Korean Job Discussion Forums

robrodjr · Joined: 01 Mar 2008 Location: Gyeongsangnam-do Korea

I have been offered an excellent job in Cheongju. The question that I have is that I would the only foreign teacher, so does that mean that the school expects me to set up the curriculum and class content, books ext. (nothing like this is mentioned in the contract)? P.S. Does anyone live or had lived in Cheongju? How is Cheongju?

Katchafire · Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 4:13 am Post subject:

Hi Rob ... is this Public school or a Hagwon? Public schools generally have a set curriculum, in which case you have a book to work from. All lessons are planned, vocab etc .. you would basically open a book and the general conversation and activities are right there. The games (and some songs) are usually awful ... so if anything, THAT could be your opportunity to shine ... to come up with something different. SOME co-teachers go by the book religiously, therefore, if there is a game to play ... come hell or high water .. THAT is the game you should play.
Just ask the school, find out what they are teaching with. There is a FANTASTIC website .... http://eflclassroom.com/ .... which has a LOT of ideas and resources.
Good luck mate, all the best!

robrodjr · Joined: 01 Mar 2008 Location: Gyeongsangnam-do Korea

It is an afterschool program at Deogbeol, which is a public school. Thanks for the website info.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

garykasparov · Joined: 27 May 2007

robrodjr

( 1 ) http://koreabridge.com/jobforums/index.htm

( 2 ) Click on "FAQs About Teaching in Korea."

( 3 ) Click on "After School programs and Handing over bankbook/debit card."

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

If you are at a public school's after school program, it doesn't fall under "public school" that we refer to in Korea. It's a hogwan located at a public school. I assume that if you were at a public school during the day in Cheongju, you'd be with EPIK.

Cheongju doesn't have too much to do as far as city life, but most cities other than Seoul or Busan do and you aren't in the sticks. There is a community of expats in Cheongju, a fun downtown bar scene, a good Mexican food joint of all things in Korea, lots of outdoorsy things in the area, a couple unis, 50km from Daejeon (bigger city with more night life) and on the bus, it will take you about 1.5-2 hours to get to Gangnam in Seoul.

Draz · Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Location: Land of Morning Clam

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

Zaria32 · Joined: 04 Dec 2007

I was the first native teacher and only native teacher at a hogwon last year. Curriculum was in place, and I was not expected to develop any, although I my ideas were sought...