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missjulia
Joined: 22 Sep 2009
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 Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 9:01 am Post subject: ybm pine- GATE/APPLETREE/PSA |
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I apologize in advance if there is a topic like this---but my search button function always does not seem to work on this forum (yields no results)
So any stories/experiences on teaching at these schools? I'm debating between SMOE and GATE
GATE has a structured curriculum and the hours are not bad for a hakwon (9-5)...but heard negative things about YBM
SMOE--heard negs and positives, but the only thing is I want to know exactly where I would be placed but this is impossible..
any one have stories to tell about YBM? specifically GATE? |
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Nexus11
Joined: 29 Nov 2006
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| Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 6:55 am Post subject: |
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I have the same questions as you. Don't feel too bad. My search function did work and nothing has been said about YBM GATE, IA, Appletree etc in the six months of search results that I went through.
I have heard less than stellar things about YBM ECC and ELS but I don't know anything about GATE, IA, or Appletree. It would be nice to hear some things.
Can anyone provide experiences or information? |
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lifeinkorea
Joined: 24 Jan 2009
Location: somewhere in China
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| Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 7:41 am Post subject: |
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I have worked with Appletree. They tried to help me in 2008 and again earlier this year. Even though I didn't take any of their offers in the end, they did try to help me when many other recruiters stopped contacting me after I turned down the first offer (which were usually those 1.9/2.0 jobs without decent benefits).
A big reason why I am working an afterschool program now is because of the effort they took in offering me one last year. I turned it down cause they had another school they weren't offering me which had a Japanese and Chinese teacher. I wanted to work with them, but for whatever reason Appletree never talked to me about it. |
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chumpchange
Joined: 24 Mar 2009
Location: Bucheon
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| Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 1:04 am Post subject: |
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| This may not be much help, but I literally got to Korea last night on a 1yr contract with YBM ECC. Things seem good so far, though a little more support starting out would be great. The other teachers seem like a happy bunch and I met other new ybm teachers on the plane ride over who all seemed excited about their new jobs. I can try to keep you updated as my adventure unfolds, but so far ybm is mediocre from what I hear of other places (boss seems nice though). |
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cazador83
Joined: 28 Feb 2006
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 6:20 am Post subject: |
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| i know someone who's working at gate now. high salary, but expectations are extremely high and work is overwhelming. |
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lille
Joined: 27 Jan 2009
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 5:04 am Post subject: |
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I've just interviewed with YBM IA in Apkujeong - does anyone out there have experience with this branch, or any other IA school? The staff seemed kind and professional during the interview, and the schedule they're offering is some days, 9:30 til 1:30, then 1:30 til 5:10 and that other days, the schedule is 9:30 til 1:30 and 3:00 til 6:00.
It's unclear as to whether we actually get lunch or prep on that first day, or whether we're working straight through - the interviewer mentioned smaller afterschool classes being held from 1:30 til 5:00.
Any input from current or past teachers would be ever so appreciated! |
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Seoulio
Joined: 02 Jan 2010
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| Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 5:36 am Post subject: Re: ybm pine- GATE/APPLETREE/PSA |
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| missjulia wrote: |
I apologize in advance if there is a topic like this---but my search button function always does not seem to work on this forum (yields no results)
So any stories/experiences on teaching at these schools? I'm debating between SMOE and GATE
GATE has a structured curriculum and the hours are not bad for a hakwon (9-5)...but heard negative things about YBM
SMOE--heard negs and positives, but the only thing is I want to know exactly where I would be placed but this is impossible..
any one have stories to tell about YBM? specifically GATE? |
If you work for a PSA just be aware of a number of things:
It is NOT worth it to work til 6, and most times they will try to force you to take the 6 pm contract. They can and will keep you til 6 every night even if you don't have a class to teach. you basically work 90 minutes extra a day and get about 3000 an hour over a teacher who leaves at 4:30
you have a fair bit of marking for the After school programs, and you have to do report cards
your class can change monthly for the after school programs so you never get a rythym going and you never know exactly who or what you are marking.
