Korean Job Discussion Forums

mortilap1 · Joined: 12 Oct 2013

Hi everyone,

First off THANK YOU ahead of time for helping me.

2. Am I best off just applying for jobs in Korea in person? Or am I best off going through some sort of recruiter?

3. I'm definitely not trying to work 40 hours per week. Ideally, I'd like to work 20-30. Is this common? Or do most teachers work 40? Any recommendations? And pay is by salary, not hours, correct?

4. Is it worth it for me to get a certification? Part of me wants to feel competent and confident in my teaching. I'm sure I can wing it, but I really do want to be a good teacher. Will this result in any pay raises if I get a certification?

5. Do you recommend teaching to adults or children? Pros and cons of each?

6. Am I best off going with a chain of schools, or a more privately owned school? I'm talking about hagwons.

7. I've heard horror stories about public schools. How many hours do the teachers generally work there?

THANK YOU, and sorry for the length of this message!

matthagwon · Joined: 28 Sep 2013 Location: Japan lite

nicwr2002 · Joined: 17 Aug 2011

As a first time person to Korea with no experience or certifications, you are pretty much set to work at least 40 hours a week. Coming here isn't a vacation, it's still work, but work in an environment that you can feel like you are on vacation while still working.

Use many recruiters to find you a job and don't rely on just one to get you that job. The recruiters are not your friends and like the other poster said, they really don't care about you other than finding you a job and getting their paycheck. It's better to stay in your country and get a job since you get that free plane ticket. Once you are in the country, it will be hard to have the school reimburse you after the fact.

Teaching kids is hard work because you need to have constant energy all the time. You also have to prepare tons of materials to keep the students active and interested. Elementary and middle school you don't have to be as energetic, but you need to prepare your classes thoroughly. The students will know when you haven't prepared well enough. The same goes for adults.

A chain school will have strict, rigid rules, but a set curriculum. A small school will have more flexibility and relaxed atmosphere, but no set curriculum and the possibility of going bankrupt fast.