Korean Job Discussion Forums

[lyssa628]

Hi,

I just received a job offer from Topia-Junggye. If you work there right now, I would love to hear any of your advice ASAP. I have to make a decision very quickly. Thank you!

[kimdeal54]

[lyssa628]

I can't because I haven't posted the min amount on the discussion boards. You can email me at [email protected]

[SeoulNate]

I know a few of the people who work there now, I work right down the street.

From what I have heard, working elementary is okay but the middle school program works the teachers like dogs. They work 9 hour days 6 days a week. They do make considerably more than there elementary counterparts, but for the extra 14 hours a week, i am not really sure it is worth it.

[proverbs]

i got offered a job here recently, so i was also curious. i went on the reliableteacher website and this branch got HORRIBLE reviews. has anyone else had experience working here?

[lyssa628]

you can pm me and ill give you some info.

[plato's republic]

If the school won't give you the contact details of a current and/or former teacher then that should be the first red flag. Lots of negative stuff floating around the web on Topia schools in general.

Take all negative reviews with a small grain of salt, however, when two or more people post negative reviews about a particular school, it would probably be in your best interest to tread carefully.

[manduface]

lyssa628 or anyone who has information,

Can you PM me with information about this branch asap? I'm not at the PM post limit yet.

Thanks!

[jurassic82]

I haven't worked for TOPIA personally but I have worked at Hogwans before (Avalon). Take the advice mentioned earlier and get the contact info of teachers currently working there. Preferably find someone who finished their contract as they will probablly be more honest. A lot of my students go there and often complain about all the homework they get from teachers. It seems like a typical hogwan to me so make sure to ask lots of questions before you sign a contract. On a different note the area is nice and you are in a good location to get to the cool areas of Seoul easily but at the same time you are far enough so it is easy to get out. Good luck with the job search.

[manduface]

Thanks for the info, Jurassic!

[enchoo]

I was offered a Monday to Saturday position but not working over 25 hours. This suggests that I could be working some days for 4 hours and some days for 5 hours. After reading the reviews here, passed......glad I waited for a better position....

[miso1004]

Does anybody have any input of Topia in Heungduk-gu Cheongju-si? I heard it's the capital city of ChoonCheongBuk-do but that's all I know.

They are offering 2.2 mil won and furnished housing. Working 40 hrs per week (M-F).

The job starts in the middle of February but I haven't given them my answer yet. >.<

[Dog Soldier]

Miso, 40 hours for 2.2 million is over (hour wise) what most people do/get.

Most contracts are 30 hours a week for that amount of money. So I would recommend you check to see if it is 40 hours teaching, or 30 hours teaching + 10 admin or if those 10 hours are at an overtime rate.

If you want any further info about CheongJu pm or email me ([email protected]) as I have lived in CheongJu for the last 2 years nearly.

[miso1004]

[wallythewhale]

A lot of my students go here and the only thing I hear about it is the amount of HW they are given. Nothing really about the teachers or hagwon itself.