Occasionally you will be the odd one out so you get stuck with the cooking option, or something esle you may have no idea how to do.
There are 3 main events that will occur throughout the year
a) MOthers Night
b) Father's Night
c) Christmas Concert
be prepared to drop everything for 4-6 weeks prior to all three of these events to:
a) plan and choreograph dances
b) come up with a lovely plan that shows off every childs brilliance to their parents
c) have every last nerve in your brain shot all to heck.
For these events you will have 3 or 4 run throughs with the admins who will say nothing of the loveliness, creativity or impact of your show, but will make comments like " the kids shouldn't circle dance in that song ( for all of 10 seconds) because their back will be to the parents" or " you should move that clock"
Also be prepared for them to likely not like any of your ideas and to basically do the show however they tell you once you have spent hours planning it.
That being said you DO get to spend time with 18 - 20 children daily who you will love more than life itself as you watch them grow through learning.
But you also have to eat lunch with them, spend breaks with them, take them to brush their teeth etc and you get only about 20 minuts of actual break from them between 9 and 3. Then you have to teach your after school program.
if you love spending the time with the kids and love the feeling of teaching and nurturing then you will get some enjoyment out of PSA, but there are trade offs for that time.
The things I mentioned can offset your joyful feelings tough. |
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lille
Joined: 27 Jan 2009
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 6:52 am Post subject: |
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| Sorry, what's PSA? |
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burtonvapor
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
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| Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 3:01 pm Post subject: |
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| Do you know if they are hiring at YBM/PSA right now? If so, should I send an email to the HR person at the school, to inquire the position? |
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Mr. Pink
Joined: 21 Oct 2003
Location: China
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| Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 4:06 pm Post subject: |
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I am SOOO glad that I dodged the PSA bullet. I was going to go work for them back in 2008 when I was back for a 6 month stint. All the little BS though was way too much for me to handle. If you have a kid you only get 50% off the tuition. Not enough for me.
If you have your own housing, you still have to pay 600k in housing deposit. That was a big point of contention for me. You have to eat with the kids and the chairs are mini size. For someone over 6 feet tall, forget it. The other thing is once or twice a year they have a sleepover which you have to attend.
Just thinking about it I wouldn't have lasted a month at that job. |
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burtonvapor
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
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| Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 5:19 pm Post subject: |
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| So, you didn't have a problem with the management - contract issue, etc? But you just didn't like the job itself? |
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jjo
Joined: 26 Jan 2010
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| Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2010 2:35 am Post subject: |
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| chumpchange wrote: |
| This may not be much help, but I literally got to Korea last night on a 1yr contract with YBM ECC. Things seem good so far, though a little more support starting out would be great. The other teachers seem like a happy bunch and I met other new ybm teachers on the plane ride over who all seemed excited about their new jobs. I can try to keep you updated as my adventure unfolds, but so far ybm is mediocre from what I hear of other places (boss seems nice though). |
Hi chumpchange,
Any update on your teaching job? What has it been like working for YBM ECC so far? I'm trying to research them now. Cheers. |
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lenker
Joined: 05 Jul 2009
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| Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 11:08 am Post subject: |
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Oh. umm.. this whole eating with them for lunch thing is news to me 
I'm starting work there soon!  |
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WormBones
Joined: 19 Jan 2010
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| Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 7:32 pm Post subject: |
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Anyone have an opinion on PSA (Pre-school academy)?
Specifically in Gaepo, Gangnam? I'm currently looking over a contract.
Thanks! |
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toonchoon
Joined: 06 Feb 2009
Location: Gangnam
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| Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2010 7:44 pm Post subject: |
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at PSA you might be teaching 3-4 year olds (western age) and these kids come in with NO english, no knowledge of how to wipe their asses, hold a spoon, etc (ok, worst case scenarios, but actually legit concerns).
On the other hand, you'll see them grow so fast and you'll actually see and experience the impact you have on them. You'll basically be raising these kids along with your co-teachers. Quite an amazing feat if you ask me. If you're up for the challenge, and such rewards, sign up. |
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