Korean Job Discussion Forums

[hellofaniceguy]

I don't know; we get 16 weeks paid vacation at our university. I think that's a good deal with 12-15 classes a week. Plus the usual holidays. Hokwons are not the way to go. Too many screwy owners out to screw you over and you'll have no recourse. With the government positions, pay is not a problem nor is severence, air fare, etc. But, large classes. A lot of the elementary schools in korea are not government/public schools but are owned by someone are are sanctioned by the governmrnt.

[katydid]

Here's something I find interesting. I'm not sure about all unis, having only worked at one, but in my classes, the size of the class ranged from 27 to 40 students per class. Of course, after midterms, and throughout the year, yes the attendance would drop a bit, but the uni classes I taught were the same size as the public school classes, so I don't think that should be taken into consideration.
I actually have another job offer lined up, this one is at a middle school in Cheonan (keep getting job offers from there! Maybe it's fate.... ) and as it is NOT a hagwan, and therefore I KNOW I will be paid on time and working with a set curriculum I think it could be a good job.
Anyone wanting to discuss the pros and cons of working at a public school, or tell me about their day-to-day life at one, please PM me. I especially have one question about this contract: how does one work from 8:30 to 4:30 every day but only wok 20 hours a week? Hmmm....

[wormholes101]

[katydid]

What do you do, in between???

[Yesterday]

I have worked at private institutes, Hagwons (there is a difference) and also 4 public schools.

The Public school jobs are the BEST!!!!!!!!

The job has less hassles - you always get paid on the dot - on payday -

classes are more stressless and fun - as usually its up to you to teach how you want -

you really get looked after -

as many sick days as you want - my contract now states "Only after I have been sick 7 days in a row - do I have to produce a medical certificate" and then more sick days is okay -

you get all the holidays - and depending on your contract - still get paid for all of them -

free lunch in the cafeteria -

you start early and finish early -

JOB security - you never get sacked/fired unless you are a complete moran -

Go for it - Public school is definately the best (my opinion)!

[Zyzyfer]

Ummmmmm......katydid............what's the name of the school?

[katydid]

It's a public middle school...if that means anything. I hope your neck's not feeling itchy?

[Zyzyfer]

No, my neck's not itchy. I already know that I'm not going to be at my school after March. So, if you're coming to my school, I can give you a heads up about it.

[katydid]

We can talk tomorrow!

[TheUrbanMyth]

[TheUrbanMyth]

Not only that, but at a hakwon you can set your own salary (within reason) IF you are a good teacher and the students like you. Can you do that at a public school? Or a university? In fact MOST (not all) university positions I've seen pay LESS than a hakwon job (but I guess that some people would rather trade time off for money).

[princess]

If you start earlier, you finish earlier, though.

[aveguard]

I am new to teaching and living overseas and have no clue what would be a good position or not. All of these recruiters keep calling me and I have a difficult time communicating with them. Conversation is very brief and there are long pauses...? Well I just got offered a position in teaching elementary in the largest private institution in Gwang Ju City. I initially wanted to work in Seoul but I suppose this is closer to the water and Japan. Does anyone here know the difference and can give me some advice please

[ttompatz]

[the_beaver]