Korean Job Discussion Forums

[plato's republic]

I was just checking out a job ad on this site from a company called 'In the World' for an after-school program job in Seoul. The hours are from 1pm-6pm Monday to Friday and the pay is 2.0million Won a month. It seems like a pretty good deal on paper..but what's the actual reality? Has anyone ever worked on such a program? How was it? What's the catch? Any info would be much appreciated.
Thanks.

[dulouz]

The deal can be good but from what I have seen, every single business man in this area of teaching is a crook without exception. Every single one is a sleazeball. Profits from 2 foreign teachers is about 3 million a month.

Tomarrow, I will become a sleazeball because I have partnered with a K teacher to make our own company in this area. We are gonna mail out about 150 letters. I'll let you know how that works out.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

Is it after school *at* an elementary school or an after school hogwan? There's a huge difference.

[plato's republic]

Yeah I'm not sure whether it's at a hagwon or at an actual elementary school. But five hours of work a day for 2.0million isn't that bad surely...

[Yu_Bum_suk]

[plato's republic]

Yeah, if it's through an actual Elementary School then I guess it should be ok, but if the contract is with an actual middle man or a hogwan then I guess it's best avoided.

[itsme]

[princess]

Actually I had an interview with these people this week. I was given a job offer and the contract to take home and look over. I am not sure if I want to take the position. I was told I'd get 2.1 and the hours really are from 1-6PM. The manager said the classes are actually finished by 5:30 and the other 30 minutes are spent doing the paperwork stuff. You get a single apartment, too. Sounds good but I am hesitant because after looking at the contract it seems kind of sketchy. I have 4 years teaching experience in Korea and of those are kindie AND elementary.
Anyways, the first page of the contract talks about the manger's role. So, I would be placed in an after school program at a public school in either Jamsil, Gangdong, Nowon or Mia. The manager asked me for my preference but I am sure it's not guaranteed. The manager would also be my boss, not the actual principal of the school I am placed in. So, it's a middle-man situation. He told me he travels around everyday to the different schools. There are 4 unpaid days of orientation. Even though I have 4 years of teaching experience, I would be required to teach a demo lesson in front of the head teacher for 45 minutes with kids I've never seen before. I don't like that idea. That sucks!!! Saturdays are off days EXCEPT when there are level tests. Eww. Not good. You get the standard Korean holidays and 2 weeks vacation. Each school has their own holidays too...usually 4 in a full school year. They are UNPAID days. If you are absent without prior notification, 6 hours pay will be deducted from your salary. If you are late without prior notice 2 hours pay will be deducted. If you fail to attend a sheduled meeting or training session, 1 hour will be deducted. This all sounds like alot of hooey to me. The teacher is required to pay the entire cost of health insurance. The employer only helps you obtain it. This will be 50,000 a month depending on salary...WHAT?!?! The paperwork consists of a daily report, a monthly evaluation, final assessment, and a student info card. If you fail to submit these things on ime 1 hour will be deducted from your pay. The paperwork is submitted on a computer via email to the company's central office. 1 hour prep time is expected. Teachers are required to interview new students and evaluate their placement level. The contract even says you are expected to greet the school's principal and teachers everyday and sign in on the after school teacher's sign-in sheet? WHAT??? Say what????? A contract actually says you have to greet people? Hey my first Korean boss wanted us to say goodnight to him every night but at least he didn't put it in the contract. You have to complete 3 months before you can resign. You have to give a one month notice. Then you will be responsible for paying back all the expenses related to the visa. If the termination of the contract results in the manager losing his job, you have to pay the remaining months rent on the provided housing. But, if the manager does not lose his job, yo will be expected to pay the rent until the replacement teacher arrives. If you terminate the contract during a semester you will be expected to forfeit your last month's salary to cover tuition reimbursement to the students. Again, what?????

[denverdeath]

I think the most important question to be asked is do they require you to set up TWO bank accounts in your name...one of which is controlled by the mgr or recruiter?