Korean Job Discussion Forums

mtm216 · Joined: 16 Jun 2011

Does anyone have any preference between the two?

koreatimes · Joined: 07 Jun 2011

Public is fixed, usually with more security when it comes to working conditions and pay. Private schools are more of a gamble because they vary in size and management.

There is talk recently public schools will hire less teachers, but that shouldn't mean if you are hired you will lose your job.

Treat every school as a potential employer and post a contract you like the most in the contract thread.

Also, consider afterschool programs.

marsavalanche · Joined: 27 Aug 2010 Location: where pretty lies perish

private schools (hagwons) rock.

take a 9-630 kindy gig and dont look bad. you'll be living the dream.

shostahoosier · Joined: 14 Apr 2009

I prefer public schools because they have more security, but it's the luck of the draw and you could end up with a crappy public school job.

Some of it will come down to your personality though. A good public school job or hagwon good can become bad if your school doesnt like you.

Hagwons can be awesome if you do a lot of research and find a good one.

If you're using a recruiter, DO NOT let them pressure you into a hagwon position that does not 100% satisfy you.

Swampfox10mm · Joined: 24 Mar 2011

I think the OP means private vs. public as in high school, middle, or elementary. Private schools depend on what the principal is like. Nepotism is par for the course at private schools. Depends on how well they treat you. You can be disliked fast or held for many years if they like you and the funds are there.

mtm216 · Joined: 16 Jun 2011

Thanks for the input. I've been in contact with YBM ECC but I also heard you work long hours for lower pay than normal. I would take a lower pay and be happy than making a few extra bucks and being miserable.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

NohopeSeriously · Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2011 10:41 pm Post subject:

So far, public schools in Korea (elementary, middle, high schools funded by the gov't or private universities) are becoming increasingly irrelevant.

jeremysums · Joined: 08 Apr 2011

Some people do it for the better wages.

shostahoosier · Joined: 14 Apr 2009

jvalmer · Joined: 06 Jun 2003

oldtrafford · Joined: 12 Jan 2011

So far, public schools in Korea (elementary, middle, high schools funded by the gov't or private universities) are becoming increasingly irrelevant.

What do you mean?

Ignore they guy.

At your peril my friend!!
Rolling Eyes

See very long post about GEPIK 'teachers' are getting AXED!!! Sad

oldtrafford · Joined: 12 Jan 2011

WHY!!!?

No Teacheee skill

jvalmer · Joined: 06 Jun 2003

Ice Tea · Joined: 23 Nov 2008

One very big negative about working at public schools is that you are expendable. Whereas at a hagwon you are the core of their business, at a public school you are little more than a novelty. The GEPIK school teachers learned the hard way just how unnecessary they are. Hagwons need you way more than you need them, which is precisely why they are constantly playing games to try and keep the balance of power in their favor.

Hagwons can be good, but you have separate the good from the bad. One very simple way to do this is to not accept any contract that doesn't have National Pension Plan and National Health Insurance in it. Schools that do provide these are usually on the up and up.