Korean Job Discussion Forums

[iluminz]

Hi guys, I am an experienced SAT Prep teacher here in the states. Sent a few resumes to some Korean companies and the first of them has enthusiastically sent back some contracts for me to sign.

I'm being offered 3.5 million won for 35 60-minute classes a week. Overtime is 4 million/hr. (I'm sure prep time doesn't count.)

SO... are they lowballing me?

The other contract is for 2 million for 25 classes a week, which of course makes the first contract look more appealing... and makes me suspicious.

Seems like those are entry-level English teaching rates ($20-25/hr.). From what I've read on this board, SAT rates are much higher... and that's not accounting for my experience! Anyone have some negotiation tips?

(If you are wondering... I am not gyopo.)

[mountainous]

You are going to find a wide range of salaries on test prep companies. If I am in your shoes, my main concern is not getting PAID what is promised. There is a big difference between a contract that promises to pay X amount and a company that actually pays X.

Talk to current/former teachers, get the skinny, do your research.

[mountainous]

I would add that many of the test prep companies are seasonal. They need someone for a few weeks at a time a few times a year. BEWARE of scams like "we'll send you on a visa run later, we really need you to start right away because the SAT is on xyz and the students have abc time to prepare..." Don't buy it.

[nate1983]

I'd take the first and hope for some overtime...

[Easter Clark]

[spliff]

Personally, I wouldn't want to wort on Saturdays...I need time to unwind and get out on my mountain bike.

[skyline17]

does that contract offer housing or airfare? 3.5 for 140hrs is only $25hr. SAT prep should pay $50/hr minimum.

[mountainous]

[spliff]

Yeah, i agree...I'd definitely acquire some current/prior teacher commentary before I pulled the trigger on this bad boy.

[iluminz]

oops, I meant 40,000 won/hr. for overtime.

Housing and airfare are paid for.

I could always take this job and then explore my other options when I get there... is this a viable plan? Or should I just try to renegotiate right now?

Where have you heard about the minimum $50/hour rate? If I use this number during my upcoming interview, I want to be able to back it up...

[robot]

There is no $50 minimum. Most SAT jobs range per hour from 30,000-60,000 won, though there are extremes at both ends as well.

Your salary is lower, but they're paying airfare and housing. Personally I wouldn't take monthly salary; I'd go hourly and pay for my own housing. Since you have experience, you should be able to find a 40,000/hr job if you can sell yourself. Works out in the end to be better than benefits and airfare.

[iluminz]

Once again I am appealing to the Dave's gurus for some advice on this SAT prep niche. Here's an update on my situation:

Offer still stands from the company offering $25 hourly + $40 o/t. This one is a chain that is established in the U.S.

Another new offer from a place that says they will pay $40/hr. A small school, I cannot find any info on it.

And I just turned down another small school that is offering non-negotiable $35. They were listed on the Hagwon Checklist as being "complete criminals" to someone in '06 (poor housing, miserably failing to meet their contract), which was enough to make me a bit suspicious.

SO.... should I take a gamble on the small better-paying company, or stick with the lesser-paying chain? And if I do go over and end up being shafted, what are the chances of me being able to seek out a better company in the middle of the summer?

This is a little trickier than I thought, with elements of paranoia. And I only have a month now to do the whole CRC and apostille stuff... erggg

[mountainous]

The established chain sounds like TPR, I would stick with them...you can read good and bad about the TPR company in Korea. It is a totally different company in Korea, a franchise.

[iluminz]

[robot]

TPR doesn't pay well. They rely on their well developed curriculum and just get people who can stick rigidly to that rather than looking for star teachers with tons of experience.

It's very hard to help you without having more info about the schools. But in general, take what you read on the net with a grain of salt. That 40,000/hr job might be just fine. The rumors I heard about my academy that made me skeptical turned out to be unfounded. Si I'd likely take my chances with the high-paying school -- after a bit more research.

If you do get shafted, you can always find a job in the summer as schools are always looking for experienced instructors and that's the peak season.