Korean Job Discussion Forums

plato's republic · Joined: 07 Dec 2004 Location: Ancient Greece

Does anyone work for a Kids Club franchise school? What's your experience been like? Generally positive or hell on earth...?
Shocked

Saxiif · Joined: 15 May 2003 Location: Seongnam

It was hell.

But generally a franchise name means nothing, I can't think of a single instance where being a "Kid's Club" actually affected the way anything was run in my old school. So unless its Jeungpyong Kid's Club (run like hell), its hard to tell...

pocariboy73 · Joined: 23 Jan 2003

I too worked at a Kids Club. It was in Bundang, and let me tell you, it was terrible. Never have I been treated so badly as my experience with that bunch. The foreigners were fine, but the Koreans who managed it (particularily at the top level) were CRUDE, MALICIOUS, DISRESPECTFUL, and $$$$ hungry.

All the foreigners, with the exception of a few, didn't even consider resigning after our first year. We were all glad to leave there. Many of us still suffer from the feelings of paranoia as we never knew what exactly our sneaky bosses were up to.

I advise anyone considering work at the KIDS CLUB in Gumi Dong, Bundang, to speak privately with some of the foreigners before signing there. Don't believe the Korean bosses at that location. Unless, that is of course, the bosses have changed.

chronicpride · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

plato's republic · Joined: 07 Dec 2004 Location: Ancient Greece

So let me get this straight, even if it's a franchise Kids Club school everything is still controlled from head office, right?
In that case, i guess it depends on the school owner/director and staff members who make the difference.
I accepted a job at a new school so i've no idea what it's going to be like...hmm...food for thought.
I'm slightly worried now.... Sad

Saxiif · Joined: 15 May 2003 Location: Seongnam

pauline · Joined: 07 Mar 2005 Location: Incheon, Korea

I worked at a Kids Club in Inchoen for two years. The first 18 months were good, but it was a six-day working week. Hours, 9 to 6, Mon to Fri with a three hour break after morning class and 10 to 3 every Sat if you're unfortunate enough to get a mother's class.

The last six months were terrible because a foriegn monchon got himself promoted(though bribery) to academic coordinator, concoted a bunch of ridiculous rules and tried to push us around, and the boss didn't give a damm. The days dropped to five days a week, but you had to work from 9 to 7.30 every Tues and Thurs. Moreover, you'll have to give concerts for the parents twice a year. The curriculm isn't great. Do your homework. Ask the teachers who have been there longer. Things can change from good to foul in a matter of weeks.

I've discovered that if you kowtow, you might not get screwed. If you don't take crap, you'll get screwed. These people are NOT professional.

plato's republic · Joined: 07 Dec 2004 Location: Ancient Greece

Thanks for the advice!

The one I signed with is a new branch and there will be only two foreign teachers there. It's also in Incheon.

Here goes nothing...

teachingld2004 · Joined: 29 Mar 2004

Hey Plato, dont start to worry. Make the best of it. The worst thing that could happen is for u to leave. If thisis your first job, don't worry. Scope out the area. Make some friends. Travel. You will be fine. Start out positive. Be the best you can, just don't be a push over. Some jobs are great, some are good, some are OK some are bad, and some suck.
If the job turns out to be OK, you are a winner. (well, sort of).
Just be carefull...the more you give, the more is expected. usually). There may be rewrds, but do not come here thinking bad things.
If you need any help, some of us are here to help you. If you need to vent, just ask me.

buymybook · Joined: 21 Feb 2005 Location: Telluride

pocariboy73 · Joined: 23 Jan 2003

I see from the "Korean Jobs Posting Board" that KIDS CLUB in Bundang (Gumi Dong) is hiring again. I advise anyone interested in applying there to PM me for accurate details of the real situation. I can provide you with emails of other teachers who have worked there. The wanjang in charge is still there even after a mass purging of past teachers and several others who quit or decided not to resign in absolute disgust of her business tactics/ethics. Believe me, she is a real devil Twisted Evil

Summer Wine · Joined: 20 Mar 2005 Location: Next to a River

I work for a Kids Club school. I find it good, but that probably has more to do with the Owners. I have longer holidays here than I have had at other schools. I have shorter classes and things are good. But again that has to do with the Bosses.

Its hit or miss if you get a good school. But I find this one good, no more problems that I have had at other schools, and most of those I shrug off now its not my first year and I am more sure of what to expect. Or what not to expect.

Saxiif · Joined: 15 May 2003 Location: Seongnam

Hagwon Muppet · Joined: 18 Mar 2003

hari seldon · Joined: 05 Dec 2004 Location: Incheon

Speaking of Kid's Club...
I work at one in Incheon. I've been there for seven months and I know that the teacher I replaced was treated fairly at the end of his contract. Relatively speaking, I'd say it's a decent place to work. How the franchises are run really varies depending on the franchise owners. Here there aren't alot of silly rules and they don't micromanage how you teach.
Paperwork is limited to monthly student evaluations. You don't have to do lesson plans. The couple that own the school treat the foreign teachers in a respectful manner. On the other hand, it's not unusual to get your pay a week late because it's a small school dependent on tuition payments and the owners don't have deep pockets.

We just lost a teacher on Friday. PM me if you're looking for work.