|
Korean Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!"
|
| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
PGF
Joined: 27 Nov 2006
|
 Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2006 4:03 pm Post subject: Hello- Introduction-Looking into a job in S. Korea |
 |
|
Hello,
I've recently joined this forum. My name is Michael. I am 34 years old and looking to (finally) get some overseas travel under my belt. I thought an ESL position would be the perfect experience for me.
I graduated with a BA in Lit in 1994 and started working at a large law firm. After seven years, I burned out and went to work for a bankruptcy court trustee's office. Tired of the confines of a desk, I did a "180" and went into sales, two years ago.
The first and only school I've communicated with is in Gwangju, South Korea. They assure me they are established and have been in business since 1988. The starting pay is 2M KWON/ month + reimbursed airfare within 3 days of arrival and a "two bedroom apt.".
Here's some text from an e-mail they sent me:
| Quote: |
We pay your airfare to Korea ( well, actually, you're reimbursed within 3 days of arrival.) You get the return fare upon completion of a one-year contract.
The starting pay is 2 million a month.(approx. 2,000 U.S.)
You get a free unshared 2-bedroom apt ( it's great by Korean standards)
but you pay the utilities and a condo fee ( covering cable, water, garbage,
security, etc.) of about 60,000 a month. (My average for condo and
utility is 80,000 a month.)
There are 10-15 paid national holidays a year. |
Even though they do not require it, I feel like I should take an ESL cert program like the one Oxford offers. I think it might give me some confidence before I take the plunge.
I have had some experience teaching writing, but on a college level and to native English speakers. I also volunteered some time a few years back trying to teach a Russian immigrant english. At the time I really did not have a method to my tutoring madness and I'm afraid to say the Russian did not excel as much as I thought he would.
However, I still want to do this.
Questions:
1) Is it normal for the potential ESL teacher to pay their own airfare over and have it reimbursed?
2) Why would this school offer me a 2 bedroom furnished apartment as opposed to a one bedroom? or a shared two bedroom...?
3) Can anyone offer up a realistic cost of living in a non-Seoul region? ie., realistically what will three meals/ day cost if I eat each meal out? Drycleaning, etc...
4) What is a good priced TEFL, ESL cert program? Oxford is $900 for 4 weekends of classes.
Any comments? |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Pak Yu Man
Joined: 02 Jun 2005
Location: The Ida galaxy
|
| Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2006 4:55 pm Post subject: |
|
|
1) Some do...some don't. I'd ask them to get you a ticket. In the past there have been a lot of runners.
2) They could own the place. The could be nice? You never know...stranger things have happened.
3) Depends on what you eat. If you are cheap there are a bunch of places you can eat at for less than 5000 won a meal. Meat will cost you more. When I first came here I always took these two girls out for dinner. It was just so cheap. Plus I liked one.
I get my suits drycleaned about once every 2 weeks. The cost 6000 won each.
You'll be surprised how cheap this country is.
4) No clue, but there is a high demand for teachers. With or without a certificate you'll do well. I'd ask for 100k or 200k more. @ mil seems a little low. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
happygirl
Joined: 20 Feb 2006
|
| Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2006 5:06 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Is this in Gwangju City near the south coast? If so, it's a really nice place to live. Is the school a hogwan? private after-school academy?
If you enjoy working with kids you are already prepared. Don't bother spending your time in a paid program. Instead yo can buy a few books, do some reading here on Dave's and other ESL sites. With your education and experience you have the experience you need.
This is my second year in Korea. Before I came i had the same questions. I'll be happy to talk with you if you wish. PM with any questions. Good luck. By the way, it sounds like a decent position. Depends on the rest of the contract. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
PGF
Joined: 27 Nov 2006
|
| Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2006 10:50 pm Post subject: Moving forward |
|
|
OK. I've been in contact with an administrator at a hagwon in Gwangju and a Canadian recruiting for a hagwon in Cheonan.
Between the two, the school in Cheonan pays slighly more, and an airline ticket will be provided to me before I leave, as opposed to being reimbursed.
The recruiter for the school in Cheonan also stated I would have my work visa before I leave for Korea. He said I would have to go to the Korean embassy in DC once I have my "visa 'something' number".
Anyway. I am about to "pull the trigger".
This is great! I almost can't wwait to start this new adventure.
---------Thanks for all the help via PMs, etc. It's really appreciated. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
