Korean Job Discussion Forums

[adam01]

I've been doing some research on Pagoda Academy and it's various branches. A search on here turns up several threads a couple of years ago where people seem to be advise against any position with this company, citing shady business practises, sudden contract changes, bad accommodation and other things as being rife throughout the company. However recent threads seem to show them as a reliable chain with a good working environment.

A friend of mine in Busan studied English at Pagoda and has told me that every teacher he's spoken to there is quite happy with their job and contract.

Can anyone advise about Pagoda? (through personal experience or otherwise)

I'd hate to be suckered into a position with a company which seems perfectly reputable on the outside only to realise that a few pointed questions to current/former teachers revealed a different story! Thanks

[onlyinkorea87]

Try this: http://hagwon.reliableteacher.com

Good luck!



--Onlyinkorea87
My blog: http://www.onlyinkorea87.wordpress.com

[adam01]

[Saxiif]

Pagoda is big enough that it'd be hard to find much applicable information unless you specify the branch...

[BoholDiver]

I worked at Bupyeong, Incheon branch.

As long as business is good and your reviews are positive, it is a great place to work. If not, it can get kinda bad. It didn't happen to me, but I saw some of my buddies get low-balled on raises, working hours, etc.

Just before I left, they started instituting new rules to encourage teachers to work harder. I didn't like what I heard, but nor did I care much.

Most of the students were great, classrooms were clean and modern, and there was never an issue with pay on time.

[bobbybigfoot]

I knew one girl who only managed 6 months of her contract due to excessive hours (split shifts). Pagoda ended up screwing her out of money.