Korean Job Discussion Forums

dreamscape · Joined: 05 Aug 2004

I never thought about holidays. They did stress how important the foreign teacher is to the school and the contract says my holidays will be given at the discretion of the director....

Well, I just had an interview with JEL Institute in Seoul (Sanbon) and it went pretty well. They've got 10 foreign teachers on staff I think, so I'll have some thinking to do about what exactly I want.

oldfort · Joined: 09 Oct 2003

I was the first and, for a while, only foreign teacher at my old school. I really enjoyed some aspects, the freedom and level of Korean integration especially. Finding my away around was sometimes frustrating, sometimes really satisfying. I loved teaching new levels/classes for the first time. Admittedly, my supervisor's English fluency helped greatly: I could still have a normal conversation every day and she was able to help me with stuff. It took me nearly a month to find another foreigner to talk to.

The downside of my experience wasn't the actual teaching or atmosphere, but withheld pay. Some new schools don't do so well. I left being owed nearly 4 million won. (Karma kicked in, though, and now I have a great new job and a sparkling new visa!!)

Also, I felt pressure to work despite being sick. I didn't last long enough to get to my holidays.

So, if you're not afraid of toil and risk and isolation, and you have a good feeling about the school, consider it, at least. As the others have said, a lot depends on your character.

Sounds like you have a good opportunity at the other school, though--best vibes!

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

danielcraig · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Location: Indiana, USA

jazblanc77 · Joined: 22 Feb 2004

I am the only foreigner at my school so I can testify to the fact that it has it's ups and downs. For one, you don't have to put up with the whining and negativity of the other foreigner teachers. It is nice to have your own experience instead of hearing all of the bad stuff secod hand and then becoming part of their freaky waygook circle. Though, as the only foreigner, your school may try to take advantage of your ignorance to how things are done in Korea. For me, this isn't such a big deal as I have worked in several hogwans, have been here for a while, and I am married to a Korea. I am not at a loss of experience or resources to know when they are being fishy. The communication process can also be a very major difficulty. Expect to be left out of the loop often and consistently. For my summer vacation this year, I was asking them a full month ahead of time when it would start and they couldn't even manage to tell me until just the day before it started. This carries over into every facet of the everyday work life including schedules, school events, and tasks that they want you to do. Get used to hearing, "oh, didn't we tell you?".

My school has also tried to pull the wool over my eyes a couple of times on contractual things saying that, "this is how we do things in Korea", when I know for a fact that it is not and have confirmed it through my experience and asking my wife and Korean friends. It really irks me when they do this and I don't have a problem calling them on it since I am an agreeable and cooperative worker most of the rest of the time.

These are some of my experiences. As for anything else, I'll let you figure that out on your own.

Wisco Kid · Joined: 07 Sep 2004 Location: Changwon

sistersarah · Joined: 03 Jan 2004 Location: hiding out

crazykiwi · Joined: 07 Jun 2003 Location: new zealand via daejeon

to oneiros,

i hope i spelt that right! anyway. i would just like to ask you what those " less rights if my employer has less than five fulltimers" is? i work in a place with just me, two koreans and a part time ???, anyway, any info on this would be great as now i am a wee bit worried. thnks mate

crazy

rapier · Joined: 16 Feb 2003

First contract I was the only one. I'd say its too much to handle for a newbie. 2nd contract there were 2 of us- a good friend of mine prior, so it was sweet. Now I'm one of 4. Not bad, but I actually enjoy spending more time with the Koreans than with the foreigners, strangely. I get on well with both, but I've also heard all the old culture shock conversations etc of waegooks far too often at the same time. Next time I'd be quite happy to be the only foreigner I think.

peemil · Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Location: Koowoompa

When I arrived I was the only foreign teacher in a school where no one spoke English and I lived in an isolated corner of town.

It's not all so bad. Just got to use your wits.