Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ReeNah]

Also I would like to add something else that I've been thinking about.

There are lots of native teachers who are having trouble and at the moment there is really not much they can do yes? I mean there like 25,000+ teachers but when something goes down and they get ripped off there is noone for them to turn to, well apart from this forum.

Is there no union or something like that? I am quite a dreamer and I think maybe one day we (native teachers) could form an organised union and you know work towards a more secure working environment for native speakers.

I know its just a fancy idea at the moment but I don't see why it can't happen in the near future. Just thought I'd throw it in there.

[grnmle]

Look bud: So far you haven't said anything that every other recruiter out there offers aside from being responsible for paying for teachers. So basically you are a dispatch company.

The reputation of these companies in Japan is well documented. The service they provide makes it easier for companies to find teachers. It's just that it then becomes a race to the bottom. The people that lose out are teachers. It's their pay that gets cut.

And what service have you really provided?

At least you are trying to be the best!

The reason I haven't used a recruiter is that the majority seem like snakes. So far it would seem you fit right in. The first sign is that you are thinking of revolutionizing recruiting. Really?

I've always been able to find work without one and, for the most part I've done quite well that way. As I said, those that have used one have generally felt they got the short end.

Using a recruiter is like going to a prostitute without wrapping. At first it might feel good but you will worry for months and months that something is wrong.

[ReeNah]

Well our basic wage structure is like this:

Monthly Wage: 2 Million Korean Won
Tax: 3.3%
Pension Contribution: 4.5% of wage (we pay additional 4.5%)
Medical Insurance: 2.835% or wage (we pay additional 2.385%)

We provide housing. Apartments (between 25 and 30 'pyung'). Three bedroom; for three people, same gender. Fridge, Washing Machine, Beds, Wadrobe, TV, AirCon, Boiler Heating. Just your normal apartment. We think its better for people to live together, less lonely etc.

We also plan to have monthly bonuses. Employee of the month, small monetary rewards or coupons to various things.

Also we will hold monthly 'hweshik', like dinners for employees. Where we get-together for dinner and some light drinks (all paid for by us) where we can relax and enjoy a good time. Maybe in the long run we'll hold big Christmas Parties and hold other events such as an Athletics Day etc. Who has been exercising regularly since they got to Korea? I mean everything is home delieverd even at 3am so it's hard not to gain weight I found! We are just starting so most of these are just ideas and concepts we are trying to implement.

Thoughts?

[Summer Wine]

[ReeNah]

[grnmle]

2milKRW Where do I sign up? I take everything I said back. I've been looking all over for an honest recruiter with revolutionary ideas that will take me on for the right price.

Better yet pay me in bananas.

[earthquakez]

Ree Nah, I think it's good you're on talking about this because it gives us a chance to give recruiters a reality check. Not saying this disrespectfully to you, just noting that recruiters need to hear our opinions.

2 points -
1) Shared housing - A big no no for experienced teachers such as myself.

I wouldn't even want it if I was fresh out of university and the kind of teacher that Korean recuiters and employers seem to want. That is, no real experience of teaching anybody English and little full time employment experience. It's just so uni student - shared digs, no privacy,can't choose who you live with so it could be a disaster in waiting.

I've never shared housing with anybody in my Asian jobs or Korean jobs. Never want to. I've lived quite happily in 3 different Asian countries (including Korea) because I could go home and unwind. Didn't have to worry about drunken housemates, drug taking housemates, housemates who hate the country and their jobs bitching endlessly.

2) The idea that 2 million is great for all English teachers. You've got off on the wrong foot already. You indicate you want experienced teachers so you know what? You're going to have to pay for them.

Most genuinely experienced teachers have a couple of degrees, employment history in their home country, English language related job experience, some have taught in other countries, not just Korea. Even with housing thrown in, no teacher like this should be accepting anything lower than 2.3 million per month.

Especially as most housing provided for foreign teachers is terrible. One room with your neighbours living so close that you hear everything they do all night, all morning. No real ventilation apart from a window. Unsanitary bathrooms with no windows and a toilet in the same small place. Very unhygienic especially with shit particles floating out of the toilet. Mould.

I think you mean by 'experienced teachers', those who have taught in Korea for about 2 years. Don't confuse that with what I referred to as experienced.

[ttompatz]

[ReeNah]

[TheUrbanMyth]

[shifty]

[ReeNah]

[harshlands101]

I might of missed this, but seeing as you are employing the hagwons and then paying the teachers directly, and assuming that one of your 'reputable' hagwons goes down the pan, hates a teacher etc etc, do you have enough funds to pay the teacher/s that you placed at that school and will you ensure that the teacher/s do not loose their accomodation and find them a new job.

Will you also be the go-between for the labour board when the hagwon tries the usual sacking at 11 months to avoid paying the flights and severance bonus? Whilst also financially supporting the teacher/s who are having these problems?

To be honest there is no 'revolution' in your idea whatsoever.

[TheUrbanMyth]

[shifty]