Korean Job Discussion Forums

Us in DC · Joined: 22 Jul 2004

So we are off to SK hopefully by September 1st. We are currently reviewing a few offers, none of which we are all that thrilled about. Please tell me your opinion:

One in is Taegu, it includes both split shift and a half shift on Saturday but pays 2.2. This sounds like not a great offer, but the director sounds well-spoken and seems to have his stuff together.

The others are all in Seoul and only pay 1.9 but aren't split or Saturdays. These second ones sound alright but for the fact that they are in Seoul which I hear is a deathtrap am I wrong?

Also, some questions:

I hear hagwon directors, in most cases, are not thrilled to hire couples, which we are, true?

Are most medications available in South Korea? ie birth control, allergy stuff, prilosec (an all purpose stomach medication for acid reflux etc.)?

What can we expect from the health coverage there?

When we show up on Sept. 1 we will have about $1,000 USD to live off of for the month of September (we could get more if disaster strikes) is this enough?

Thanks for taking the time to respond to this.

the_beaver · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Us in DC · Joined: 22 Jul 2004

Thanks. Vey helpful.

A few more questions if you have a moment:

Are their any cities that people generally do want to avoid?

What kind of weekend activities would we be sacrificing if we did take the first offer? Can you travel to interesting places on the weekend via the train or bus system ie. hiking, national parks etc.?

What about transportation in general. Do esl teachers buy cars, bikes or rely on public transportation?

What is the deal with computers and internet. Should we go to cafes or buy a computer?

Before signing a contract should we ask questions about the size of the apartment? I saw a scarry posting once wher someone was given an apartment that was 200 square feet. Or 7 (some Korean unit of measurement) something.

Thanks again for your help.

calypso · Joined: 31 May 2004

The public transportation system is very good.

Where are you coming from?

Us in DC · Joined: 22 Jul 2004

America. Don't hold it against us. We hate our president more than anyone else could ever even try to.

What about the other stuff I asked? Any opinions on that?

the_beaver · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

calypso · Joined: 31 May 2004

ryleeys · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: Columbia, MD

Here's my opinion about split shifts and Saturdays.

The American school year is 180 days. Yeah... school starts early. Yeah... a day is about the same length as here. But, my mother (a teacher of nearing 30 years) has told me the only thing that keeps her going is having the summers to recover from the year.

Now, split shifts require you to not only work very early, but also very late. Working Saturdays is going to put you somewhere around 270 days of school per year. Maybe one would be okay for 2.2... but both?

Let me put it another way... teaching one class of elementary schoolers is like teaching two classes of high schoolers (both with American students). Teaching one class of Korean elementary schoolers (with associated language barriers) is like teaching three classes of American high schoolers. Teaching one class of Korean elementaries in a hagwon is like teaching 5 classes of American high schoolers. A job with 30 classes a week is going to be stressful enough... but adding the extra stress from split shifts and Saturdays is gonna seriously hurt. These are not the kind of jobs that we want to be encouraging hagwon directors to think are acceptable for anything less than 2.8-3.0 per month.

Come to think of it, I guess with split shifts, you'll be teaching adults. But even that is going to come with language issues (though hopefully no adult students will attempt to punch you in the groin, use your skirt for a tent... not an issue for me, I'm a guy... or ddong chim you).

The Daegu job sounds like a horrendous amount of stress... And even if a director sounds level headed, you have to factor in that it could be an act. Hopefully, he would be a good guy, but you never know.

I wouldn't sign that contract for anything. 300,000 won per month isn't worth it. You should be able to find 2.0 with much more regular teaching schedules... keep looking.

calypso · Joined: 31 May 2004

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

Most people find split shifts very draining & saturday hours would definitely encroach on your weekend mobility & activities. Living in Seoul would have advantages & disadvantages, depends on your priorities. Why are these your only options? Couple situations are not rare, & housing space tends to be more generous outside the major urban centers.

Us in DC · Joined: 22 Jul 2004

Thanks you everyone for all your information. This has been very helpful in helping us make a decision.

The reason I ask about the couple thing is because we have been told many times that we are should take what is being offered to us because couples are not prefered and unlikely to be chosen.

prosodic · Joined: 21 Jun 2004 Location: ��

jazblanc77 · Joined: 22 Feb 2004

In terms of items from the pharmacy, it would be wise to bring some shaving cream and armpit anti-perspirant as they are not widely available everywhere in Korea and if they are, the selection may be very poor. This may also apply to tampons for women. If you will be in Seoul, you will be able to find pretty much anything you want with a little persistence, however, you will pay for it.

You asked about stomach medicine and speaking as someone who gets heartburn often and the occasional stress related ulcer, you would be well advised to bring whatever works for you from home. I have yet to find something that even closely compares to Tums or other chewable antacids made in North America.

ajuma · Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Location: Anywere but Seoul!!

Ok. I'm going to ask some questions that no one has asked yet.

How old are you? (This may affect your "hireability".)

Where did you find out about these two jobs? If it was through a recruiter, you need to be more clear to them about what you're looking for. (Teaching Saturdays is ok if you get Monday off! Apartment size DOES matter. Don't take anything less than 16 pyong.)

MUST you teach at the same school, or would 2 schools in the same city be an option?

Do you have friends you could stay with when you come, or at least acquaintances that could point you in the direction of a cheap hotel?

WHY are you coming? For the money? Hold out for more. For the experience? It sounds like you wouldn't be happy with EITHER job...hold out for something that seems good to you.

Seriously consider living in the same city at two different schools. You'll increase your marketability (many schools don't have a bias about couples, but rarely hire 2 teachers at the same time) and your options.

Us in DC · Joined: 22 Jul 2004

We are both 25.

I think I have been really clear to recruiters. The job I mentioned with the Saturdays and split-shifts came from a school director who responded to one of our ads.

We are coming for the experience and the money.

We would prefer NOT to work together. But we definately do want to live together. Recruiters tell us that because the schools own the apartments that they are not willing to let teachers from other schools live in their apartment. I would love to work in the same city and live together but not work together.

We understand not to listen to everything the recruiters tell us. But until we got my password to get onto this site, we had no one else to get information from. Thanks for your advice.

I am quite sure we won't take the Saturday/Split-shift thing we just wanted to give it some consideration.