospect. But of course, I don't want to feel taken advantage of, or ripped off. I'm not doing this just to make money either, I am genuinely looking forward to experiencing another culture, which is another reason I want the experience to be as good as possible. Smile

mad-artist · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

You are a qualified teacher with experience. DON'T take this contract. Look around more. I'm an Australian high school Art teacher, was offered 1.8..........demanded 2 and got it. Most teachers here are NOT qualified teachers and you are. I'm now on 2.5 in my second contract with same school. Be firm. Your accent will tone down once you are here. Good luck. ps..........the holiday situation is 5 days(including weekend) summer and 5 days winter. That's Korea. I'm used to 3 months holidays with full pay.

Zyzyfer · Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2003 5:07 pm Post subject:

paul · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Taiwan

Don't settle for anything less than 2.2 million won, your own apartment, a cell phone and a live in maid, preferably a young Filipina. Razz

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

Anda · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: South Korea

If you can handle bigger classes then you could consider EPIK. that is working in the public school system, Holidays are more etc, now. The other thing is Anyang is a big uninteresting city about 20 minutes away from Seoul Station. If you are a big city girl then okay but otherwise you could get more in the country. Anyway have a look at the conditions for EPIK and conpare.

http://efl-law.com/epik.pages.htm

http://epik.knue.ac.kr/

Oh you might miss the fine print! With EPIK you have to do a two week upaid training stint before you get started with them. They provide everything for this except pay. Ohand it pretty boring but that's life.

Harvard Material · Joined: 25 Feb 2003 Location: Seoul

2 million minimum. I agree with the single living arrangement as well. Holidays? Check the Board of Labor. 10 days minimum is what the law states, but sometimes the fight isn't worth it. Your choice. I'd mention that to whoever is providing the contract..."Doesn't the Labor Law say I am entitled to 10 days?", and watch the reaction. The hakwons aren't terribly concerned what the Labor Board states so get a definite answer before you sign any contact. I have between 5 and 7 (??), days per year in my contract, not to be taken consecutively, but I will challenge it later. I would push for 10 days holidays, and the rest of the kit-and-kaboodle. If they don't like it you probably won't be too happy there after a few months. You are a teacher - they should meet your demands, or look for a location that will.

kim jong il · Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2003 9:00 pm Post subject:

Actually, the Korean National Labor Standard Act says the following:

http://www.molab.go.kr/English/law/sub_1.jsp

LABOR STANDARDS ACT

EMPLOYER'S RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE LABOR STANDARDS ACT.

CHAPTER 4

Working Hours and Recess

Article 57 (Monthly Leave with Pay)
(1) An employer shall allow one day's leave with pay per month.
(2) The paid leave in accordance with paragraph (1) may be used by a worker, of his own free will, either by accumulating or dividing it within one year.

If the contract does not meet these "standards", legally it is not binding. Perhaps you should mention this to the recruiter and the hakwon.

Blue Flower · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2003 11:00 am Post subject:

Thanks for all of your advice Very Happy

I've signed the contract as is - Because I feel it would be better to deal with the director myself, rather than with my recruiter as a go-between. He has assured me it will be fine, as his partner in Korea (Kim Chun-hun) values his position, and would not like to lose face over a bad school, etc. I'm flying into to Seoul on Sun, 23, at the ungodly hour of 5.30 am. At least I get to sleep on the plane on the way over, as I absolutely hate flying. Anyone flown on Korean Air?? Is it nice and comfy?? Cool

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

I've probably been on Korean Air so many times.. I like it.. you get a little Korean food.. its all good.. personally I think its great to be on an airline of the country you are going into..

Zyzyfer · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2003 6:13 pm Post subject:

Blue Flower: Don't work Monday! Just observe if they ask ya to do anything.