Korean Job Discussion Forums

[phelonius]

Hello expats,
I have worked in Korea for several years in the past, and I'm returning again to Uijeongbu - for the Banada Kids Hagwon.
Information is limited on the quality of the city, and of the Banana Kids/Island chain of hagwons. I just wondered if anyone had any comments that might shed a little light on the place.
I'm going because my contract looks good and the people seem personable on the phone - but more info is always appreciated!

[definitely maybe]

Not familiar with your academy, but Uijeongbu is now home to one of the finest burgers on the peninsula. That has to be worth something!

[interestedinhanguk]

[jeanaventura]

I had an interview with them a few weeks ago and they seemed pretty personable and supportive. I decided not to accept the offer though for several reasons:

1) I didn't want to take the risk signing with a new location. There's a chance that administrative things will be disorganized for several months - leading to more work. Also with new classrooms and less established locations, more work is need to get it going/running up to standards.

2) Seemed like a lot of work in the currculum from what they were telling me and not a lot of breaks/prep time. Also, add to that the stress of setting up classrooms without Korean Teachers/Teaching Partners.

However, I heard that Uijeongbu is a great place to live.

Good luck on your decision!

[marina_ballerina]

I work (for 8 more days, olleh!) at the sanggye branch. You can pm me if you want info...

[cyui]

Banana Kids is in Utsunomiya, Japan.

I put my application in there yesterday.

[mkpopcorn]

I just applied to the Seoul branch, and was hoping on some insight as well...

[newbieteach]

[SeoulNate]

is the school's name seriously Banana kids?

I mean, there are some badly named schools in korea, but come on!

[cedarseoul]

I know a guy who works for BK. Name aside, he seems to like it. Says it's a pretty solid hagwon (as hagwons go). He's been there for awhile...

[Smudger]

Any up to date info for the Nowon-Junggye branch?

[sunflower90]

Has anyone gone to work for Banana Kids recently? I'm in the process of scheduling an interview with them for the Uijeongbu location, north of Seoul. Let me know!

[cabeza]

Banana Kids? Is that intentional? haha
Maybe that's their goal to make these kids white on the inside.

[sunflower90]

I really want to be able to put "Banana Kids" on a resume some day. Haha.

[Smudger]

Bit late but...

Never went with the job but found work in the same area.(Nowon branch). Know some teachers there who say its been on a steady decline for a while. Not sure if that goes for Uijeongbu as well.