Korean Job Discussion Forums

MrRomantic · Joined: 04 Jun 2003

I have a degree in economics and a certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL). What salary should I accept?
How much for 100 hours per month?
How much for 120 hours per month?
How much for overtime per hour?
How is the wage/salary calculated bearing in mind that 4 weeks is 28 days or 20 days of teaching monday to friday but there is 30-31 days in each month? What about the contract completion bonus, how much should this be? Any constructive advice would be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,
Nick

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

Use the search function!

Here's one thread:
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=4972

But there are many more on the subject.

cLG

The Cube · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

waterbaby · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Location: Baking Gord a Cheescake pie

In regards to Severance pay, I've lifted the following from the www.efl-law.com site - great resource for teachers and potential new teachers. There's a comprehensive section there on contracts that would be worth having a look at.

Stunted Wookie · Joined: 06 Feb 2003 Location: Sound Studio

When looking for a position there can be more important issues than the base salary vrs. teaching hours. Yes this is a main point but I mean you should look at the total package.

Is your place really 'rent free' ?
Some places provide lunch..1.9 and lunch is provided (seen it)
*many more points, just several examples*

Check the 'office hours' as opposed to teaching hours. 120 teaching hours is fine ..but what time do you show up and what time do you leave?

A good way to look at salary is to use just that idea from back home..I work X hours a day..I walk in @ this time and leave @ that time...
How many hours a day, week, month? divide with the salary to find an hourly wage. If its good from your stand point its worth exploring the contract some more.

I guess my point is not to cast away jobs that don't meet a minimum (120 @ 2.2 million or something).
Grab a pen and paper and do some math, and try to see any perks to each position.
Am I in an industrial town, near the ocean, good nightlife, good quite surroundings? Go for what suits you.

Try to find a job that is best suited to your needs and desires. This will go a long way to making your trip a positive adventure. It may not be perfect here but it is a great experience and profitable.

That being said I also feel that holding out too long for a 'perfect' job is unrealistic. Many may disagree but hear me out...
Those of us here understand that there is a high turnover (generally)..why are there so many job ads? There are a lot of schools and when they need someone they call a recruiter of post the ad themself. Probably at the last minute too! These jobs do not last long as there is always a steady influx of foreign teachers here....Don't believe me? Go the the airport for coffee and watch the lemmings arrive! (lemmings used in jest)

When you find a position that seems to suit your needs and you have a satisfactory gut feeling..grab it and come over. If it doesn't work out, or your boss scares you, you didn't get paid..blah, blah there is always a way out.

Just my opinions

gajackson1 · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2003 6:54 pm Post subject:

Nick - there are a LOT of factors to work in. Stunted Wookie knows his stuff.

The only other thing i can say is that it is better if you search & choose while over here, generally speaking, and you NEED to get in touch with past/current teachers from any school you consider - the more, the better.

G.

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

hellofaniceguy · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: On your computer screen!

How much you are willing to accept is what you are happy with. Period. In my opinion, don't agree to teach 120/100 hours a month. That's foolish. Only agree to teach "X" amount of classes per day. 4/5 50 minute classes a day for hokwons is fair. But a lot of fools agree to teach 6, 7 and 8 classes a day. Why? Schools know that some "person" will sign a B.S. contract!! I know some Canadians at English Friends who teach 9 50 minute classes a day for 1.8! I ask them whY?!?!? They say because the pay is better here than back home! So, with that kind of attitude, it won't get better for all in korea. Universities? 2/3 50 minute classes a day is also fair Or 12-15 classes a week. Don't agree to teach 120 hours! Some schools go by the minutes; a 40/50 minute class is just that! At 50 minutes a class, you have to teach 6 classes a day at 50 minute that's 300 minutes or 6 hours a day. If your class is 40 minutes, well, you get the picture. Pay is whatever you are happy with. No less than 2.1 plus housing! Never share housing!

slap it · Joined: 21 Jan 2003

if your a first year teacher, try and get 2 million won.
if you have over a year experience or have an education degree, you should be able to get 2.2 million won.
this is pretty standard for 30 working hours a week.
best of luck.

Howard Roark · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Location: Canada

Location is also a factor. Somebody suggested 2.2 for a first time 120hrs position. I think that's probably reasonable for Seoul or maybe Pusan. But without experience, 2.2 is a bit high for most other areas. Take a city like Gumi for example, industrial town, maybe 300 000 people. A first timer would be hard pressed to find 2.2. even with experience, 2.2 is still a bit high unless you're working on Saturdays or something. I encourage you start the bidding at 2.2, you never know, but i think 2.0 and single apt is very reasonable for a first time teacher.