Korean Job Discussion Forums

[giantyogurt]

A few friends of mine are trying to think of a business model that will bring ESL teachers and students together both online/offline using the video chat technology. I know many of you have part time jobs and have a few hours a day that you could use to make some extra money. To differ from other businesses that are already doing it, we're looking for ways to give teachers full flexibility to decide when,what,who and how to teach English. Think of a free online market where you put up your hours and type of education you can provide and students come to purchase your services. This way you get greater exposure of yourself to other potential students and have the freedom to choose what to do and when to do it. A little feedback system will also help bring up the quality of teaching.

My question is, would it be legal and feasible to have E-2 visa holders teach English over the Internet? They don't need to be physically present at any specific place and all they need is a computer with the Internet connection, headset and a webcam. I'd like to know your opinions on this business model especially among those who have the experience in online English teaching.

All your input will be greatly appreaciated.
Thanks.

[pet lover]

This post serves no purpose.

[manlyboy]

Sounds like a great idea! I don't know about the legal ramifications, but I do know that it's dangerous for a businessman to stand between a tax collector and his cut of the money!

[Homer]

Great point...why come to Korea at all if you can be anywhere to do this online teaching?

Kind of defeats the purpose doesn't it?

Also video teaching is not the same as in person teaching and the quality will be affected.
It will also require top notch computers with high speed internet and no glitches, hence system administrators and techs to keep the network running.
This will reuire permits and taxes will have to be paid.

Looks more complicated then beneficial to me.

[ThePoet]

[bellum99]

Money is earned...so taxes must be paid. You may start to make money but then some government is going to want their share. You can't be sucessful and avoid taxes.

[TheUrbanMyth]

[PatrickSiheung]

What business entity are you thinking of setting up? It makes a difference. You will have great difficulty setting this up in Korea. You'll have to register the business with your home country. Also... I assume you'll be needing chat technology such as MSN IM? My question is then, why would a teacher really need you? They could just freelance. How exactly do you earn your money? If it's just by connecting people... you need to have a solid plan on how you plan to service people in this way.

There are already companies doing this, and you say you want to be different by letting teachers develop their own teaching methods. It's a little unclear as to how you plan on earning your money.

[giantyogurt]

[giantyogurt]

[PatrickSiheung]

So basically you will provide the interface for these live video teaching sessions?

What kind of software will the teachers need to get their video to all of their students. Don't they need to be hardwired somehow to your systems? I'm not sure how this works.

You'll have to look into liability issues too. It doesn't sound like you will be regulating the teaching programs or policing the teachers at all. You should look into how you will handle any disputes between teachers and students. May I suggest something like EBay does... they have a rating system for all of their sellers and buyers. Perhaps you should allow teachers to be rated by students. This way students can feel confident that teachers will log on at the proper time to teach their classes.

If I were the one setting this up I would try to act as EBay does - as simply a middle man with no accountability or responsibility for any problems that may arise between buyer and seller. You take your fee for teachers and students using your systems and that's where your involvement ends.

[Homer]

Interesting response poet.

You seem to have direct experience with distance learning.

This still does not solve the question that why would a teacher have to come to Korea to do this video teaching when he or she could do it from Burundi if he or she wished to?

Also, who would regulate the quality of the lessons?

Manage the payments and billing?

Sounds more like a way to maximise revenue and to turn students into consumers buyinmg a product then education itself.

Distance learning does work in certain fields poet...but it is usually supervised and regulated by an Institution.

[giantyogurt]

[giantyogurt]

[PatrickSiheung]

Sounds like a solid idea. Do you have people in house that can develop this web space? If not... it's going to be costly =\ Have you considered putting together a business plan on paper and seeking out people to invest. It sounds like you'll need some major capital for this project.