Korean Job Discussion Forums

IrishJen · Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Location: Gumi, Gyeongbuk

Now, I've read pretty much all the posts about EPIK (and there are a lot), all those that warn you off it and those that say it's not all that bad.

Bottom line is, I'm due to leave in less than a month to start with EPIK. I'm not backing out - I want to go to Korea and I've bought my flight, everything is settled. I have no teaching experience, but I have an academic interest in Korea, and have wanted to live in Asia for years, so it makes sense.

What I need is someone, anyone, to tell me that they have had a decent experience, and that the complaints are not representative of every contract.

I'm going with no expectations and an open-mind, ready for adventure....but frankly, you're all starting to scare me a little! Help me feel a bitmbetter!

Also looking for anyone who will be starting with EPIK this year, and so will be at orientation in a month's time.

Thanks.

austinfd · Joined: 14 May 2006

Kimchieluver · Joined: 02 Mar 2005

My experience with EPIK has been great. I love it. However, it is really a lottery system. Your experience with EPIK depends on so many variables. Where you get placed. How many schools you teach at. Your co-teachers. Your principle(s). Your vice principle(s). Your POE. Your district supervisor. Your students. Most importantly YOU!

UncleAlex · Joined: 04 Apr 2003

That's just it: Your experience will depend on many variables.
But then, so does life. It's a risky affair. Just come here full of
confidence in yourself and with a whole lot of optimism, but in
the meantime keep your head up. All the best! Cool

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

IrishJen · Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Location: Gumi, Gyeongbuk

saybanana · Joined: 28 Mar 2006 Location: LA

Im not with EPIK, Im with GEPIK. Not sure if there is too much difference, except thats GEPIKS in Gyeonggi-do.

I started 2 months ago and read all there is about working in public schools before coming. Its scared me off a bit, but I came here with very little expectations and an open-mind. You really need that!

I find a lot of my complaints and concerns are almost exactly the same with as other teachers in the province. As long as im not the only one, im fine with it. Some people really let it get to them, and it changes their overall experience for the worse. Of course there are exceptions, some are great places to work at, some are really bad. Its a bit of a lottery system.

Working in a public school is so much easier than any job I had before. I work 22 hours (40 min class hours) in a 40 hour job, no weekends or holiday work. I worked some tedious and shig jobs before with crappy hours and bosses from hell, but this is a bit of heaven now.

I like my job, I dont love it, but im content.

Sometimes people who work for public schools forget they are hired as ASSISTANT English teachers. They are there to assist the head teacher(s). They are not hired for their skills of teaching EFL, but hired for their voice (Native speaker). And just because you are a native speaker, doesn't mean you can teach EFL.

Sometimes you hear that the pay is low. The people who only complain are those with no experience or advance education and are at the bottom of the pay ladder. Those with a masters, or a year or two experience with a TEFL certificate, are earning 200-500 more per month; You rarely hear them complain.

Sometimes you hear there is little vacation time. I get 14 days (working days) or about 3 work weeks. Most hagwon jobs offer the same vacation time. Some people compare themselves to the regular school teachers here and want the same benefits such as more vacation time. If you add up the hours they work every other saturday, plus all the time to do evaluations and writing out finals and stuff, it pretty much evens out.

In terms on contracts, if EPIK's contract is standard, then youll get few problems. It's those who choose to change it that can be good or bad. At least with mine, I compare it with other GEPIK teachers. We all have the same contract, same vacation time, same rules (I earn slightly more than my friends do). Its good.

I think you'll be fine. Its only a year, and you can move on to another country/job. Youll begin the whole "I hope I did the right thing" when you sign your next contract. Just remember its just a JOB.

Sorry I dont know about your province. Rolling Eyes

beebee23 · Joined: 20 Jul 2006

Hola Jen,

I am going to EPIK with you. Only, I will be going to Incheon International Airport and then going somewhere else for the orientation on the 20ish of August. I'm going to view and sign my contract in early August in LA. Anyhow, post where you're going, or email me if you can and we'll chat. I'll let you know where I'm going and if we are in the same orientation, we can say hello.

Cheers and good luck.

ben

celticjay · Joined: 27 Aug 2005

Saybanana wrote:

zucchini · Joined: 11 Mar 2006

Hi, I'll be going on EPIK as well. I arrive on the morning of the 21st so I'll have a bit of time to relax before the orientation starts. I've read a lot of the posts about EPIK as well, and on the whole, although I'm sure there are genuine exceptions, if people don't get stressed out about things such as not getting as many holidays as Korean teachers etc it should be a good experience. I'm looking forward to it.