Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Bob V]

-2.1 million won
-8 45 minute classes a day
-single housing
-4 elementary, 4 middle school classes
-5 vacation days plus national holidays
-hours approx 3:30pm-10:15pm


I know that 8 classes a day sounds rough, but one of the teachers I've talked to said there is little or no prep, evaluation, or "extra" workload. Basically it seems like an English conversation position with loose lesson plans. What sucks is there is only a 5 minute break between classes and a 10 minute break to eat. From what I've heard and read the school seems good with no major problems. The position is in Jeonju which I am hoping would be a good place for my first time over. I will also be the only foreign teacher at the school, is that hard to deal with? Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks.

Bob

[ryleeys]

I teach 7 classes a day 4 days a week that are all elementary... draining as hell.

The 5th day I teach 8 classes with 4 elementary and 4 middle... the classes are all 50 minutes long.

I'll tell you that that one day kills me... I mean, it absolutely kills me... not even talking the prep time, just being in the classroom for that long is draining. The middle school classes won't be as bad if you get a few students that enjoy English, but elementary classes are rough and anything more than 5 a day can take a serious toll on you.

I'd look elsewhere, but that's just me.

[justagirl]

Also, the vacation is too low. Five days throughout the entire year is just not enough. You also might want to check to see if they would give those days consecutively. Some schools won't let you do that, which would mean an odd day off here and there.

I also wouldn't work this job. It doesn't sound like too much compared to working at home, but there is something about teaching in Korea that is very draining. Then again, I'm not you. You might do great with these hours, and at least it's only 1 shift.

justagirl

[chronicpride]

I think that it looks above average. I don't see a whole lot of downside compared to a lot of the other crap that's out there. I think the biggest factor would be confirming offline testimonials about the school and director's reputation. If you can consult with any past teachers that have worked there, and they check out, then I would take it. And if they like you a lot, you might be able to squeeze out a little more vacation time.

But based on what you've shown and said, I think it looks solid and you can fare far worse.

[hellofaniceguy]

If the school owner has a good reputation then they don't need to advertise for teachers. Teachers would not leave and those that do leave would be recommendating the school to their friends as a good place to work. I would not accept the contract based on the amount of classes; the salary is fine but 8 classes a day!! Never! Even 6 a day is a no sign contract. We have 12 classes a week here and even that tires on. But 8 a day! The school owner does not care about quality or about your health or sanity.

[osangrl]

I think this sucks!

8, 45 minute classes???? you will die. And untill around 10:15???!! believe me you will spend your entire week, going to bed late and getting up 45 minutes before work.....sleep work, sleep work.........that sucks.

I work 4 or 5 45 minute classes a day between 3 and 8, 15 vacation days and 1 sick day a month, with the same pay as your offer.

there is better out there, don't succumb to that slavery.

[Toby]

Why would you want to finish at 10.15pm?

[Juggertha]

honestly, it does seems like they are trying to milk ya.

WAY too long to be teaching each day. In one month your throat will feel like sand paper.

[Ilsanman]

During winter intensive, I taught 10 40 minute classes a day, and it wore me out so badly. I didnt have a break except for 1 1/2 hours for lunch.

I dunno...I have heard worse. The no prep time thing is cool. The late finish will make any weekday social life damn near impossible. I know people with worse schedules that get paid less.

[Alex Buffa]

No, the amount of classes you are teaching is sheer insanity. The poster here who said it was a "solid" contract has no idea what a proper teaching contract looks like.

I would suggest to you that even 6 50min classes a day would be mentally draining, adding an extra 2 is sheer insanity, and not healthy for you. Your mind and body will begin to go downhill from the physical and mental stress and eventually you'll crack and write a "Prisoner's of Wonderland" page.

A good teaching contract will provide you with 25 classes at *most*. I would suggest to your director to reduce the number of classes and increase the class size. They may seem large, but your mind will be fresh and able to deal with the dynamics of a larger class.

University professors (at my uni) are contracted for 6 100min classes a WEEK. There is a reason we dont' teach so many classes, and that's because the quality of instruction must be very high, professors are not workhorses and the standard of education is first and formost the most important thing.

Teaching at a uni language institute is not much different than a hogwan..and you still may teach kids at those.

My advice... refuse the contract, try a uni language institute if you don't have an M.A., and if you do have an M.A. try to get an Eng Dept. professor position..not just language instructor. The good ones like those any my uni are very few and far in between, but those who teach them are usually not stressed, generally happy and are more keen to do a good job in the classroom educating people rather than just focusing on the time that people are spending in front of the classroom.

Trust me...

Alex

[Mr. Pink]

That job is horrible. Seriously.

[waterbaby]

I'm the only foreign teacher at my school and it hasn't bothered me at all, but if I was coming to Korea for the first, picking up my first contract, I would not have taken the job.

I was really grateful for the support and help my co-workers and my roommate gave me in my first couple of weeks ~ they helped me get settled, introduced me to people & places. Without them, the first month would've been so tough. My advice is to find a job with other foreign co-workers for your first gig.

The number of holidays in the contract goes against the Labour laws. Don't sign anything for less than 10 days leave.

Also, I think your break time might be another breach of the labour laws. If you work eight hours, they must give you a one hour break. If you're working 6 (or 7), I think they have to give you 30 mins... so they're trying to stiff you there, or perhaps they'll say that all the 5 min breaks add up your 30 min break . 10 mins for dinner is definitely not enough. If they won't budge on that, they did give a rats about your well being. For me, hungry teacher = cranky teacher

You also wrote hours are approx 3.30~10.15. You don't want an "approximate" time range from them. You want those hours written into your contract otherwise what's to stop them dumping a 2pm start with an 11pm finish? Or getting you in there at 10am for kindy? Argh!!!

The money is fine as is single accommodation (but try and get a picture of it first) but I don't think the rest is very good at all.

[ryleeys]

It's weird, there are some people that are like the energizer bunny in the classroom... the one English speaking Korean teacher at my school teaches 6 classes a day and comes in with a smile every day. I teach 5 classes most days (7 on Wednesdays) and it drains me... but then again, she admits that she could never have a job sitting in front of a computer for 9 hours a day and that's exactly what I wanna do when I go back to the States. Some people are made for certain jobs I guess and this teaching thing is killing me... I feel bad that only 5 classes a day is such a drain on me, but toss in that all my kids think I'm a human punching bag and I can't speak the same language... just very physically and mentally draining.

[kangnamdragon]

sounds good, but I think 10 vacation days is the norm. It is not law because an employer can say Saturdays count as legal vacation days. Ask for 10 vacation days, 5 in the winter and 5 in the summer.

[rapier]

I'm a firm believer in 35 min classes, which I have.
45 min classes are ok, but not for longer than 3 in a row.

I'm on 2.0, I teach 3 45 min classes and 4 35 min classes a day, with 10 min breaks. I have 7 days holiday leave .. so your deal sounds fairly similar to mine... The fact that your lessons require little planning is also similar to me. Only thing is, 4 lessons of middle schoolers a day would do me in...