Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mtfirefly]

I just got a job offer today for SLP Gangbuk in Seoul. I've been reading some of the other threads and yeah there have been a lot of bad things said about SLP in general. SLP however is a chain so each school is different and I want to get a more objective opinion from someone who perhaps has worked at Gangbuk or works there now? I hope someone out there can help me make an educated decision. thanks in advance!

[Ramen]

SLP=Slave Labor Program

[mtfirefly]

[ttompatz]

[True_Blue]

I worked for a different SLP. What ttompatz said is mostly true. You work more than average hours at SLP. My SLP did sign me up for NHIC and for pension but didn't pay them properly. They told the pension service my salary was 1.1 million won a month for full time work. This way they could underpay the matching pension amount. They also wouldn't pay severance until 45 days after contract completion. They are mostly franchises so check around but generally I would avoid them.

[The Grumpy Senator]

[mtfirefly]

Well thanks for your input guys, somewhat helpful...then again somewhat not.

[mtfirefly]

I started this thread when I was offered a job at SLP in Gangbuk. Someone replied to my thread saying they had worked for this specific school but I don't see how that's possible due to the fact that the school just opened this year.

Anyway, I am now working for the SLP in Gangbuk and so far things are going well. I wouldn't go so far as to call it a "slave labor program" but I suppose that opinion depends greatly on an individuals attitude. I like my job. Some people have had so s*** experiences at SLP schools but they're all different. You can't compare one school to another because they're NOT the same.

[mtfirefly]

I figured it would be helpful for people who are cruising through the forum to update this thread on my experience with SLP.

I think I was exceptionally lucky that things worked out the way they did. I read a lot of horror stories about people who worked for SLP and just had the worst time with them. I am happy to report that that is not the case for me.

I've now been working at this SLP for almost 8 months now and I have been very pleased with it. From day one, my director has been extremely helpful in getting my situated with everything I need. She helped me set up cable/internet in my apartment and she set me up with a Korean bank account. The school has always paid me in full and on time every month. Also, they give me a detailed statement every month telling me was is being deducted from my paycheck and why. My supervisor (aka head teacher) is very helpful and not once treated me badly. The same goes for my Korean co-workers. I had the incredible luck that they have all lived in westernized places before and so were use to foreigners. They've never spoken badly to me, ignored me, or made fun of me. In addition, I have not worked "slave" hours and so many have stated in the forums. I work 40 hours a week, but my actual teaching hours averages just under 30 hours.

My SLP seems to be exceptional due to the great people who work here and the people who own the school. Since the school is new, we probably don't have as many students as other SLP's so thats likely why I have so few classes. (Plus the school isn't that big to begin with.)

My only advice to people who are considering working for SLP and are unsure is to keep in mind that they're all different. Don't swear them all off just because you read some bad stories. I can't promise your experience will be as good as mine but its worth considering. Just from talking with other teachers, (none who work for SLP) working for hagwons is kinda a crap shoot. So, do your research, talk to people and hopefully you can land yourself a good job. Good Luck!