Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ucfvgirl]

Hello Everyone. I have been working at a public middle school for the past year and I am currently working on my second year. When I returned to this position after a months vacation back home, I wasn't happy. I realized I really needed a change. I am getting really tired of teaching 700 students a week, getting little respect from the students, and teaching the same material over and over throughout the week. It has become mundane.

So for next year, around this time, I am thinking that if i decide to stay in Korea for a third year, I will change jobs. However, with all the 'bad' stories I keep hearing about Hogwans, I am not sure where I want to work. I am not sure if I want to go older, like university age, or young, like Kindergarden age.

If anyone has any suggestions or knows of any great places to work, I would be willing to listen. Thanks for any help you can provide.

[wylies99]

Stay away from hogwans. A "boring" public school job, where you know you'll get paid, is better than the "excitement" of a hogwan where most of the "excitement" comes from playing "payday roulette" (Will you be paid this month?).

[ucfvgirl]

Thanks for the advice. That's why I am asking before I decide what to do next.

[CBP]

From what I'm reading there are some good hogwons. I haven't taught in Korea before, but I am focusing on hogwons. You just have to take your time, do your research, and ask questions. Also speak to current and former teachers. Some friends of mine found great jobs that way. You also might want to look into private schools and academies. There's a married couple teaching at one that they just love. They've already been there a few years. Also, maybe a change in the age level and the school's location would add interest for you. Anyway, good luck with things!

[wylies99]

Be VERY careful about choosing a hogwan. Even a "good" one could end in disaster.

Plus, don't believe EVERYTHING some current teacher tells you.

OP-Your best move may be no move at all. Stay put.

[Hyeon Een]

Maybe give a "unigwan" (University Language Education Center - LEC) a try. Depending on the place you might be teaching children, or exclusively adults. I teach one kids class 5 days a week (Same children) and the rest are all a university basic english class. These jobs are easy to get compared to the 'proper' uni jobs with 4+ months vacation etc. I work 19 hours a week and get about 9-11 weeks holiday. Much better than a hagwan or most public school jobs. I say its better than a public school because my vacation time is better than most in the GEPIK or EPIK program (though that varies) and more importantly I don't have to be there if I don't have classes. This means that on Tuesday and Thursday I spend from 5:20-6:20 at work. The rest of the day is all free. I like it.

[Hotpants]

[crazylemongirl]

You are a qualified teacher aren't you? Have you thought about perhaps teaching in an international school?

[ucfvgirl]

Yes, actually I have. I will definitely be looking at that option for next year. I am a qualified High School socials studies teacher in British Columbia, Canada. I came to Korea to see what it was like to teach in another country, but I am finding that I need a change of pace....from the middle school age.

I only get 14 days holidays working in my public school...not much more than a hogwon. I think this is part of the problem. I am not used to such a regimented schedule, teaching so much and only getting such little time off. It bothers me that I teach just as much and sometimes even more than my Korean counterparts and they get 5 weeks in the summer and 8 weeks in the winter (paid vacation leave). Compared to my 2 weeks (one for each). Hardly seems fair.

So, that is why I am taking some time to investigate all of my options for next year. Because my contract runs out at the beginning of the international school year, I might get lucky with a position there.