Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Clippa]

So this is my first post. I've read the forum on and off but much more so recently. This site helped solidify my decision to come to Korea after graduating college in 2008. I read some past threads about adult teaching, but I would like some current advice from the veteran caf�rs.

To sum things up, I've worked with S.M.O.E at the same public elementary school in downtown Seoul for 3 years. It's been a good run, but I am bored teaching the national curriculum, elementary English and most importantly teaching the same grade and lesson exactly the same 5/6 times a day.

Cry me river, yeah I got it.

The biggest problem is that I am looking at only 2.4mil even if I decide to sign on for what would be a 4th year.

Hagwons could pay more, and even though I enjoy kids, I don't want to be reprimanded as I have in the past for not singing or chanting loud enough along with the CD. I like teaching, not being a birthday clown.

I�ve done conversation / tutoring classes with adult privates when I first came to Korean and I was really successful. I know the illusion of them thinking they are getting something out of it is usually the most important and deciding factor in your success.

I discovered that my personality and image suits this job fairly well (bright eyes, young face), but especially because I am genuinely interested when listening to someone speak or tell a story.

I want to make money in my last year in Korea. I know adults involve split shifts and possibly weekends, which I don�t mind.

My questions are;
1. How does one get their foot into the door with the adult side of YBM or Pagoda
( excuse me if this question is ridiculous)

2. Is WSI too much of a long shot to hope for?
I have an E2 visa, 3 yr public elementary experience, TEFL and my co-teacher said she�d write me a nice recommendation letter if I asked. Nice little cherry on top huh.

3. I know the hours will be ugly in the beginning working with these adult chains, but can I make more or something compliable to the 2.4 Mil I would otherwise be making at S.M.O.E?

4. Is there another option I am missing? � Changing to an elementary hagwon that doesn�t require teachers to sing or dance? Move onto a higher grade? Ect�

I want to blast the remaining student loans I have this final year in Korea. Working hours and vacation aren�t so much of an issue.

I know I got something good, but I ready to try something else.

[edwardcatflap]

What kind of 'TEFL' do you have?

[Clippa]

100 Online Certificate from KDI - nothing too special

[Young FRANKenstein]

[rowdie3]

I think a year teaching adults would be good experience for you. I work at WSI now and love it. I would say, no harm in applying and see where it goes from there.

Apply at all of the adult chains and see what interviews you get. The best bet is to always be on an hourly rate as opposed to salary. That's how you'll end up making more than the 2.4 you are looking at working now.

I don't work split shifts. Never have. Guess it wouldn't be so bad if you lived close to the school. I work one Saturday a month which isn't so bad. Wouldn't want to work more than the one though. Good luck!

[brento1138]

I've never worked at an adult hakwon in Korea, but having taught adults in Vancouver, Canada, and then also working at a university in Seoul, wow, it was an amazing experience. I highly suggest going through with it. I say work at any of them (YBM, Pagoda, CDI) for the experience. It could do you well down the road. Just think of where you wish to be in two or three years.

Currently I work at a PS high school and quite enjoy it. I could never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever... even if Hell freezes over and Satan himself forces me at gunpoint (or should I say pitch-fork point?), teach little kiddies again. NEVER. Oh god. No. First of all I cannot stand large groups of children in general anymore, and teaching such basic language is mind-dulling.

But high school is alright. They're almost adults. Many of them are quite fluent already in English.

But teaching adults is really where it's at. If I could get a higher paid uni gig in Korea, I would do it. And I think it's worth it to do a couple years to get your MA or whatever you need to teach in the better positions.

So yeah. Get out of teaching kiddies, high school can be "tolerable" if you get in the right school, and I reaaaally highly recommend getting a job at a not-so-great adult hakwon just for the work experience and long-term goodness. It could someday land you in a better job.

[Zyzyfer]

I don't really think working at one of these institutes serves as a stepping block, not unless you get an MA during your time there - but that would help in any situation, really. Most of the people I know working at one particular branch of one chain have/had been there for a while, kind of just riding it through and doing...something...totally different focus while work pays the bills.

Pagoda: Seems very corporate. Like suit and tie. Pretty good pay but a convoluted system for bonuses/raises/etc.

YBM: Recently adopted a very meticulous conversation class program that won't appeal to people who consider themselves proper educators at all - literally everything is laid out for teachers. A good branch means plenty of overtime and eventually no splits. Salary is lower but totally reliable. Ties with Pagoda for #2, depending on what you're after in a job.

WSI: I've heard nothing but good about it. It's accordingly harder to get work there qualifications-wise, but I'd say this is #1 choice.

CDI: The opposite end, haven't heard many good things about it.

All this aside, I taught adults and it's totally different from kids. You don't have parent complaints but you do have student complaints. As long as you can manage difficult students well, it can be very laid-back. But you will get the odd absolutely nutjob freaky student that will drive you insane from time to time.

[minos]

Screw those chains, they're horrible

They have reps slightly above wonderland.

If you want adults, go Uni....that's a blast and no splitshifts.

I wouldn't tough it out at YBM or Pagoda for the adult experience unless your gonna BE here a loonnng time.

There are some other good adult hagwon companies, but you need more adult exp.

[Clippa]

I know Unis are where its at. But I am missing the connections and resume, and I heard they usually can't/don't pay as well as private institutes.

[tiger fancini]

[RMNC]

Gotta agree with the above posts. Just apply to all the adult hagwons, and if they come calling just say "no split shifts" and see which ones leave you behind.

[Zyzyfer]

[rowdie3]

Professional photo.

Highlight your skills and experience.

Anytime is a good time to apply. No particular peak hiring season.

[DaHu]

If you don't know grammar, you shouldn't be a teacher.

[Slowmotion]

Not that I'm interested in hagwons, but just curious what does WSI expect in terms of qualifications?