Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tamaralynn]

I am looking to sign my first ever contract, teaching kindergarten at a hagwon called GKI Language School.

Has anyone ever heard of them, or better yet, worked for them?

The director of the school has contacted me (not going through a recruiter), which I understand to be a good thing, since recruiters don't seem to have the best reputation. I asked him for references of previous and/or current teachers, and he promptly sent me 3 email address to current teachers - that is a good sign, right?

Any advice/opinions/thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I really don't want to get screwed over by a shady hagwon...

[RMNC]

It is a good sign that he is willing to give out the info from other teachers. Now you should get in touch ON THE PHONE with at least one of them and talk in depth about the nitty-gritty of the place.

It's a Christian school, or at least founded by one. Beware.

[iggyb]

Worked there a long time ago - so this might have changed - but it was not a "Christian" school back then - unless the very fact the owner was openly Christian defines it as one...

[RMNC]

Well can you elaborate on your experience there? Was it good or bad? Pros and cons?

[iggyb]

It was in the late 1990s - so my experience is too dated to give advice one way or another. I would not want to steer someone the wrong way either way...

[tamaralynn]

Does anyone else have an opinions/experiences?

I am still waiting to get an email reply from one of the teachers. Meanwhile, the director is calling me every day asking if I am going to take the job or not (because they want me to start asap...). It's getting harder and harder to come up with excuses to stall him while I wait for a reply from a teacher.

Also, he told me my work hours are from 10am-7pm M/W/F and 10-4:30 T/T (but only 25 hours a week of actual teaching). I'd love to hear what an experienced teacher thinks of that schedule.

Comments, please

[cyui]

It's direct hire. Seems legit enough.

Contact is usually done via e-mail.

Don't make excuses, instead make a descion and stand by it. :wink:

[tamaralynn]

Well, I hope they are legit. I signed the contract today! Yikes!

[newdayrising]

Hope everything goes well! And if you can do us a favor please keep this thread updated with info about your experience with the school. I'm considering working for them too...

[spiraldance]

I'm looking into it too but the Guri campus. The director called unexpectedly last night and wanted to call again tonight. I'm also waiting on a reply from a teacher, but I won't be pressured into anything.

[whitney155]

I would love to hear how your experience at GKI is going (or has it started yet?) I also signed a contract with them...starting in July so I hope that they are good.

[Vox_Populi]

There are plenty of better schools out there.

[jj.can]

I was wondering if anyone else was teaching at GKI. I got a job offer from the school and I have some questions.

[Vox_Populi]

[reeldeal]

GKI is hiring again and I am thinking about applying. Can the OP give some info on your experience or vox-populi?? Would you recommend it as a school to work for? PM if you feel like it too.