Korean Job Discussion Forums

nev · Joined: 04 Jan 2004 Location: ch7t

Yes, because then I could get them to take some god damn steak pies and some god damn Irn Bru with them. Upon their arrival, I would snatch these goods and leave my friend for dead, like a desperate, starving dog leaves a devoured sheep carcass.

Toby · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Location: Wedded Bliss

t bear · Joined: 24 Aug 2003 Location: south central rok

to some friends I would, but I would also add a lot of 'buts' and 'disclaimers'.

My parents came to visit (not on my recomendation) and they're not coming back ever.

frogrocket · Joined: 29 May 2004 Location: Tiny Monkey Ville S. Korea

I'm currently recruiting for my school...and I have a friend interested.

I don't mention too much about Korea...I like to focus on the fact that if you want to make some cash...this monkey town is the place to be!

.....that's my opinion!!!!! Cool

ghostshadow · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Location: Seoul

I think a lot has to do with which school they end up at and which location. Some schools will treat the teachers very well and pay them on time and you can have a great experience, but of course everyone here knows very well what would happen if you get one of those privately owned schools where the manager is King of his castle...

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

If a friend of mine asked me, here is what I'd do:

I'd buy a couple of beers and sit down with him/her and ask

1. why do you want to teach in a foreign country?
2. why are you considering Korea?

If the answer is money, then I would not recommend Korea. I would explain that the money is easy here, but if that is the main motivation, I expect my friend would quickly sour on the experience. I say that because I don't think money makes up for the inconvenience and difficulties of living here.

I would then try to give as objective and balanced view of life here as an ESL teacher and leave the decision up to them. In my personal experience, the advantages of living here outweigh the disadvantages, but I am very aware that that is not true for many, many people.

Skarp · Joined: 22 Aug 2003

As to making a generalisation - I am generalising on my pool of data. All my colleagues and most of the students I meet are unhappy here.

If you meet different people naturally you will make a different judgement.

I think the money here is not what many think it will be. You give up a lot to make big money. If you teach privates and work a lot of hours sure you will make a killing. But not everyone wants to do that. The basic pay for a 30 hour week is quite low really.

It depends on the options you have. Sure - I've saved here and am not complaining - but when you factor in the inconvenience of working here I don't think it's a lot of money.

A basic package should work out at 3 million won a month imo - 1 million to live -1 million to spend and 1 million to save would be fair.

But few get even close to that - even allowing for accomodation being free.

Th money is certainly there in teh industry - but is creamed off by the owners.

Such is the way of the world. Only in spades here.

Skarp

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

Well, I don't know anybody outside Korea interested in coming here to teach. I'd say it depends on who that person is. It's a bit of a crapshoot as we all know by now. A year in a life isn't so long to do something totally off the charts for most people. Or less than a year if it hurts too good. When you get to the 5 year + point it's different. But a year for a newcomer? Many could do that. The first six months are spent in surreality!

jazblanc77 · Joined: 22 Feb 2004

Absolutely! However, I would never recommend coming here if you can't handle the pressures that I'm sure we are all very aware of. I would let them know what to expect before drawing them in.