Korean Job Discussion Forums

[phil1982]

I have two possible choices for my first teaching job.

Choice #1 is in Gangwon prefecture (or Gangneun depending on your map) through EPIK. I don't know specifically where nor what age groups, and probably won't know untill the orientation in February.

Choice #2 is about 40 minutes south of Seoul in jukjeon at a hagwon my friend is currently employed with. I would be replacing my friend so in both cases i wouldn't know anyone there.

my thoughts are that with #1 i should get a little more money and free time, but with #2 i have the assurance of working in a friendly environment and am guaranteed to be around other english speaking people (i dont know any korean yet).

Thats just about all i know about both places. Any reccomendations or ideas about my two choices would be kindly received.

[Scamps]

It's really difficult to say because ultimately you have to decide based on what suits you best.
Personally, I only would work in a public school here because of the better environment. It feels more about education and not about business. You'll also teach less, have more vacation time and the students are less spoiled. You'll also feel more special because normally you'll be the only native teacher at the school.
I'm not so sure about EPIK..I've never worked for them but have seen a lot of negative posts. The main thing that I don't like about that program, is like you said, you have no idea where you'll be placed until the last minute. Depending where you are in Gangwon province it could be an hour to 5 hours away from Seoul.

As for the hagwon, 40 minutes away from Seoul is still kind of far, especially for regular visits. The good part seems that you had a friend who taught there and he must've obviously said positive things about it...otherwise I don't see why you'd be considering it. I don't know all the details of that place but it might be a safer bet going there and making some foreign friends since you'll be new to Korea. It might be a smoother transition.

Good luck and welcome to Korea!

[wawawawonder]

[Cuaba]

I read this guys post a while ago. Good sense!

____________________________________________________

Remember "Cohiba's Rule" (Now better than ever!):

Think twice before you live outside of Seoul. "In Seoul" and
"outside of Seoul" are like two different countries. Seoul
is an interesting place with variety and venues for most
tastes. Outside of Seoul you will find a homogeneous Korean
culture. I don't mean this in a bad way, but you will never
find things like: French, Greek, Indian or any other ethnic
foods. Markets that sell sherry, pate, pastrami, ricotta cheese.
Specialty shops that sell Cuban cigars, European pies, cold
cuts or rye breads. Just to name a few things. Also clubs such
as photography, drama, public speaking, sailing are 99% in
the capital city. If you want to experiment with a very Korean
culture, which unfortunately means "closed", then choose the
countryside. If you want to make money and have the lifestyle
choices similar to a western country, then there is no other
choice than Seoul.

The FFF RULE: FFF=Fun For Foreigners.

If FFF in Seoul = 100, then FFF decreases at
1/distance. So 2km from Seoul FFF=1/2(100)=50;
10km from Seoul FFF=1/10(100)=10. This rule is
a rule for nightlife, food and foreign products only.
Nature etc. is on a different scale altogether.

This means you will be wasting a lot of time commuting
to Seoul. This is especially a drag if you have been
boozing on a Friday night and there are no buses or
trains.

I, unfortunately, live near Seoul where the FFF factor
is almost in the negative range. I know!

[oldtactics]

Cohiba's Rule was relevant a decade ago, it's not anymore.

OP, your choice is between a hagwon and a public school. If the hagwon is good and your friend liked it, then the chances are that you'll have a reasonably good experience too. Public school is a crapshoot. I personally have had a fantastic experience at a PS in Gangwon-do, but not everyone does, especially if they haven't taught before.

I recommend reading some posts/blogs about the differences between the two before you decide - location does make a difference but enjoying your job is the most important thing.

[SanchoPanza]

I think Cohiba got it right. I am a very social person and enjoy doing
a lot of things and joining clubs. Well, I was in Daegu last year, pretty
big city, but ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, for westerners in the way of clubs
or groups. I left Daegu, thank god, and boogied up to Seoul. Now I
wish I had more free time because there are so many things to do, clubs
to join and people to hang with.

Seoul is where it is at. Even the Koreans know this.

[Dude Ranch]