Korean Job Discussion Forums

AmeliaJayne · Joined: 27 Apr 2009 Location: Seoul, Korea

Okay, so I'm in the lucky position of having a few options for my first english teaching job in Korea. I'm living here already and have my own accomodation which I think makes it easier. My problem is, I was set on accepting one job but have been offered another that could be better....Im just not sure so could do with some well informed opinions please.

Both jobs are for Kindy schools.

The first job I've been offered which I was about to accept is paying 2.3 mil won per month and 450 housing. Working 9-4.30. Its for a well established school with a lot of other native teachers already there.

But then today I've been offered 10.30-3.30 for 2.3 mil a month. No housing allowance though... but the employer has said I could have their permission to work a regular part-time job legally with an official extension. This would actually earn me more money for less time. And 10.30 start appeals more than 9 too!
But my questions are;

Is she right in saying I can legally do a part time job too with the correct visa process?

I would be the first and only english teacher at the second school? Is this an advantage or disadvantage?

I'm worried about the obvious things like having no native co-workers for support or training. I've taught young children a bit before but not english classes although they are only young so I know its not going to be more than basic words and games. The employer is really really nice and has even said she is willing to let me work 4 days some weeks when the children are doing activity days or trips out. To me it has both really good and bad points that I can't weigh up?!

teacherinseoul · Joined: 18 May 2008

Unfortunately, you cannot legally add a second academy/Hagwon to an E2 visa: http://eflgeek.com/index.php/eflgeek/comments/e2-visa-rules/
(page 4)

jeffkim1972 · Joined: 10 Jan 2007 Location: Mokpo

It's a no brainer, go with the established hagwon. PM if you want the details why because i don't like to post negative comments here.

cruisemonkey · Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 8:34 pm Post subject:

joeyjoejoe · Joined: 24 Sep 2006

cruisemonkey · Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2009 3:39 am Post subject:

#2 & 3 are correct.

ajuma · Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Location: Anywere but Seoul!!

I've been the first and only foreigner at a hagwon, and it has its good and bad points.

Good: They don't know that you don't know, so whatever you do is ok. They'll treat you great....at least at first. Kids will be easy to control...at first. You'll have a lot of freedom to choose books, lesson plans, and the way you want to run your class.

Cons: Because they don't know that you don't know, they expect you to be funny! Edutainment at it's best. You may or may not have a K teacher in the room with you (which can be a good or a bad thing!).

Expect the unexpected. If you don't speak Korean, be sure that they'll tell you about events and holidays at the VERY LAST MINUTE....or even after that. I showed up one morning for my 9 am class only to find out that is was summer vacation, and the schedule had changed!

VanIslander · Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2009 5:01 pm Post subject:

the best is to be the second ever after the first was a real bonehead who got themself fired

nautilus · Joined: 26 Nov 2005 Location: Je jump, Tu jump, oui jump!

Being the first can be a problem because they have no reference point by which to judge you. Hence the teensiest thing wrong you do can become magnified in their minds.

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired