Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Scottie Alan]

Anyone know anything about Avalon?

[jurassic82]

This is such a broad question so I will try and keep my answer as short as possible. I worked for Avalon for a year and a half and had a pretty positive experience. As for hogwan they are probablly one of the better one if not the best. I say that becuase my first hogwan experience before them was a nightmare. With Avalon you will get everything you are promised. At least I was. Pay will always come on time and the apartments are generally pretty nice. Management is always a gamble whereever you go but fortunatley it was good at my school. Had no problems with my airfare or severence pay.

My only complaint was vacation time which they are kind of strict about. They say 10 days but you really only get to pick 5 of those days as they pick the others which they will usually put around other holidays. If you want vacation time go to a public school. Then you can get lots (usually). I should also mention they have these team building events that always fall on a weekend that you will have to do and not get paid for. Sometimes though they can be fun. Anyways, I hope this was helpful. Good luck!

[nicolescully80]

[jurassic82]

Avalon is a good place for newbies but if you have been in Korea for a little while I would recommend working elsewhere like a public school. With someone with experience you will see the same stuff that you may have been doing before at other jobs and there isn't much flexability in what you can do with the material. Also, there also is much oppurtunity for promotion. Make the step and do a public school job. Good luck!

[jphill9990]

How was the curriculum at Avalon? Prep hours? Straight from the book? This is my biggest concern about a TEFL job. It seems like I shouldn't be worried considering all I hear but I like to know what is going on before I commit, ya know?

[emmajuno]

I know a few people in Avalon in Iksan. They said that there are cameras in every room and have had situations in which they will tell students to close their books and someone will shout over the PA in Korean asking why their books are closed.

Having said that they said that you forget about the cameras after a while and they seem to have a generally positive attitude about the whole thing. However, the holidays SUCK. Even for Hagwon and that is difficult.

[brauggi]

I interviewed with Avalon in Cheongju - the interviewer seemed a lot more interested in my height, weight, looks, and personal habits than my qualifications, and made it clear that my MATESOL was juuuuuust enough to squeak me in the front door as far as he was concerned. My partner, on the other hand, with experience but no certificate-type qualifications, they couldn't wait to get their hands on. Felt pretty fishy to me, so I turned it down and found a job that was willing to pay for what they're getting.

In fairness, however, a colleague of mine has been there for a year, seems happy enough, and reports that she's been paid correctly and on time. Also, the same person who interviewed me took fantastic care of her when she came down with appendicitis, took her to the hospital, did translator duty, and between him and his wife stayed with her for the five days she was in the hospital.

Anyway, one awful interview, and one present teacher there who feels that she has been well treated overall. Oh, one thing - if you smoke, don't let them know. the management of that school are non-smoking axe-grinders.

[tanklor1]

I spent a year at an Avalon. I had no problems there.

[edwardcatflap]

[ConfusedMan1780]

It depends on which city you live in. Some that are around Seoul may not be so good, while those farther south will be pretty good.

They pay on time, you basically teach from the book and add your own ideas when they seem to fit the subject, and that's pretty much it.

Avalon is a good "starter" hakwon, and I would say that 2 years would be the ultimate maximum that you would want to be at a place like Avalon.

The only downside is with certain people at certain branches who are complete micromanagers. But you get that pretty much anywhere you go.