Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Soccerstar]

It is amazing to me to see the difference between public school and my current university (Pusan National University).
At this university we are making half of what we we earned at Gimhae Public schools. No joke, we earned over 6 million combined/month at the public school just working for City hall. One friend there working for the Gimhae education department pulls in more than that by himself.
At Pusan National University we make around 3 million/month combined and the Korean high-ups are extremely rude and strict. Not to mention the extra camps are few, frequently cancelled, and pay $25/hour.
I know there are a few great university jobs out there (mostly in Seoul), but they are hard to get into now without MA's and contacts.

At most every public school you get
-yearly round-trip airfare paid
-extra school bonus
-rural housing allowance
-re-hiring bonus
-re-hiring raise
-absolutely no prep or grading
-a co-teacher (which can be a plus if they are good)
-lunch
-an option for high-paid extra teaching (in some public schools)
-every public holiday is a free day with no make-up classes
-many free days due to school trip, exams, etc. (especially middle and high schools) adding up to well almost a month of EXTRA paid holiday.

At this university we are getting exactly the same vacation as public schools, except that the mandatory camps are moved three weeks into the vacation so you can never fly home for Christmas.

It is pretty well indisputable that a few great university jobs trump elementary schools. But one look at this job board shows you that those jobs are few and far between with tons of competition for them.
The extracurricular work is the oft-boasted trump card of universities, but I there is a good argument to be made that it is easier to find extracurricular work at a public school.

[The_Source]

[Real Reality]

[bassexpander]

You'll have to let us know how anyone is making 6 million won per month working at one public school. If you're working 8 hours a day at 30,000 won per hour, for five days per week, I could see it.

Are you paid hourly at your public school?

You also speak of "we". Just who is "we"? Do you mean more than one person on a combined salary?

[Soccerstar]

[Soccerstar]

[some waygug-in]

EPIG is not all it's cracked up to be. Contract meeting tomorrow...we'll have to see what things they want to take back.

My co-teacher already warned me... so I guess that means the Korean staff all know about our new contract even before we do.


Why don't people leave bad jobs? Well one reason is that the way immigration has the visa process all skewered up, it's not so easy to just switch jobs.

[Proustian]

Soccerstar, I think your rant really misses the point about the difference between University and public schools. Namely, the students and the joy of teaching people that want to learn.

I taught at a public middle school for a year and it was indeed an eyeopener. Dealing with 43 students, most of which had no desire to learn, some of which refused to even attempt to speak, was hard work.
I have since taught elementary students in a hogwan (part time) and their attitudes were better. But teaching university students wins hands down.
Their enthusiasm and desire for knowledge, the fact you can converse with them on most topics and share some aspects of your life makes teaching them a much more satisfying job.
And I do I have to even mention the major annoyance of public school life? - the K teachers with their intrusive questions, back stabbing, lack of organisation and total disregard for you as an individual.

You say that "great university jobs that trump elementary schools are few and far between with tons of competition for them." And you use Daves job board as proof?

I am sorry but this is nonsense. Generally speaking, University hours are lower and the pay is higher. You usually get much more vacations and much greater freedom over what you teach. (and you get to call yourself a visiting professor! )
I have been to interviews and know people that have sat in judgment. Let me tell you a secret: most of the applicants are losers. Uni interviews are like acting cattle calls, some are gifted teachers but most are just making up the numbers, so don't ever think you don't have a chance.

[cruisemonkey]

[soyoungmikey]

Hello All,

Since I've been in Korea I've worked at public schools and universities. Unfortunately (for me i guess) they both have not been great experiences. Both places tend to view foreign teachers as token teachers (even though i have certification, graduate school education and over 3 years experience). And in addition they don't offer much respect to foreigners. Hence the term foreigner (we are never really a part of their society). The korean english school system has been broken for years and they still rely on rote memorization instead of communicative skills. My most recent experience was teaching EPIK teachers at university. From front line experience with them they are content with the old system and do not want to change. In fact are often militantly opposed to changing their way of teaching. And in public schools as one person said are very difficult due to: class sizes being very large, unsupportive co-teachers, and lack of respect from the administration. Bear in mind also that foreign workers have no redress for their abuse or discrimination or violations of their contracts by their employers. Technically we do; in the labor code etc., but it's rarely enforced in our favor. Don't be discouraged though I do know some people who have had great experiences in both public schools and universities. My best advice is to be as well informed as possible about the school you will teach in and always be extremely explicit about the contract details. There are a lot of wonderful opportunities out there. Be educated and be safe.

[cruisemonkey]

We exist at whims of our employers because of the visa system. It's not likely to change soon (or for the foressable future) so knowing how to say "No", how to say it, and what to say it to are the three crucial skills requisite for 'success' in K-land.

[Draz]

[iammac2002]

[cruisemonkey]

When I grow up I want to work for a unigwan.