Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Elbow]

I'm interviewing next week for a position with a hogwan (JM English School) in Songpa.

It seems like a pretty decent job, although I did my checks and there were a couple not so favourable reviews.

I decided to check with my recruiter about it, and he called me back fairly promptly to say that they were aware of the situation regarding the poster who had given the harshest review (someone with a B.Ed, very stubborn about their own teaching methods, etc) and reiterated that if I had any concerns they wouldn't hesitate to put me in contact with current or former teachers to ask them questions.
He also pointed out that they had been working with the school for about 6 years (it has been open for 11) and that having 2-3 bad reviews for a school is pretty decent because if there had been real problems there would have been a ton more.

I have no reason to doubt this recruiter as he has so far been one of the more thorough and friendly, but wanted to double-check that no one had heard anything seriously terrible about the school before I got my heart set on it.

any info is appreciated! Thanks!!

[koreatimes]

Hard to have an opinion without knowing what those complaints were. If they got paid and left, I wouldn't worry about it. If there were other problems, be prepared to deal with them because you are likely to face them as well.

[Elbow]

They were along the lines of unclear teacher expectations and rigidity from the director.


http://hagwon.reliableteacher.com/j-m-english-school-seokchon-dong-seoul/

[koreatimes]

Those don't look like complaints really. The first person just whined about stuff, but if they can't handle a schedule changing, then they need to get a public school job or not teach ESL.

The other one about fighting to get their bonus is only a worry, but you have that with any school. Nothing seems out of the ordinary.

[Elbow]

cool! Thanks

[northway]

I'd contact current teachers to be safe, but none of those are really deal breakers.

[Jingo besus]

Are you talking about k0rj0b by any chance? I'm in an identical situation myself, different school though....

[thegadfly]

The review of a fired teacher actually had quite a few positive things in it -- I would say it looked good overall.

Schedules changing frequently, and receiving little to no notice about such changes, are common problems -- I have encountered them everywhere I have ever worked in Korea. I hate it when it happens, and try to take steps to avoid it (like asking my boss, every single day, if there are any changes in today's schedule, or tomorrow's. Every single day I do that -- I get my coffee, chat with my boss, and ask, "so what has changed in my schedule today?" The net result is that I get a few hours notice of changes most times, and sometimes a few days' notice. Occasionally, I get a call at home about a change, when I don't have to be in as early as normal...but I still ask. Every day.), but I think it is part of the nature of the beast.

[Elbow]

nope. Teachntravel

[Jingo besus]

Ah fair enough. for the records I dont have any issues with the recruiter i mentioned above. i'm just remaining cautious about one particular position myself...

[Son Deureo!]

Most of the problems mentioned are pretty typical hogwon nuisances, pointless paperwork, schedule constantly changing at the last minute, etc. The last reviewer was fired in the 11th month and had to fight for his severance, and finally got it with a W400k penalty. Frankly, I'd give them a pass over this alone, as the 11th month firing is one of the sleaziest tricks a hogwon can pull.

It's not like the rest of the reviews of this place are glowing.

[Elbow]

Apparently that was because the teacher decided to skip work for the day to go shopping because they were p*ssed off. So I was told anyway.

I actually thought it was a pretty decent job. Well average, and in a nice part of Seoul, which seems pretty good considering most of the horror stories.

Maybe I'm just being anxious but I don't want to sit around waiting for a "perfect" job and then not be able to find work.

Right now I'm looking at this job or working with IMOE, which seems pretty good in terms of vacation days and stuff, but doesn't start until April which is kind of a long time for me to sit on my ass here, as I'd planned to leave for Feb.

[thegadfly]

[KileyEB]

Did you end up working at the hagwon and if so, how was it? I have an interview with them later tonight.

[jcd]