Korean Job Discussion Forums

dbee · Joined: 29 Dec 2004 Location: korea

So, it looks like it's summer camp time again. And once again the offers are getting even more pathetic than they were for the previous camp season.

If you are looking around and thinking of doing a summer camp this year, pls take the time to consider that there is a HUGE TEACHER SHORTAGE in Korea right now.

Do not sign a standard camp deal where you do a 60+ hour, six day a week schedule for crummy pay. Only to get taxed at 30% at the end of it and discover that once you pay for a taxi back to airport, you won't have any made any money for the whole month.

I found this on the job board earlier

rodneyc863 · Joined: 01 Jun 2006

A lot of the camp jobs that i have seen so far are similar if not worse then the one you posted. But then since some recruiters are doing the recruiting for the camp they dont even seem to have all the details thereby making it look worse maybe.

ScottyG · Joined: 09 Jun 2006

very very true. i've worked two camps, and am just about ready to decide on a third, and unless you are already in korea, the task of coming to korea on a C4 with the flight issues makes it seem not so worthwhile. but really, all in all, once you get to the camp, everything, especially working hours, goes out the window. most camps are kind of planned about a week in advance. therefore, the first week of camp is chaos. disorganised at best. one thing to consider is accommadation - sleeping two people in a little room is worse than putting 5 people in a slightly bigger room. that is a box of chocolates where you sure as hell don't know what you are going to get.

if you are already in korea, and have the month off, you would be just as wise to work at a hakwon and pick up the extra classes in a summer intensive program. i have done that before, and been paid much more for much less work had i worked in a camp. yes, it is illegal, but essentially so is working at a camp under a 'permission letter.' apparently there is some sort of loop hole, but not a very secure one.

the only reason i have worked camps in the past is to return to korea and look for jobs in person. the camp is just a way to get to korea without going broke paying the flight. despite all the typical korean meanderings in logic and promises made, camps are good for networking, and actually are enjoyable when things go even slightly well.

i'm just about to sign on the dotted line for a camp that pays 3.6 for 4 weeks, with half of the airfare paid. i'll have a room in a shared condo, and most of the weekends off. the only weird thing is i would have to wear a korean traditional hanbo...............not sure what to think here.

angiejsm · Joined: 24 May 2006 Location: Not exactly sure.

I have no idea how much Canadian dollars are worth, but even given that I'm paying for my flight to Korea and will be working at Camp Korea (assuming it's the same one, in Chuncheon), Australian dollars mean I will be paid more than $3000. After tax, it will drop to just below $3000. Yeah, they're long hours, but it's still not bad pay, at least not for a BA with no teaching qualifications.

I don't know who was recruiting for Camp Korea but I will give credit where credit is due, the HR department there has been nothing but a pleasure to deal with. We have gone through the website, not a recruiter.