Korean Job Discussion Forums

[TBirdMG]

I hope there are a couple of current teachers with the Gangnam District BOE that can help me.

I recently received a 'model' contract to teach at a Gangnam middle school. The salary and housing terms are quite good and stated in a clear, transparent manner. However, some other things are a bit opaque.

1) I have to purchase my own RT flight ticket to Korea (from closest airport to "home" to Incheon), and will be reimbursed "no later than 2 weeks after arrival." No numbers or cost on a 1 year RT ticket are mentioned, though. Any comments?

2) The work stipulates a maximum of 24 lessons of 45 minutes each. Lessons are defined as teaching either MS students or Korean teachers during regular school hours. Anybody ever had to teach the school staff?

3) The contract includes 4 weeks vacation time, 2 weeks to be taken during winter and summer vacation each. There is mention of teaching vacation camps without additional pay, but this appears to be at the discretion of the school VP and Principal. The only information I could get from the hiring agent is that "you will have to teach the camp if your school asks you to..." Any experience with this??

4) I have the option of accepting provided housing or taking a 650,000 housing allowance, but no key money. Anyone know what Gangnam BOE housing is like? And if 650k without key gets a decent place within a 15-20 minute commute?

Overall, the Gangnam BOE has been rather straightforward with me on the job, and I'm almost ready to pull the trigger on this one. Just some last minute doubts, I suppose.

Comments appreciated.....thanks in advance.

[icicle]

Most of the questions that you have ... are for things which are similar to what is included in every public school contract .. not just for Gangnam BOE ....

I was not in Gangnam ... but was in a public school ...

My first school I paid for my ticket here and then was reimbursed by the school - But I only had to buy a one way ticket - not a return ticket - The return trip ticket was to be bought by the school at the appropriate time - But in accepting a public school job you are probably safer than in a hagwon in being sure that you will be reimbursed for it - If you can afford to do that upfront

The "teaching teachers" clause - or the "doing other things your principal tells you" clause again is fairly standard - I personally didn't teach teachers but know of many other people who did it - or had a "parents" class - I know that my contract included possibility of teaching teachers or parents -

The teaching "summer/winter" school depending on your school and your principal is also relatively standard - And I personally prefered teaching summer school to sitting around with nothing to do when school was on vacation - and it was not my vacation time - Again differences between public schools even in the same city with what they require from their NT's in vacation time - are very well known - and one of the well known negatives to public schools - It all depends on the luck of the draw (more than anything)

[TBirdMG]

Icicle,

Thank you for the comments, but I am not fresh off the boat.
I am looking for specific comments from current Gangnam BOE teachers regarding their experiences.

Thanks for the input, though....

[jangsalgida]

Nobody, not even someone who works for the gangnam school district can assure you of whether you will have to teach teachers or...

"you will have to teach the camp if your school asks you to..." Any experience with this??

What exactly is your question? Do you want to know whether you will 'have to teach a camp' if your school asks you? Common sense tells me YES if it's in your contract! Or, do you want to know your working hours/lesson plans?

Like "icicle" said, it depends on the school/Principal/VP

For someone who isn't "fresh off the boat," you do somewhat sound like it! And, you don't always get what you want when you "hope."

[TBirdMG]

If there is anyone on Dave's who is a current teacher with the Gangnam BOE, please PM me, as I would love to ask you a few questions. At your convenience.

Thanks,

TB

[pkang0202]

[Stormy]

[TBirdMG]

I'm not sure what narky is, but I am simply asking actual and current Gangnam BOE employees to detail their experiences for me. I am not asking for EPIK, GEPIK, SMOE, uni, or hagwon teachers to comment on their experiences...although I do appreciate the time and energy taken to respond to my inquiry.

Yes, my questions are applicable to all these other employment options, but I'm curious to hear how Gangnam BOE teachers have done over the last year. That's all. I think that's rather reasonable. No need to get angry or upset...I'm not trying to be antagonistic...just trying to get some specific feedback.

Please note that my original post opened by asking for Gangnam BOE teacher comments.

Thanks,

TB

[KYC]

[pkang0202]

Basically, the OP is about to buy a Silver Toyota Camry and he's asking OTHER Silver camry drivers about their experience.

The rest of us are driving Red, Tan, black, white Camrys and we are all telling him what its like.

However, the OP doesn't realize that it is the exact same car, just a different color. He just wants to talk to Silver Camry owners.

[Stormy]

[Sody]

[KYC]

[TBirdMG]

Sody,

Thanks, I owe you a beer/soju/cider after arriving. Your comments are appreciated.

TB