Korean Job Discussion Forums

philipjames · Joined: 03 Feb 2003

My experience at GnB started out very well, but as the months passed things got unbearable. You may have a much more positive experience than I had. It's a large chain of schools and a lot depends on the owner. So you may have a great time for the full year. But proceed with your eyes open and be aware that hogwans are about profit more than education. Be prepared for the absurd but inevitable parental complaints about your teaching, disciplinary problems in the classroom which you dare not correct in fear of annoying the paying mothers, and the underhanded Korean 'interpretation' of certain aspects of your contract.
(Any vagueness in wording is going to work against you.)

I hope that you have a great experience at your school, but hogwans and hogwan owners have a nasty reputation for a reason. In my experience they fully deserve that reputation, and my GnB experience was dreadful.
I hope that your experience is much more pleasant. Good luck. (Keep positive, but trust your hogwan owner at your own risk.)

Looking forward to your 3 month report.

Lemonade · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Location: South Korea

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

Great attitude. Keep it up. I'm sure you will enjoy your stay in Korea.
However, don't be too hard on the 'negative' posters here. Sadly, these teachers also came here in 'good faith', only to discover that TESL in Korea has a terrible reputation - for good reason.

I enjoy my teaching in Korea immensely. The kids and adult students are just great people. I really like them, respect them, and wouldn't have missed this opportunity for the world.

However, be warned: Asian 'manners' and 'business practices' are VERY hard to come to grips with. After travelling, living, and working in 42 countries, I still can't get used to people cheating me - continually lying to me - WHILE THEY ARE SMILING AND BEING SUPER 'FRIENDLY' AND HELPFUL.
This is not cynicsm - it's just hard won experience.

My experience is that no Westerner EVER won a business dealing with an Asian. If you think everything is OK - then you are not looking hard enough. Happy honeymoon. I hope you enjoy your teaching as much as I do, and that you don't have the usual "K" nonsense to put up with. Good luck.

Lemonade · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Location: South Korea

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

The trick is to never trust, never show your cards and never be on their side - meaning don't fall for the nicey nice tactics. Be very suspicious when they are being "nice." This is business after all.[/quote]

I couldn't agree more. Never trust a smiling Asian. However, my experience with Koreans is that they are not the worst at dishonest private and business dealings. One day in India would show you that.
That is: INDIA , I'll Never Do It Again.

Lemonade · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Location: South Korea

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

Sorry, only 1/2 Birt, but you wouldn't notice. I come from a country that despises Liars. People who lie, personally or privately, for ANY REASON, are just considered beneath contempt.

The indemic lying in Asian societies has always been a big problem for me. I know Asians lie for many reasons: personal gain, face saving (yours and theirs), to avoid physical punishment (abuse), their contempt at your perceived 'status', and downright sly personalities. However, I still can't get used to this dishonesty, especially when someone is smiling and being helpful.

I still think Westerners are at a major disadvantage when dealing with Asians. OK, especially Korean Hakwon owners. We are just not raised to distrust 'friendly' and 'helpful' people. I'm sure my boss has the all-time Korean (maybe world) record for lying. I once caught him lying to me 6 times in 5 minutes! I don't even bother saying 'good afternoon' to him anymore.