Korean Job Discussion Forums

Chopstix · Joined: 22 Feb 2004 Location: Nowon Seoul

So many people have put up posts in the past of these great jobs they get, I am wondering how???? I have my Bachelor of Education degree and a year of teaching both in Canada and in Seoul. Where are the good contracts? I keep getting these REALLY bunk offers!

the_beaver · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=6586

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Nice link, but not all "dream jobs" are University jobs. How much time do they spend grading papers/tests/etc. out of class? Is their housing off-campus? Will they be fired in 3 or 4 years, even if they want to stay? With that said, many are nice, however. I think the beav's is a pretty sweet gig.

Personally, I'd call a "dream job" one where i was making at least $100,000 US a year. Actually, I'd be pretty happy with $75,000 a year here in Korea. Wouldn't be teaching, obviously!

But for teaching jobs, I guess I got pretty lucky with mine. Girls high school teaching Conversation, Reading, and Writing. The Reading/Writing classes are co-taught with different Korean teachers.

I teach a total of about 17 to 18 hours a week, but have to hang around regular day hours (9 to 5, which is really more like 10 to 4). One of the hours I teach is teaching the teachers, but that is often cancelled. I still get about 3 to 4 months/year of vacation (just came off of 5 weeks summer break, which really added up to almost seven if you count the time off I got around finals). I don't have to give tests (actually, they asked me not to), and there is no homework to grade.

How did I get the job? The school saw my resume on English Spectrum, and I interviewed twice after that. I wore a suit, looked presentable, and was friendly/showed good manners during the interviews. Also, I'm in my 30s, which was a big part of it. They didn't want to have mid-20s dudes around the girls for obvious reasons.

Here is a link to some pics of a demo-class my co-teacher and I gave to teachers/administrators/principals from Kyonngi. Page 3 has some Panoramas showing the whole audience, if you get that far. Thanks to my friend, Daesung for the pics:

http://www.seoulstream.com/coteaching.htm

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

the_beaver · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Homer · Guest

Dream job varies by person chopsticks.

Also you mention bunk offers but do you have experience here?
Teaching degree?
Relevant qualifications?

Too many newbies make the mistake of aiming for jobs that people with experience have.

There is a reason why these great jobs end up in the hands of experienced teachers... Laughing

the_beaver · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Demophobe · Joined: 17 May 2004

I apologize for expressing my views publicly.

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

My, my, my, Demo-desultu-phobe. That was quite a vicious attack.

What on Earth brought that on?

I might expect that out of one of my high school girls, but not anyone of your extreme educational stature!

I wonder what a psychologist would say about your explosive reponse? If you were truly so thrilled with your position in life, you'd be more complementary to others -- not so explosive.

You're one of those teachers who degrades those with hagwon jobs, and whose excrement doesn't stink.

You know what the difference is between you and me? I help other teachers here, no matter where they work. I enjoy showing newbees around, and helping others find jobs.

Sure, I poke fun at the Liberal basket-cases on this board, but in person, I'm helpful to just about anyone.

You just tear people down.

Chopstix · Joined: 22 Feb 2004 Location: Nowon Seoul

don't want to create any problems here! I do have a year of teaching in Korea and a Bachelor of Education with a major in English but get offers for 35-45 hours teaching for 2.2 etc. I know this is terrible as I do read the posts and talk to as many teachers as I can!

the_beaver · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Chopstix · Joined: 22 Feb 2004 Location: Nowon Seoul

Bachelor of Education degree and still get offers for 2.1-2.2 for 35+ hours teaching!

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

Koreans tend to consider hogwon teaching to be a McJob that any native English speaker can do. They tend not to place any extra value on teaching credentials.

As for the better jobs such as universities or the public schools, they are more likely to respect your credentials, but they usually only hire people that are already in Korea. Teachers who are already in Korea are less of a risk of bailing because they aren't happy here.

I'm sure your education degree will help make you a better teacher here, but don't expect your average kiddie hogwon owner to recognize that. They aren't exactly well known for their vision.

crazylemongirl · Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Location: almost there...

I did my year in the hogwon and got this job through a contact. My advice to anyone wanting to get a good job in a public school here is thus.

1. Go the agent route and pay for the recuriter to represent you... he who pays the piper calls the tune and all.

2. Do your time in a bad hogwon job, network like mad through the year and you're bound to land a reasonably good job. I second what derrek said about looking and acting the part. At my interview I had all the bits of paper necessary and dressed in business attire. I dress the part at school (that means I have to dress better than the korean teachers), my lessons are well prepared etc. as a result my school treats me well. Just getting the dream job isn't enough, you really need to act the part when you get it.

Mosley · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Derrek: Regarding you & Demophobe...what the hell are you talking about?