Korean Job Discussion Forums

[JJM30]

Hi,

Does anybody know anything about SDA (Seventh Day Adventist) schools? I've been offered a position with one of their schools. From the background research I've done I know they are Christian missionary school. I am in no way religious but am wondering what it is like to teach at the schools. Also, do we have to teach any religious classes? And what are accomodations like? I am going over to Korea on my own and they said there is a chance I may not get my own private studio and would have to be in a apartment with others and share a commons room. I definitely would not want that and would want my own private studio.
The last posting I saw on SDA schools was for 2005 and that information I would say is somewhat dated. Thanks!

[Scorpion]

Your first time in Korea? Be careful about some things. a) It's the norm to have your own accomodation. It's highly advised. Rooming with Koreans might make the culture shock that much worse. b) If you are non-religious you do NOT want to be rooming with religious folk. That should go without saying. You're every move and 'indiscretion' will be monitored and frowned upon. (Good luck drinking or bringing a love interest home.) Rooming with Koreans who are also religious could make your stay in Korea most uncomfortable.

Enquire about these questions. Better still, for your own peace of mind, insist on your own private accomodation.

[Lucas]

[cheolsu]

There are SDA-run private schools (they go by the Sahmyook name) and SDA-run hagwons that use the SDA name. The hagwons, as you might not be surprised to learn, have significantly worse working conditions and a greater role for religion. Public schools have better pay, shorter hours and less of a religious component.

I worked at an SDA-run elementary school for two years. When I started, we used to have to lead daily prayers, though by the end of my first semester, they became pep talks with our eyes closed. We never did it after my first semester there. Other than that, I was never once asked to do anything religious. I had my own apartment and teachers hired at that particular school continue to have their own apartments.

If you're going to be working for an SDA hagwon, don't take the job. Just about anything else would be better.

[Kiwigoddess]

Interestingly I have also been offered to interview for what appears to be the same job (I know they have several schools). I am not religious either and after reading the SDA Samyook website, it appears I don't fit the criteria anyway as it states "- Must be a baptized Adventist Christian" and "You daily will teach five hours of classes in conversational English and one Bible class" ....ummmm, not gonna happen!!

Oh well, next!! lol

[sojusucks]

A good friend of mine taught in one in Cheonan and he lasted about two paydays before running. There were maybe 7-8 foreigners at any one time, most were spouses teaching illegally or on missionary visas. The head teacher was a moody older Canadian named Kevin who would seldom talk to any of the other foreigners but would always smile and light up for any Koreans.
My friend knew it was time to leave when he was invited by one of the church elders to sit with him during services and Kevin was sitting on the other side of the church elder. Kevin didn't even acknowledge my friend. On Monday morning Kevin finally spoke to my friend and informed him that no matter how much he tithed, Kevin would tithe more and keep his head teacher's position. My friend ran the next payday.

[katsu]

I have never worked at an SDA institute, but know of those who have. I also know of a few SDA Koreans and in general I find them more caring towards foreigners. Almost all the foreigners that I know of who have worked at an Institute, have a very good relationship with their bosses, and co-workers. However, I know working for them means a lot of work.

[JJM30]

Hey - thanks for all the responses! I didn't even realize I was getting them, thought they would show up in my email, maybe that is only the first response that you get an email about, whatever ha. I'm still getting used to this whole message board process. Anyway, it sounds like a varied experience for these SDA schools. In the end I didn't take the offer and I'm pretty sure it was the right decision, for me anyway...

I've been ramping up using the recruiters, and I've got a couple possible options coming up. Does anybody know anything about YBM and the ECC division specifically? I found a job posting on here for it. I just spoke to the HR manager. They seem super organized, guaranteed single accomodations, most schools within walking distance or a short subway ride. I originally wanted to be only in Seoul, but after speaking to the HR manager he suggested I may interested in just outside. He has one possible opening for Ilsan..it looks like a nice area. He said it would only take like 15 minutes to get into main area of Seoul. I need to be in an urban area, I hail from Toronto, so I think coming this far would be good to be where the action is. I know Seoul is supposed to be super busy etc.. but still I think it might be the best option. The locations I've told recruiters are Itaewon, Gangnam, Mokdong, Myeong-dong, Daebang, Nam-yeong, Shinlim. Basically anywhere in central area of Seoul would be good. Anybody have any perspective or opinions on these areas? And Ilsan, any thoughts on location? The HR manager said by mid April he will know about positions right in Seoul for starting dates in July. I can't leave until mid-June...thanks!

