Korean Job Discussion Forums

dreaming_saturn · Joined: 26 May 2004

A big thanks to all of those who have replied to my OP. With your advice, I think I'll focus on Public schools and see what I can find.

GaryCooper · Joined: 10 Jun 2006

Dreaming Saturn,

You sound like an excellent teacher -- moreso than at least 90 percent of the people who assail this forum -- so I would encourage you to come. The schools could use you, but so could the hogwans.

If you are wanting to work toward your MA, you may consider hogwans that prefer to hire only MA's, such as the Korea Minjok Leadership Academy or Lee Sang Hee Preparatory School, both of which have high academic reputations. (These are the only two I have heard of.) They may be flexible enough to allow someone who is working toward her MA or that has your experience.

Also, many universities have their own language institutes, so I would also recommend applying for places such as Kyungpook, Yonsei, Postech, Chungnam, Hannam, Seoul National University, Yeungnam, Pusan National, Pusan University of Foreign Studies, etc. They, too, may be willing to give non-MA applicants a chance, especially if you have a good resume.

But whatever you choose and wherever you go, please come to Korea. We could use more of you.

PS: I have seven years experience in Korea, an MA in TESOL, knowledge of teachers' professional groups in Korea, and experience working at at least one of the above-mentioned places. I know of what I speak.

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

Hotpants · Joined: 27 Jan 2006

Yeah, not bad, right? It used to be a minimum of 6 mill won, but with exchange rate and pay reduction, minimum entry level is now 5 mill.

Are you tempted?

Khyron · Joined: 27 Jan 2005 Location: Japan

Khyron · Joined: 27 Jan 2005 Location: Japan

You said you make substantially more money than working at a hagwon. Care to elaborate?

-Yeah, sure. I pull somewhere around 3.1-2 (depends on the exchange) million won a month, plus benefits. After main expenses (rent, etc., but not counting food and entertainment), I have around 2.6, give or take, to play with. I consider that a fair bit more than the 2.0 million or so people get in a hogwon.

I'm not getting rich, but I am doing alright. I make enough that I don't feel a need to go looking for privates.

How would you compare working for Japanese with working for Koreans?

-Without writing an essay, I'll just say a few things that I've noticed.

Japanese are very specific and picky about things. You need 'special permission' to take a dump, it seems. It gets annoying after a while. They also LOVE meetings. I hate meetings.

They also tend to beat around the bush a lot more. You never really know what they are thinking sometimes. They aren't as outgoing either. They are pretty honest about their business practice at least. I'm not worried about getting the 'ol Korean screw over here.

Koreans, at least the ones I worked for, never really seemed to care what I was doing it. As long as parents were happy, I could do what I wanted. Procedure wasn't as big of deal, and that was nice. The meetings were minimal. A 30 minute meeting in Korea can drag on for a couple of hours in Japan. But, when things aren't working out, they look for any reason to get on your case. I found Koreans to be really two-faced.

Both cultures are pretty different, and both have their ups and downs. I'd say that Japan is better here, just because you aren't as likely to loose your job just because parents aren't happy with whatever. Of course, I'm not in a hagwon situation any longer, so that could be a factor.

How would you compare Japanese students with Korean students?

-I'm not sure if I can give a full answer to this, because my situation is different. I'm in a regular school, where I was in a cram school in Korea. So far, I've noticed that Japanese tend to be more reserved and respectful. Again, it might be just my situation.

Money isn't everything. Are you happier in Japan? Why or why not?

-Yes, I am. My job, although I work more hours, is much more satisfying. In Korea, I was in the hagwon for 6-7 hours a day. Here, it's between 10-12 hours. I only teach 16 hours a week, but I do all of the prep and am involved in a lot of special events. There are many hours where I just sit and twiddle my thumbs, because I'm waiting on other people to finish meetings or whatever, but it's no big deal so far.

The actual country is much nicer, as it's cleaner and just 'feels' better. The touristy areas are much nicer. Koreans touristy areas are often so cheesy! I do miss that randomness of Korea though. I thought it was a cool country. I'm not sure which one I liked more, to be honest. They are so different.

My apartment is much larger as well. I went from a one room deal in Korea, to a full two-bedroom apartment (with washer/dryer, full bathroom, etc.) in Japan. Living conditions do tend to have an effect on one's well-being!

I suppose the main reason why I'm happier here is because I find my job more satisfying. The actual country doesn't make anyones life good. It's how you live your life. I was happy in both places. I just came across an offer here that I would've been a fool to refuse, so I took it. I don't regret it, as my job became better, my finances inproved, and I've gained a lot of connections for the future.

Hopefully I've explained myself adequately!