Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mssinmymind]

I recieved a phone call last night (unexpected) from a recruiter about the EPIK programs working in the Topia and Avalon schools. It was the first initial call so no specific areas were mentioned as of yet.

I will not be going to Korea until at least Feb 2011 and this will be my first time teaching, and in Korea. By that time, I will be fresh out of college - though I'm a late bloomer- just turned 40 yrs old in Oct - and have been assured that my age will not be a problem.

I've read the threads about Avalon and Topia and it seems that Avalon has way more negative reviews than Topia. As I realize that all posts on Dave's and other blog sites have to be taken with a grain of salt, I would be interested in hearing more about either school system, in the public and private sections...from some of you who are currently or have recently worked in these schools.

Would anyone be willing to share, either on this thread or in email about their experiences ??

Also, For you guys that used Reach2Teach, Can you give me any advice or let me know about your experiences with this recruiter ?

I'm now looking to hear from people who are currently using Reach2teach or used them recently. Please let me know what you think.

[Xylox]

Those chain branches often get a bad rep from a few schools or bad seeds, pay attention to them but don't base your entire opinion on it. If the contract looks good, you've spoken to the current teacher and they are chillin, it will probably be cool to work there. Just have a backup plan ready whenever. Always have some emergency funds so you can peace out at any moment.

[cayce23]

Avalon has a set curriculum that won't change in the middle of a term, and the books range from decent to impressive. You're always paid on time, too.

If you want a career in ESL, Avalon isn't a bad place to start.

[ttompatz]

[rickpidero]

[mssinmymind]

[nero]

I've worked public and for Avalon.
Public school is okay. A lot of down time. You can plan all your own lessons or be a tape recorder. It depends where you work.
Avalon is what it is. You are dealing with a whole lot of kids who have been at school all day. Some are sweet some are nightmares. It does have detention system. I preferred the hagwon. In and out. Not as much official s$% to deal with.

[delirium]

mssinmymind: Slightly off topic, but I am going over roughly the same time you are, am a 39 year old female, and am working with Reach2Teach for either an Avalon or Topia position as well. Please PM me, if you can. It would be lovely to have a friend in similar circumstances in Korea!

Thanks!

Renee
aka delirium

[mssinmymind]

[mssinmymind]

I think from all the info I've recieved from others, it looks like private schools are going to be what I'm looking for...at least in the beginning.

Thanx guys for your help !!

[Captain Marlow]

i started @ avalon... it's alright... i second the fact that you will be working with kids who have already been at school all day...

do you prefer evenings or mornings to work? academies and public are different in this way... do you want a korean teacher (who you may or may not like) in the classroom with you? again, different...

every academy is different, even within the same company... bosses, your coworkers, and the kids make the job... just know that going in and try to deal positively with it once any of them get to you...

also, although they've said that age will not be a problem, be prepared for a lot of irritating questions centered around your age...

good luck and congrats for finishing that degree (i did the same thing at 32)!

[mssinmymind]

Thanx everyone for the helpful information. I have another interview with the recruiter tonight and am pretty confident on my decisions for which school system I'm going to go with.

Thanx Again
Dawni M

Cpt Marlow, Thanx !! I thought the time would never come.