Korean Job Discussion Forums

Nimah1137 · Joined: 05 Feb 2008 Location: Australia

Hi guys,

Does anyone know anything about this school?

Gyeongnam International Foreign School
Sacheon, Gyeongnam, Korea

They are offering:

2.2 mil won - though this is really 2.0 mil after the 200,000 per month for food and transport is deducted.
Accommodation (in school dorms)
Free utilities
Insurance
6 Weeks Vacation
900,000 Airfare Reimbursement
5 Sick Days per year

About me: I have a B.A. Hons and a PGDE in Primary Ed. with 1 years public school experience.

What do those of you who have experience with these sorts of things think? I've never taught in Korea before, so I'm a bit apprehensive.

Roving_gypsy_gurl · Joined: 29 Nov 2007

They're charging you for food and transport? Is that an involuntary deducation? Be wary. If you're living on campus, where do you need to be transported to? And what if you would rather just cook for yourself?

Also, find out as much as you can about the accomodation. School dorms can be over-regulated and aren't always great places to live.

The vacation does sounds good though.

Atavistic · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 5:33 pm Post subject:

The vacation is nice, but they'd really need to sweeten the pot a bit. First, they should pay for full airfare. Second, what is the meal plan they're charging you for, and like the other poster pointed out, transportation? For what?

And most importantly--what is the dorm like and what are the dorm rules? *I* could never live in a dorm for a year. Not my personality. What sort of restrictions will there be on visitors or the same or opposite sex. Does your dorming come with added responsibilities?

Nimah1137 · Joined: 05 Feb 2008 Location: Australia

Well the thing is this...Initially I am taking a 4 month position to replace a teacher who has had to leave early. After that there is the option of staying for an extra year.

I have no idea what the transportation allowance is for, but it is not voluntary. The food allowance is for school lunches.

The whole dorm thing came as a surprise to me as the the contract stated "rent free private housing with basic furnishings." Apparently however their is a housing shortage on such short notice (supposed to be there by the end of the month) and so the dorm accommodation is 'temporary' for 1-4 months. At present the female dorm is empty (no boarders) so it would just be me there.

I did think the airfare bit was stingy...900,000 will not pay for a return to Canada.

boyne11 · Joined: 08 Jul 2007

Nimah1137 · Joined: 05 Feb 2008 Location: Australia

She resigned actually because of the parents.

Atavistic · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 5:50 pm Post subject:

boyne11 · Joined: 08 Jul 2007

Nimah1137 · Joined: 05 Feb 2008 Location: Australia

I completely agree with you. It does raise flags thus the posting.

My issue is this: I would like to start teaching fairly soon, say March or April. I'm not necessarily keen on Korea, and am fairly flexible as to where I go. I do have to get cracking though as those pesky student loans don't wait.

So, this position has looked 'ok' as it is short term and I'd like to keep my options open for the August/Sept 2008 school year as I don't plan on staying in Korea. I don't want to be taken for a ride though and certainly don't want to be harassed by parents!

Any suggestions?

Atavistic · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 6:22 pm Post subject:

You can get public school jobs in the middle of the year. I started my job in May, and my job will again be open in late-May/early-June this year. If you want a public school job, get a public school job. You can be back in time to fit into your own country's school year.

Roving_gypsy_gurl · Joined: 29 Nov 2007

If you're only looking to stay for a few months, you could try it, but I really think you can do better. You're looking at a lot of hassle to take a dodgy job you're not sure of for four months.

It's the same paperwork to take a good, longer term job here you can be excited about. And with your qualifications, getting one shouldn't be hard.