Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Gideon]

I just got a job offer from a corporate company. Since its a newly created position, they've pretty much gave me a lot of flexability as to what i want to do. In the interview they told me, "our company is now global and we have offices in the usa, uk, china and here in korea. We would like u to help us improve our employees english skills, as we believe its important for us to grow in our global markets". When asked what they expect from me, they just said its up to you because this job is new to us.

The job is similar to the benefits of a uni job, but only 4 weeks vacation, but of course the money is much better.

They want me to level test the employees once every 2 months.. which should only take a week of my time.. it seems like a good company and they do have deep pockets. so um not worried about getting paid on time or anything like that.. but i'd just like to know if anyone out there works for a corporation as an english teacher and what they're responsibilities are.

I know that samsung hires people for their language institutes, as i've noticed on their posting in the job section here..

anyway all info would be great.. thanks

[Karabeara]

One tip I can give you from teaching adults in Korea in the past (PT) is give them opportunities to tell you what they think of the class. Provide them with your email address, as well as monthly or bi-monthly report forms they can fill out for you which give them chances to say what they are unhappy or happy with. Koreans tend not to let their feelings out about such things, and will let it boil up inside until they let it all out in a mass meeting. You will go from being a good teacher to one who they want to fire within minutes. So you have to diffuse it by giving them private opportunities to give their opinions. I always gave out questionaires every month or two. Especially after the first month.

[BobNads69]

Here is some advice I can give you. I��m a Human Resources Director at a major bank here in Seoul.

1. Talk to the H/R Manager, Gen Manager and/ or CEO. Make sure that the Company��s Master Training Plan and your classes have the same goals. This removes all the pressure on the teacher. The pressure is back on the students and the company. You, (the Teacher) are following what the company wants and not what each individual student wants.

2. Be prepared to walk away from the company if they appear (or starts) to be indifferent on your class. You are a ��professional teacher/trainer�� willing to help them. They need your help and the students need to attend on a regular bases.
Don��t settle for students to attend "IF" they have time. Do make the Managers and students responsible for good attendance. Make the Department Mangers understand that this is company training and they need to support you.

3. Present a complete Training Program based on what the company wants and what you think will benefit the company. If the company wants ��Conversational English Classes��, NO WAY. Present a strong Business English Program that is beneficial to the company��s needs and one that you can handle. Conversational English Classes are a waste of the companys time. Current Events Class, now that's OK.

4. Be flexible but do not change your classes because of a few students don��t like the material/ style or type of class you are doing. Remember you are following what the company wants and not what the individual student wants. Having the blessing of the HR Manager and/or CEO will have a huge impact on the success or failure of your class.

What I have done here in Korea?
All software is in English.
All Training Manuals, Policies and Regulations are in English.
All Managerial Meetings are done in English.
All company memos and emails are done in English.

Painful in the beginning but it works.
If your company is really serious about learning and working in English, this is what you have to do.

[Gideon]

great.. thanks for the info guys...