Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kiwiman]

Hi all i am hopefully moving to korea soon and am about to enter the contract stage.

I am wondering what sort of hours everyone works and what pay is expected for a first year teacher with no experiance?

I assume 1.7mill is the minimum?

I have the option to go through EPIK here in NZ but have noticed that many schools in this program are poorly managed and are on the blacklist. but would make the whole visa process easier? However i will be getting 1.7mill and will have 22hrs in-class time per week but it is in Incheon which ive heard mostly negative feedback about.

So...take this job or try my luck with a school in a city i choose and recieve an extra 1-2mill but gamble as the school may screw me over.

Also, anyone got any pointers on how to find a "good" school in a city of your choice as, when your in another country, investigating is a tad tough:-)!

Any response is appreciated

chee rs

[SPINOZA]

1.7m is the minimum in public schools ('minimum' meaning no experience and no tefl cert, eg CELTA) but I think Hagwons pay more.

[The Kung Fu Hustle]

It depends what you want it depends what you want it depends what you want it depends what you want it depends what you want it depends what you want it depends what you want it depends what you want

I think Incheon is just fine! The prices there are a little cheaper than Seoul, and you can always just jump on the bus and party in Seoul on the weekends.

As for that EPIK / hagwon divide, I think you should look around a few places for the least cr4p job, investigate some more, drive a hardnuts bargain and follow your instincts. If it all turns pear-shaped come back here and a plethora of people will be available to scold your naivety and counsel you on your options.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

EPIK is maybe a safer bet, *but*, remember to ask: how comfortable do you think you'd be thrown in front of a class of up to 45 middle school students with co-teachers who might be of no help or not even come, not knowing Korean or having any teaching experience? A 'good' hogwan might be a better introduction to Korea, and you should be able to get something with at least 2.0 to start. 2.0 is a pretty common starting wage. The other potential advantage of hogwans is that you have more say over where you'll be working; EPIK might place you out in the sticks. On the other hand, if you're ready to be thrown into the public school system and up for a challenge, and willing to adapt quickly to Korean cultural norms, EPIK might be worth the risk - just remember not to be too judgemental at first. If you do go for a hogwan, make sure you get confidential references.