[YTMND]

On a good note, you might get 4 day work weeks. They don't like to work on Fridays, so it's either no classes or just a few early ones. Enjoy the longer weekend at the expense of the religious wackos!!!

Yay for cults!!!

[smehta07]

I have also been offered a position with Samyook Language School by Reach to Teach's Paul Kang. However, I don't know where I will be placed yet. I'm a first time teacher, so this is all still very new to me. I was wondering if anyone could give me your opinion on the school? Also, I'm a non-religious, non-caucasian, gay man. Would this pose any issues while working there? I've been told that you should not talk about your sexual orientation to any school in Korea anyway, but I thought I would mention it just in case.

Additionally, I have been offered a shared apartment. I would have preferred a single apartment, but I think it will be okay. For those who have worked for Samyook, what is the living situation like? I have heard of some people having an actual apartment while others lived in a more dormitory style situation.

Thank you!!

[jason_lingard]

Hello. I worked for SDA for one year. I just finished my contract 1 March 2014.

So, obviously, it's a medium-sized chain with many branches. Each school is run by a different director, so schools do vary from branch to branch. I taught at two branches, one in Suwon and one in Sillim, Seoul. But I have heard about other branches from other teachers and they don't seem to vary too much. It is often dependent on how relaxed the director is, but you have no way of knowing what school you'll be placed at.

Firstly, the religious thing is not an issue. I'm a far-left Atheist, and never got pressured to do anything I didn't want to. There is the obvious religious overtones to things and some mild separation between the Christian and non-Christian teachers, but this is just natural. But we all get along well. To the guy above, I am gay too, obviously in Korea, whether you are at a Christian or normal school, you'll need to hide it. Their society doesn't really accept it being open in the workplace. But you'll never be challenged on it if you keep it private.

I'll start with some good things... firstly, you get every Friday afternoon off because of their religion. This is a big selling point, especially if you want to travel on weekends. Secondly, you can totally trust them to pay you on time and pay you what you are owed (there are horror stories out there about some schools), you can trust these guys. Also, you'll teach a mixture of children and adults, this is good for experiencing both... I preferred adults, as most teachers do. It's hard to find work at adult-only schools your first time out. Personally, I wouldn't like to teach at a kids only school.

Accommodation-wise... make sure your contract says IN WRITING you get your OWN apartment. This is standard in Korea. I was lucky and had two great apartments during my time there... but I heard of some teachers who got placed into a shared house/apartment. Some complained and got moved.

OK, the bad things. The number one thing I hated, and would probably not go back to SDA because of this is most branches will have split shifts. You will find this in private schools often as they teach adults before and after work, and kids after school. BECAREFUL, they don't tell you this. They just say you may have to work between 6am-10pm... well my first two terms I did 6am-9am morning classes then 4pm-9pm night classes. I transferred to another branch in Seoul and my shifts got a bit better... 7am starts and sometimes 8pm finishes. If you think you can handle this, and might like the big midday gap, go for it. Personally this schedule didn't suit my sleeping habits and I was constantly tired. Most SDA teacher I spoke with had a shift like this, expect one or two lucky guys. Next, you can't pick your location. I specified with my recruitment agent that I wanted to be in Seoul. You aren't allocated to a branch until AFTER your week of training, so it's a total surprise. I was placed in Suwon, a city just outside of Seoul. After kicking up a stink I was told "Too bad." then "Maybe transfer schools next term." ...which I did.

So, in conclusion I think they are a trustworthy school, the work is easy, the curriculum is simple to follow... BUT if you have an idea of where you want to be placed (ie. in Seoul) MAKE SURE you get it specified in your contract... and be ready for a possible spilt shift... I think 80% chance you'll get one.

I hope this helps, as I couldn't find any info on SDA when I was coming... because they only started accepting non-Christians 2 months before I arrived.

[RangerMcGreggor]

Samyooks are a crapshoot. I worked at a middle school and we were forced to write textbooks for the course and other annoying things (NO COFFEE?!). They have had runners every year since I was left from what I heard. The elementary school right by there though is incredibly nice with many days off and a decent wage. It really depends on (a.) Who is running it and (b.) How big the foreign teacher department is (The elementary school had a pretty large department of English teachers so they couldn't be pushed around).