Korean Job Discussion Forums

HagwonKanobi77 · Joined: 16 Oct 2010 Location: Gwangju, South Korea

I just received an offer from Topia in Gwangju and was wondering if anyone has any experience with this. I read a review for a Topia in another city, but as we all know one hagwon can be quite different from city-to-city. So if anyone has any info I would appreciate it. Thanks.

HagwonKanobi77 · Joined: 16 Oct 2010 Location: Gwangju, South Korea

I should point out that this Topia campus is located in BukGwangju. I know they have one in Sangmu, Gwangju, where I originally thought this was located but just found out is located in BukGwangju. So if anyONE has worked here or knows someone who has I would appreciate any information.

kander104 · Joined: 03 Feb 2011

I'm a current teacher at Bukgwangju Topia.....

Donkeycorn · Joined: 24 Nov 2011

I hav just been offered a position at this hagwon. any comments on what its like.

bueblo · Joined: 04 Nov 2011

I was offered a position at a Topia school in Gwangju about two months ago (I guess they haven't filled the position yet?).

I asked the director during the phone interview if I could speak with a current teacher working there, and he said he would send me an e-mail of a teacher there "right away" - he never did. I talked to the recruiter as well, who said he would get that arranged - still didn't happen.

I was also told that I would be sent a copy of the contract, but they never sent it. Both companies said they would do things they did not follow through on.

Since I was going to be in Seoul, they asked me to have a second interview face to face with the director in Gwangju, without an opportunity to speak to another teacher and without a copy of the contract.

I ended up declining, and I'd say the position I got now is a lot better than what I potentially could have had if I had accepted that offer. Personally, I would be cautious, but I can't offer anything beyond the whole teacher/contract business being kinda weird.

barbaricyip · Joined: 30 Apr 2010

Speaking as a vet of the Seo-Gwangju Topia, I'd be cautious. They always paid on time, and the K-teachers are lovely folk, but that's nothing to write home about. Look elsewhere.

kander104 · Joined: 03 Feb 2011

If everyone is speaking about Yongbong-dong Topia in Buk-gu Gwangju, I can give some insight in to why certain things are happening.

I won't say that the school is terrible (6 months ago, I would have). The school has a history of instability. We've finally landed a director that seems to have the best interest (and peace of mind) of everyone involved. I will say that the turnover of Korean teachers is astronomical-but things are starting to settle down now, it seems. The current crew we have is pretty awesome. This being said-the school has gone through 3 managers in the past year, so who knows if this will last. I'd be willing to bet so because word is spreading and they're having trouble finding foreign teachers it seems. On top of that, many of the parents are starting to see what's happening.

There are a couple of reasons why you might not have received an email address or contract. Either 1) they found someone they liked more than you or 2) they feared what we (the current teachers) might tell you.

In regards to working conditions: we get paid on time and we are rarely asked to work beyond or outside of our original contract hours. We've had to fight for some vacation days (and are now getting them as well as a full year schedule). So, you'll be required to be at work, do your job, and you'll get paid. After that, you're pretty much on your own. This has good and bad points. Sometimes you have to nag if you need things done for your apartment or utilities, and don't expect any acknowledgement of any foreign holidays (maybe Christmas day off). On the other side, it's nice to not have to participate in a bunch of activities-plus, the foreign and Korean teachers prove awesome company when desired.

The place has it's ups and downs. If you're considering a job with this school-my best advice is to be firm and be sure to get vacation times, expected working hours, etc written in to your contract and get a signed copy back from the school. The atmosphere is much better and we've just started a new curriculum that we're pretty excited about.

To my knowledge the school has never tried to pull any fast tricks like firing someone at the end of their 11th month, or not paying severance, etc. Everyone gets the basics that they're promised. I'd say the biggest complaint would be housing-they're pretty old and run down, and not cleaned regularly (nothing some bleach and febreeze can't handle). If you don't care about that-then I'd say this would be a satisfactory first year job for anyone.

To be perfectly honest, I didn't think I'd make it through my 3 month mark with this school-and I just completed my 6th.

Donkeycorn · Joined: 24 Nov 2011

kander104, thanks for your insights. I have accepted a position at Buk Gwangju Topia starting March 20. Please if you have time can you contact me at [email protected]. I would love to pick your brain further about the current situation at the school.

Donkeycorn · Joined: 24 Nov 2011

kander104, thanks for your insights. I have accepted a position at Buk Gwangju Topia starting March 20. Please if you have time can you contact me at [email protected]. I would love to pick your brain further about the current situation at the school.