Korean Job Discussion Forums

[stevemcgarrett]

A former colleague of mine from way back is wrapping up teaching in the Philippines and has been tentatively offered a position at Woosong University in Daejeon. It's in some new MBA program called Solbridge. He has a M.A. in TEFL from New Zealand but he's originally from Canada and he's never been to Korea before. They haven't stated a salary or salary range yet but he's guessing around 3 million for 15 classroom contact hours per week.

Anyone out there know something about this program? I've heard the university's rankings are in the basement and that their department for English majors is vocational.

I do know from a web search that they have a WLI program that seems to be a language institute of some sort which hires dozens of teachers and claims to be the best run in Korea.

I myself have visited Daejeon several times and find it quieter and more sedate than Seoul, with less air pollution and a decent bus system. But pretty much non-descript except for that.

He says there website shows lots of foreign students posing the way they do on most websites, as if they've just heard a good joke. He showed me the website and it's got what appears to be some big brass but mostly semi-retired faculty from overseas. Quite a few Indians and Americans on the roster.

Should he take the time to press for a salary and ask for contract conditions or is he barking up the wrong tree?

Please: no PMs; he can read responses on the thread himself. Also, please don't drop names.

[TheChickenLover]

Woosong is a glorified hagwon. Expect higher hours and a low salary. I interviewed there once & was shocked at the offer.

There are far better places with far more motivated students than Woosong.

Chicken

[Ryst Helmut]

[DrunkenMaster]

The ChickenLover, although having an unfortunate and creepy name, is correct. Your friend is about to embark on his very own nightmare.

[Ryst Helmut]

[saw6436]

I live in Daejeon. I do not work at Woo-Song but know alot of teachers that do work there. Woo-Song is not a good university. Seems most of the students are as motivated as rocks. But, most of the teacheres I know are pretty happy working there. Their housing is pretty decent and pay/benefits seem standard. The Woo-Song teachers i hang out with have all worked there 3+ years. In addition there are opportunities to work outside of the English Department. I know one guy who teaches English in the Tourism Dept' and his schedule is very sweet.

Daejeon itself is pretty sedate but I like its central location. Nothing is really too far away. I would not necessarily give Daejeon or Woo Song a pass untill you visit/interview here. That being said, I would not wok at Woo-Song as i think the pay is too low (I think most Uni' positions do not pay enough).

[regicide]

I know all about Woosuck -- and JMO does too.