Korean Job Discussion Forums

[xCustomx]

I've been looking forward to applying for public school jobs since last year and have been offered a position with SMOE in the fall. There have been a lot of threads on the pros and cons of public school jobs and how they compare to hagwons. It seems like the public jobs are almost as much of a risk as a hagwon since you don't know where you will be placed. Another part that concerns me is the housing. I have a 17pyung place now, with an awesome view of the hillsides, close to a huge park, subway, shopping centers...I don't want to end up in a tiny place in Seoul. Is it possible to request a housing allowance from SMOE so I can choose my own place?

The other part that sucks are the english camps that I would have to teach during each vacation period (it sounds like its out in the countryside).

I will be on a level 2 payment (2million), so I won't be getting a raise at all from my current contract unless I complete and online TOSEL or CELTA type program.

I don't mind the 8 hours/day thing, even though a lot of the time you're sitting on your butt not doing anything. I could definitely use the time to study Korean and take care of some other things I've been planning for a while.

Another part of the contract that bothers me is the fact that SMOE can have me work at multiple locations, or do part time work at SMOE office facilities without any additional pay. Does anyone in SMOE right now do this?

There is a stipulation that says I must go back to my home country within 10 days of the contract ending, if I expect SMOE to pay for my plane ticket. I would like to get a tourist visa and stay for maybe 1-2 months after the contract finishes before going back. Are they leniant in this aspect?


I'll have to make a decision soon which bothers me because I would like to apply for Gyunggido jobs as well, but the interviews won't start for about 3 weeks.

I almost feel like working in a hagwon again because at least then I know where I'll be living, I can talk to the owner, hours are reduced (though there is more time teaching), and I can negotiate a higher salary than what I'll receive from the public job. I really don't know what to do at this point.

[sonshine20]

I've been told that you can usually get a housing allowance instead of an apartment. I think it is up to the individual school, but I've heard that most schools will give you one. (It's easier for them.)

If you've been offered a job at a specific school, be sure to talk to the principal and current foreign teacher, if there is one, before taking the job. Ask about the summer/winter camp. Also ask for photos of the housing.

Hope that helps a little.

[xCustomx]

Since locations will not be given until later in the summer, it's impossible to ask the current teacher about their working situation right now. I wonder if it's possible to sign the contract and then back out of it if I find something better, as long as my visa has not been processed.

[UncleAlex]

Seoul is very expensive when it comes to real estate, so don't expect a
large, beautiful apartment overlooking the hills. If you're situated in the
metro area, where most of the schools are, you'll most likely get a 9 pyoung
room facing a wall in some back alley. The housing allowance is about 300K a
month, I think, so expect to contribute at least 100K from your petty salary just for
the rent and an additional 125K plus for utilities and building fees. Try to land a position
in the suburbs if you want a nicer place to live in and good amenities. A
public school job through a local board in a smaller city or town is a better option. With SMOE
you must spend 3 weeks of each vacation period outside the city at an English camp.
Avoid SMOE or other provincial positions
if you prefer to have about a month off each vacation period.

[ddeubel]

Housing allowance is 500,000 won.

About vacations --- yes, you do have to do camps, yes, you do have to "work" for your salary. BUT , if you really from Day 1, foster a good, open and convivial relationship with your school admin --- you can make a great deal for yourself.

It is very possible to negotiate many more vacation days with your school. Of course this isn't in the contract but it is done. Lots in the contract is just there to cover the bases (like working in multiple locations, doesn't happen much).

I'm looking at 22 working days of vacation this summer. Had 7 working days in the winter. That's 6 weeks of "my time". Also, don't forget the innumerable unofficial holidays -- I'm having one tomorrow. Everyone at the school is going on a trip with student teachers. So no classes. Us English teachers are going on a picnic and then I'll be home by noon.......Next Mon. no classes and I've arranged to stay at home, get some things done. No problem, because I have a good relationship with my school....

There is a lot to consider about any job/position but the one thing I would stress is how important it is to do a bang up job from Day 1 and at the same time, foster a very good relationship with your school........

DD

[xCustomx]

With a public school job, espeically with EPIK, GEPIK and now SMOE it seems like it's kind of hit or miss when it comes finding a decent school.

The possible extra vacation time, being paid on time, and less teaching hours are all very tempting. However, it sucks that I don't know where I will be teaching. My gf lives in Suwon, so she's not really hot on the idea of me working in Seoul, especially if I get placed up north (Jongo) or in the west.

Is it possible to sign the contract and then tell them I'm not interested later in the summer, provided a find a job im more comfortable with?

[TheUrbanMyth]

[SPINOZA]