Korean Job Discussion Forums

Junior · Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Location: the eye

EPIk looks better than GEPIK because you can be on 2.7 after 2 years.

How much holiday time do you get though? Anyone know?
Does EPIK do summer camps?

Njord · Joined: 12 Jan 2006 Location: South Korea

What kind of salary and vacation can someone with a BA, CELTA, and one year of hogwon experience get with EPIK? Is it possible to negotiate some of the salary for more vacation and limits on the number of schools? How do you get around to all those schools, by the way? I assume you only go to one per day?

teachingld2004 · Joined: 29 Mar 2004

Re-read this thread. People have said they go to multi school. You are on a stadard contract depending on your eligilibility level.

crimsonlily · Joined: 08 May 2006

I don't have experience in the hagwon, but I have met some people who were at a great hagwon. With EPIK, you don't know where you will be placed. You have to prepare all your material based on "anything you want." If you are not experienced, those guidelines aren't so helpful. I wanted the "security" of working for the government. The same stuff happens at public schools that I have read about happening at shady hagwons. I don't know if all the challenges have made me stronger, (sure I have become a better teacher through experience - the school didn't provide any resources or funding whatsover). I would not wish what I have been through on my worst enemy.

My suggestion: do your research. Ask to speak to some people who are currently working at the school you want to go to. Think of everything that matters to you, make a list, ask all those questions. If someone won't tell you an answer or just says that it is "great" or "very good" take that as a premonition of how future communication will go. In short: do the leg work and take the extra time and effort in searching for a job so you don't wind up in a bad situation.

adventureman · Joined: 18 Feb 2003

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

buildbyflying · Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 9:23 pm Post subject:

I think people are going to be frustrated in any job with as much bureaucratic nonsense as EPIK, but then, for anyone who's ever worked for corporations before (cube farm, etc.) this is kinda par for the course.
I've worked in rural and city schools and have found downsides and upsides to both. The extra money you get for a provincial and rural bonus usually just goes to travel expenses.
The program benefits some more than others. I've had considerable fewer days off than other teachers (some of which have had 2~3 months off) but I've been getting paid extra for any work outside of regular school and hours.
I certainly have my complaints (which I'm addressing in the petition) but overall, I think I'd be inclined to return (with an MA).

Horangi Munshin · Joined: 06 Apr 2003 Location: Busan

Does experience outside public schools count? I've heard differing opinions and the stuff I've read on the websites hasn't been concrete.

I have a Bachelors Degree, a teaching diploma for high school teaching back home and well over 2 years experience in Korean hagwons, plus 2 years substitute experience back home. What level would I be placed at?