Korean Job Discussion Forums

[humanuspneumos]

I've taught at all three: Hogwan-Public School-University

After teaching at all three- and this is going to strike some as weird and crazy- I chose to stay with Hogwans.

Public School: I don't like the feeling that there is any expectation in any way, shape or form to remain on the compound for such-n-such hours. Though it gave me a thrill to work with "real teachers"- that's short lived when the clock is ticking- you don't have a class- and wonder why it's a crime to just disappear for a while when you're not teaching.

University: Though I did disappear for a coffee- it was usually class coffees. That is- I gave my smaller class the choice of having a coffee at such-n-such place and do the subject material there or be in class. They naturally wanted the coffee. The larger classes- well, the most I could do is a one-time walk about the campus with some ESL activity in mind (eg. take turns pretending they were a tour-guide in English) and within class the "thrilling stuff" was having them form groups to create a drama based upon the suject material. It was fun- however, I was on campus and needed to be there such-n-such hours for this, that and the other thing.


Hogwan: The hogwan- though its reputation at this board isn't spotless- believe it or not (I can hear some of you sheeeeeeshing) didn't give a rats-@$$ about me being within the box like an animal from 7:30-5:30. I was expected to do one hour prep-time, do my teaching when it came time to do so, and went shopping, had coffees, chit-chatted with whoever, bla, bla, bla, bla, bla. I wonder if that isn't the reason many never leave the hogwan industry because it affords freedoms you normally wouldn't get in other places- including a freedom where you aren't shunned for stepping out or away for a bit (no clock to punch).

I know the Austin debates perhaps scared some of you away and left a bad taste in your mouth towards my posts- however gang- which do you prefer and why? Really- I don't bite and just love drinking coffee- that's all.

[weatherman]

I have worked all three also. I have to say that my first job at a hogwon wasn't that bad, for the only reason I didn't know anything about Korea or what I was doing. Had a really good experience but the split shift was very very difficult. Worked at womens high school next, and was very happy to be included with all the group activities the teachers did. (Learnt how to really drink from those guys ) I didn't have to work on Saturdays, but from Monday to Friday I was there from about 8 to 5, and didn't really mind it at all. The students were friendly and so was everybody else. Had about 4 classes to teach a day, sometimes 5. The university work is what I like best. Low hours, lots of free time (though the pay isn't great) and a lot of freedom. Why you like the hogwon work, is why I like university work, and that is freedom. Remember every place is different.

[Zyzyfer]

My middle school doesn't make me stick around, except for that stretch after classes, from 3:30 to 4:30. The 3-hour break in the middle of classes? I can go home and go back to bed...

[Anda]

Hogwans normally don't have a decent photocopier on hand and are usually short on supporting class control.

Universities usually have a big hour spread and don't give airfares.


Public schools have a printing room for lesson handouts. Support is better for class control. Airfares are paid. Evening are free. Oh, and my school lets me go when I'm not teaching as they know I prepare at home for class.

[The Lemon]

[schwa]

Public school provides useful insight into the system & decent perks if youre a team player. University -- appealing depending on reasonable admission & teaching standards, potentially stimulating. Beware hakwonization.

I'd go back to a carefully chosen hakwon, given the choice. Call your own shots, chance to spend consistent time with small classes of promising kids (fun!) & to customize your worklife. Simpatico owner a must.

[The Lemon]

Hogwons: Very little supervision. If you're an experienced teacher this is good. If you're a newbie or a pretender this is bad. Lots of hours, better than average salary. Often poor accomodations, though there are exceptions.

Public schools: LOTS of supervision. A little higher on the respect food chain. Many required hours on-site, reading the paper. Salary varies.

University: Lowest teaching hours. Some office hours. Minimal supervision. Not particularly challenging. Long vacations. Quality of students varies from school to school, and depending on how near Seoul you are. Salary also varies, but the wage/teaching hours ratio can't be beat. If you like to paint or compose symphonies and would like a pile of free time, this is the job for you.

I've done all three, and prefer the university job, overall. Professionally, the public school position back home was the best, but the pay was HORRIBLE. I've also taught in public schools here, and liked that much much less.

[chi-chi]

mods you may delete

[humanuspneumos]

I said that all Hogwans were that way- I'll clarify more- just the Hogwans I've taught at. It's a good point you bring out- since many of the points made are relative- some of what's said is truly hummus.

[Anda]

I do a max of 15 hours a week and have a great apartment a three minute walk away. So far this weekI've taught 4 lessons in three days. No give me the public school system.

[Cthulhu]

I've done all three and unis are the best for me. Lemon pretty much had it right with his comments.

For me, hagwans have too little vacation time and too many kids (unless you do splits with adults), the public schools atmosphere seemed more uptight and looked and felt a little dingy where I worked but the uni had the best hours and the more laid back setting in my case.

[Sliver]

You didn't mention private schools.

I work at a private elementary school and this is the best so far (5 months in) out of one uni gig and two years of hagwons.

Pay: 2 mil, housing: small but new (all the stuff inside is mine though), hours (office) Mon 9-2:30, Tue 9 - 4:10, Wed 9 - 1:40, Thurs Fri : 9 - 4:10. Teaching hours :18.
Holidays 6 weeks plus other days of that you dont get at hagwons.

Anyways, I know some other people that work at private elementary schools that have similar perks schedules etc.

By the way, my contract is in Korean and I chose the job more on my feeling about the people here. Having read my contract I found the contract details to be fairly simplistic and lacking in the detail of a western contract. Anyway that is of topic.I tend to agree with the Austin on this one a little. In Korea if you don't focus so much on the contract and creating harmony in the workplace (and no that doesn't mean you have to take it up the A**) life can be a lot easier here in Korea.

Anyways, heres to the private elementary school for my vote (for the time being anyway)