Korean Job Discussion Forums

[elliot79]

one from GEPIK and one from a Hogwan.

The GEPIK school job was offered by pure chance, because another teacher left half way through the contract due to family issues.

I'm very excited and flattered to be offered this job.

The hogwan job: it's the hours that really bug me to be honest: 1:30pm -9:30pm.

both schools are aware that my husband is coming as well and GEPIK have worked very efficiently, updating me on every single thing (sending e-mails to me when informing colleagues about status updates).

I have accepted the GEPIK job and have told the hogwan that i will e-mail them this evening to tell of them of my decision.

i just don't want anything to go wrong this time...last time my contract got cancelled. but GEPIK have asked me to sign the contract and send it to them and have sent me the full package and i have a lady guiding me through the E2 visa process.

i guess i'm posting this, because i want reassurance.

as a first time job in South Korea, GEPIK is good right?

[Fox]

Congratulations, it's nice that this has worked out for you.

[elliot79]

thank you so much hun. i literally cried when it fell through, because the CBFLIS job was so great.

i honestly believe that everybody's best wishes on this board helped. postive energy.

[oldtactics]

GEPIK is a good place to start - you'll definitely have job security and a steady paycheque!

I recommend reading as much as you can before you get here, if you have time. Try to read about how to deal with large classes, assuming you'll have them. Use facebook to meet people in your area, and good luck!

[elliot79]

thank you. that's what i thought as well hun, that at least with GEPIK i won't have to worry about not getting paid on time, or just generally getting messed around. i get more holidays with GEPIK as well.

i'm just getting all of my paperwork in order now.

i requested my agency to post professional reference letters, i have my apostilled documents and 1 sealed transcript. so i think i need to order about 2 more.

[jrwhite82]

I'd go with the GEPIK if I was you too. Steady pay, great hours, better vacation, a coteacher in the room so you won't be alone. Most coteachers are pretty decent that I've met so far. There are a few bad ones out there but I wouldn't let a few bad apples spoil the bunch.

Congrats. Welcome to Korea!

[Illysook]

I work at a GEPIK school and it's really pretty good. The only reason to work at a hagwon your first year is so that you can appreciate the public school more the next year...I sorta miss hagwon money tho!

[elliot79]

the salary was the same :/ and the hagwon had less holidays, and awful working hours.

[wiganer]

Nice one Elliot, GEPIK should be a good fit, do you know which part of Seoul and district you may be going to? No need to tell us exactly where but if you know which satellite town or city you'll be heading off to. We may be able to offer more solid advice.

[elliot79]

thanks hun


i get confused often by the different names, for province, towns etc. but this is what it says on the e-mail:Baekyung High School, Yongin. 15min away from bojung staion, bundangline

i'm assuming satellite cities means a small city on the outskirts of Seoul?

[elliot79]

oh and i hope we i can meet up some of you? does that happen?

[northway]

Yongin is pretty big. From there it's probably around 40 minutes or so to the closest points in Seoul worth going to, a bit more to get into the heart of the north side.

[elliot79]

is it a metropolitan city or there is it part rural as well?

[wiganer]

[randall020105]

Congrats... brush up on your Hanguel/Korean and youtube some stuff in preparation. PM me if you need any teaching materials. It'll make your life MUCHO easier having a network you can gather info from.

R.