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ThingsComeAround
Joined: 07 Nov 2008
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 Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 4:58 pm Post subject: |
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Interesting...
At my GEPIK Conference (June '09) the word was different.
They stated that the weekly requirements for English classes taken by students will increase: three times a week for 5th & 6th graders up from twice a week, for example. Start English ed earlier (as early as first grade) They also wish to bring in a new text (Finally!  )
I can't believe the reason for the sudden shift in policy. This isn't about cash. The Ministry of Ed has it. There is money to create a new "English language proficiency test" which will either be plagarized from TESOL or made to give each test-taker an "A"  http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/11/117_54652.html
They wish to close foreign-language schools. "Unofficially" increase our working hours and slash pay. Hagwons are starting to look better |
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asylum seeker
Joined: 22 Jul 2007
Location: On your computer screen.
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| Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 6:11 pm Post subject: |
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| bassexpander wrote: |
| nathanrutledge wrote: |
Friday, October 16th, there was a big meeting in Osan and that's what we were told. Some people tried to ask questions about this, but were told to email the coordinator with questions. So as best as can be figured, a lot of folks will be out of jobs and those that stay probably won't get a raise for the year. |
As crappy as this is for E-2's, it's FABULOUS news for F-2's and F-5's. Anyone who has spent more than a few years in Korea knows that this will only mean more available part-time block hour jobs at 35,000+ per hour.
GEPIK/EPIK or whomever can talk tough and do what they want now, but as many of us know, they will soon face the wrath of angry parents if they don't provide native speakers to teach English to their children. Replacing native speakers with Koreans just isn't going to cut it. We're still a good 5 to 10 years away from that scenario working. So if GEPIK/EPIK/Etc. do decide to cut way back on native speakers, the E-2's will just go home due to lack of work, leaving a huge void to be filled on a PT basis by foreigners here on residency visas. |
Not necessarily, many will get jobs in hagwons instead creating more competition for jobs in that area. |
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Cerberus
Joined: 29 Oct 2009
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| Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 6:23 pm Post subject: |
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I've been reading this thread with interest and recently took the opportunity to chat up an English speaker at my school who is very high up in the hierarchy and very much plugged in at the POE level.
When I first raised the issue last week, he confirmed that huge budget cuts were being suggested, and said it was possible that as many as 50% of the NET's in Gepik would lose their funding and positions next year.
Two days ago though he said he had some good news as apparently Gepik will receive back the funding they thought they'd lose for next year, so cuts should be minor. We'll see what happens next year as the news may change several times before then!
However, I would not be surprised at the continuation of the trend to milk the net's for every possible hour or after school possible for the lowest possible renumeration.
That sounds almost like a given. |
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