Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cayene]

I am looking into teaching either at Banpo, Cheongdam and/or Yeongdeungpo YBM ECC and was wondering if anyone could give me information on these schools.

Thanks

[wisernow]

As you may or may not know YBM ECC is part of YBM corporation currently the largest in the education industry. If you have already done some research into YBM then you would alreadly know that they are many good things about working for a large corporate owned type program as well as some negatives.

These branches are most likely the company owned ECC schools from what I know and would offer very high contract stability, support, professionalism but also can be less flexible than mom and pop schools as well as more structured than the public schools which is a bad thing if you are just looking for freedom to teach what you want to teach and want to setup your own curriculum.

Also, YBM ECC caters to children so you should only apply if you enjoy working with younger students than adults or older students. There pluse and minus of teaching adults vs children that you can look up on the forums.

I had worked for the company owned ECC branches my first two years in Korea and it was very helpful in developing my teaching skills. If you are coming from overseas and want a very safe and reliable position with everything taken care of then these company owned ECC schools would be a very solid option for you.

If you are looking to have an easier job with less overall work and to make above average salary plus willing to take a chance with smaller or franchise schools then you can consider more options.

[soviet_man]

A typical day at YBM ECC would run like this:
10am-3pm Kinder
3pm - 7pm Low elementary (1st-4th graders)
7pm - 9pm 5th-6th graders / middle school

You will usually be offered one of 2 schedules: either 10am to 6pm (with 2 hours off during the mid afternoon) or 3pm-9pm nonstop.

Without a doubt, the 3pm-9pm shift is better (no kinder).

I worked at YBM ECC for 1 year (a long time ago) and it was a passable 1st year gig --- but you MUST get a good schedule.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

I've hear generally good things about YBM's adult academies and generally bad things about their YBM-ECC children's academies.

[Pa Jan Jo A Hamnida]

The split shift at YBM can be quite hellish. But the OT is nice.

[Pa Jan Jo A Hamnida]

The split shift at YBM can be quite hellish. But the OT is nice.

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

I've worked at both. YBM -at least you know the split shifts are only for 3-4 months at a time. Students are generally good and motivated.

ECC -will pay more, free housing and mind numbingly dull.

[JohnCalvin]

i agree with YBS that most of the YBM schools for adults are quite good, (from what i hear from other teachers)

however i strongly recommend NOT to work for YBM ELS Yeoksam
each branch of ELS (eg. Shinchon, Jongno, Kangnam, Guro etc) has different management ...

but the one at ELS Yeoksam really sux~ :S

so many teachers (including myself) have left that place with bitter feelings, because the academic supervisor is totally un-professional

[iggyb]

I'm also looking at YBM adults-only starting in the fall.

I've taught in Korea before - for 4 years - and did both adults and kids.

I'd rather have split-shifts than Saturday work.

I do have a question:

Do any of you have individual housing for which you get a housing allowance rather than fully provided housing? What about pricing? How much do you have to pay out of your own pocket and for what type housing?

I always went with the housing schools offered - sometimes single sometimes shared. I have little info about housing allowances and standard rent...???

[jadefrog]

The management at each YBM ELS and YBM E4U is different, in that they all have different center mangers. They are answer to the head office , however. As for the academic supervisor at the Yeoksam branch, I believe JohnCalvin is referring to someone no longer with the company. The present academic supervisor is quite professional as well as personable.[/quote]