Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Metsuke]

Hi everyone,

To start off with, thanks to everyone for taking the time to read this post. I've been lurking here on the forums for quite some time, and really do appreciate any sincere help from other posters.

I'm getting things in order to come over to Korea, should have my passport next week. This will be my first time in Korea, and I hope to utilize the collective knowledge and goodwill of the posters on this board over the next few weeks as I work through the process of securing a good job.

But... you have to start somewhere. So one question I have that does not appear to be answered yet on the boards is this.

If you have two degrees, both from a major University in Canada, do you have more leverage for earning power as an ESL teacher in Korea? I have a 4 year honours degree in Recreation and Leisure studies, and by this April I will have my second BA, a 3 year in Community Health Sciences.

So whats the general opinion? When I am arranging my contract am I worth more with two BA's... or does it not matter at all?

Thanks again!

[kylehawkins2000]

No, having two degrees is no more valualbe than having one since neither are related to the job you are applying for.

Even with degrees in ESL, teaching, or Education your employment prospects only increase marginally.

[Metsuke]

Than perhaps some advice regarding negotiation techniques with a Hogwan?

[schwa]

Youre expecting to negotiate your starting wage upwards before you even start? Why? What added value are you bringing to the position? From your first post you seem to lack experience, a relevant degree, & tefl training (correct me if I'm wrong), & those factors often dont make a big difference anyway.

Job postings usually state wages, just as if you were applying for a job in Canada. Would you negotiate at a job interview there?

Bargaining power sets in once youve proven yourself. Your best bet is to look for offerings with advertised conditions that suit you. Best of luck.

[The Bobster]

[FUBAR]

[peppermint]

I'd say negotiate on the smaller stuff- vacation time, teaching hours(not how many- but time during the day) things like that.

[Metsuke]

[tzechuk]

Unless you are applying to work at a University, in which case you CAN negotiate, there is verylittle point in trying to negotiate with a a hagwon - at least not on pay... you might be able to get some deal on the perks because salary for hagwons are all pretty standard - 1.9 to 2.0m.

Universities generally pay more for Masters or PhD degree holders and folks with a TESOL or some other teaching certificates, but not someone with 2 BA degrees.

[TECO]

With my M.A. and CELTA I got a job with:

- Less Pay
- Less hours per week
- Fewer days per week
- More paid vacation (much more!)
- better work conditions
- More teaching resources to chose from
- better administrative support
- more perks

The 'better' jobs for me and I think for a lot of other people aren't always the highest paying jobs.

I think if making money is your main objective, you don't need an M.A. or teaching certificate.

[Metsuke]

Hi everyone, Thanks again for all the great responses.

Money is not the only reason I am going. But I won't lie, Korea did end up higher on my list of places to go in consideration of what I would make versus cost of living and so on. I was thinking Japan for awhile, and I still do want to go, but I think Korea is where there is the opportunity to get your feet wet in this industry, have a good time while I'm at it, and not live like a pauper as I am in Canada at the moment.

The salary ranges of around 1.9 to 2 million won sound good to me. So my next question is...

What are the perks I should be going after in my contract?

People mentioned vacation... I understand there are lots of Korean holidays that employers try to use under the clause "2 weeks vacation". There obviously must me quite a few little things... so what are they for everyone else?

One thing that I think I'd like to look for is a shorter work week, but with the ability to work overtime if I want. Does this type of thing even exist in Korea? Theres all types of people trying to get me into 6 day work weeks, and I don't want to do that. I'd rather sign on for an average 4-5 day contract, and be able to work overtime when I want. Instead of going in every Saturday and not being able to do anything on the weekend!

So what are the little perks in your contract that make the difference for you. And if its not to much to ask, how did those perks translate into your contract, or what was the language used in the contract to describe the perk. I guess I want to up my contract knowledge a bit so I can make sure that what I want, but also what the employer wants, is understood on both sides of the table.

Thanks again!

T

[schwa]

No need to work saturdays -- few jobs here require it. 4 days a week would be a very rare find, dont hold your breath on that one. Vacation minimum of 2 weeks a year (5 days twice) exclusive of national holidays is a reasonable expectation.

Be careful how a job defines a "classroom hour" -- 50 minutes plus 10-minute break is the industry norm. Look for blocked shifts if youre teaching kids -- you dont want your schedule spread out a bunch of extra hours. Insist on solo housing.

If you get all that for 1.9 to 2 million, youve got the standard hagwon intro position. Dont sign anything till youve spoken with people already working there.

[Sage Monkey]

[Metsuke]

Thanks again everyone for the great responses. I appreciate it.

T

[nightowlkaren]

It seems no one else has noticed this but I'd say apply for jobs from where you are. Don't look once you get here. Living like a pauper at home is much less stressful than living like one here! The job I've got now I got from Canada (St Kitt's, too). I spoke to my director by phone and got a pretty good idea from the way she spoke to me and also from the other expat teachers that it would be a good place to work. Eight months on, I'm not totally satisfied but not because of anything I was told or not told over the phone. A potential employer I spoke to while I was looking here last year avoided talking about the housing being offered. Since I could, I went to Gyeongju to check it out and was very glad I did. I wouldn't have worked there no matter how good the pay. The point is, I was getting bad vibes about the housing over the phone so if I'd been applying from Canada, the same thing would have happened and I wouldn't have pursued that job.
Also, there are tourism or nursing colleges here where your degrees may give you a bit of an advantage.
Cheers,
K