Korean Job Discussion Forums

HolyCow · Joined: 21 May 2009

I got an offer for 2.1 million won to teach kindergarten kids in Itaewon. But it says I will have to work from 9:30-6:30 3 days a week and 9:30-7:30 2 days a week.

Also has anyone ever heard of Tiger English recruiters? In the contract the guy sent me the amount I would get paid monthly only said a million won and his reason for this was because they were either going to pay me 2.1 or 2.2 million won. Also the date I started just said June. So I emailed him asking him to send me a completely filled out contract. And now no response...haha. So I'm thinking sketchy.

HolyCow · Joined: 21 May 2009

Anyone? Anyone?

chachee99 · Joined: 20 Oct 2004 Location: Seoul Korea

The pay is a little low, especially for anyone with experience. Also, it is hard to tell just how good the contract actually is without knowing the other conditions. What are the number of teaching hours? What's the pay date? What are the exact job duties? What's the housing like? Do they provide housing allowance plus key money?

Don't listen to what a recuiter says about making the pay seem so high. If teachers were only making a million won a month for full time work many would be packing up and leaving. Also, I am guessing you are either overseas or outside Seoul. Tell the recuiter to email you a copy of the contract. He will have to anyways in order for you to sign it and get the visa work done. If he refuses then that's a big red flag.

cruisemonkey · Posted: Fri May 22, 2009 12:54 pm Post subject:

Yes, yes sir.

Korea has treated my family well ever since I came to this country. I am puzzled by people who make fun of certain people... it is a complete mystery.

HolyCow · Joined: 21 May 2009

I don't have any experience really. I have a University degree from Canada and have a lot of volunteer experience with kids.

It is supposed to include a 2 bedroom studio apt. that will usually be just me, but occasionally will have a teacher in the other room for a week so.

Pay date is 10th of every month, max. teaching hours is 30 a week.

The recruiter emailed me a contract, but I didn't like how the part that said how much I would be paid per month was basically left blank. It just said million won and the recruiter said that this was under negotiation, even though he told me it would be 2.1 million won. Also the start date just said "June". I want to know if it is end of June or beginning of June. I guess I'll just wait. There is no way I'm signing a contract where important detail like this are left out.

Basically I was wondering if this is the normal thing to expect from a recruiter? If I'm going to sign a contract, I want it to be filled out completely!

chachee99 · Joined: 20 Oct 2004 Location: Seoul Korea

HolyCow · Joined: 21 May 2009

I'm okay with 2.1 million, but the recruiter said he would like the contract sent back in 2 days! And I sent him an email asking him to clarify in the contract that I would be paid 2.1 million and the exact start date and have yet to hear anything back from him even though in previous times he was pretty quick in responding to my emails.

Anyways, thanks for your help! Hopefully I find something legit.

wakingup · Joined: 20 May 2009

Sounds like you're not missing anything if he doesn't reply.

For what its worth, I'm in the midst of my first contract in Korea. I work similar hours (but with a 2-3 hour break in my day at least; and they're still long hours) and I get paid a lot more than 2.1.

If you're cool with 2.1, you should be able to find an easier gig (a 2-9 schedule, or even less hours) at a decent hagwon if you look. 2.1-2.3 seemed to be the going rate for a first-year on those schedules when I was looking. Not sure about specifically around Itaewon, though, if that's important to you.

MarionG · Joined: 14 Sep 2006

It's simply not true that "all" contracts have blank spots...at least not at
the point that you would be signing. EVERYTHING should be filled in before you sign.

I love teaching elementary, but would avoid kindy...some of the kindy
kids will be only 3 years old (western age) and you really can't teach
them anything...they are sweet and darling, but not yet students.

Also, I'd not accept having someone else move in occassionally...it's
YOUR apartment...and I certainly wouldn't want strangers moving in to
my home.