Korean Job Discussion Forums

Baltimore Mike · Joined: 08 Feb 2008 Location: Soon to be Seoul

I'm planning on moving to seoul in may and my recruiter just offered me a sweet looking job at reading town. I'm hesitant because its only the second job i've been offered, but I'd be more willing to consider it if anyone working at a reading town school could let me know how they like or dislike their jobs and any other details about the franchise my recruiter might be withholding. Thanks for the help from any and all.

Otherside · Joined: 06 Sep 2007

I have some friends who work at a reading town.
One girl did a runner 4 months in - she hated it.
The others have complained about a myriad of issues.
Struggling to get pension/medical (they have been there about 6 months and STILL don't have medical/pension).
Working hours are long, they teach 30 hours a week... (36-40 45/50 minute classes) compared to a public school's 22 x 40/45/50 minute classes.
Lots of micromanaging, i.e. they teach 7 classes in a row, but aren't allowed to take a drink into class or sit during a class.

That being said, at times the school has been reasonable (there was an issue with bereavement leave where the school was fair)

Bare in mind, this is a franchise so conditions can vary, and I'm sure some of what I've heard has been embellished a bit.

JasonC · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

I've worked at a Reading Town before and I enjoyed it. Each school will have different dynamics. It all depends on which one you are planning on going to. Try talking to some of the staff there now.

Jason

Big Mac · Joined: 17 Sep 2005

I worked at a Reading Town my first year in Korea. They have a fairly well-developed curriculum there and you have to do very little lesson planning. Things were much better organized overall than the hogwan I am at now.

However, I had a hell of a fight with my boss over medical and pension. I got it eventually, but only grudgingly.

You will have to spend a lot of your free time marking tests and book reports. The book reports are the worst of all, since you will get one from each of your kids every week and they are the most boring things to read and correct ever. I just remember spending my entire Saturdays going through a big pile of stuff that needed to be marked. It can be really overwhelming.

You are also expected to write report cards every month, which can also be a lot of work during your free time.

At the school I was at, there was a lot of micromanaging. They expected you to perform for the parents once a month or so in open classes. Every little complaint that parents make is turned into a big deal and the school will go to great lengths to keep every parent happy.

It's a good first job in Korea, as long as you negotiate your contract properly (be insistent on getting pension and medical in writing) and as long as you're willing to put in a lot of extra time marking.