Korean Job Discussion Forums

Miguel12 · Joined: 03 Nov 2007 Location: Louisiana, USA

Hi everyone...

I am contemplating taking a position in Gangwon-do teaching public schools through the EPIK program. I am curious about anyone that has worked there through EPIK...What has your experience been like? Do you recommend it? For those of you working in the really rural areas, how do you get to your school(s)? I have heard an American named Alex is coordinating all the ESL teachers in GWD...Does he do a good job? Also, there is a clause in the GWD EPIK contract about hours/overtime that worries me:

③ Actual class instruction hours of Employee shall not exceed twenty-two(22) hours per week. If, however, Employee's actual weekly class instruction hours exceed twenty-two(22) hours due to supplementary class instruction, Employee shall be entitled to a supplementary class instruction pay at (20,000won/hour).
④ Employer may require Employee to work overtime in addition to actual class instruction aside from normal Work Days and Work Hours. In this case, overtime pay will be provided at (6,000won/hour). This is limited to all overtime work not considered to be instruction hours.

Has anyone had a problem with the Principals or any EPIK/public school officials exploiting this clause to have you work 60 hrs/week for 6k won/hr...this is my nightmare scenario.

Any and all thoughts/comments are much appreciated, thanks!!

pest2 · Joined: 01 Jun 2005 Location: Vancouver, Canada

Hey, just finished a year there.

No, never had the Principals at any of my schools exploit me. I rarely ever even worked 22 hours... usually it was more like 19 or so. However, most people get right around their contracted amount.

Yes, the "coordinator" you speak of is there, but he doesnt do much coordinating as far as I can tell. Just in case there's a like a huge issue like not getting paid or a fight with a coteacher, he and 1 or 2 others in the province are supposed to be your interlocutors.

GWD was great. Only things Id worry about would be 1) how will you get to work? Many of the work locations are quite far from the apartments they set you up in and with no public transit... and in my case, they had done absolutely nothing to figure out how Id get to work so I had either buy a car or quit. 2) Quite a few of the apartments they are putting people in are absolutely terrible. Issues like no heat, limited hot water, no bathroom sink, no working washer and dryer.

for 1, do not sign the contract until you have a detailed explanation of how you can get to work.

for 2, do not sign the contract until you have seen photos of your apartment and you are sure it has all the amenities.

Good luck.

lowpo · Joined: 01 Mar 2007

Miguel12 · Joined: 03 Nov 2007 Location: Louisiana, USA

Thanks to those who have replied so far. In the voting results, several people have voted that teaching in GWD EPIK was a nightmare...could you guys please explain why?!? Is it just because you had a not-up-to-western-standards apartment? Or maybe because you and the principal didnt get along? Please explain, thanks!!

marlow · Joined: 06 Feb 2005

20,000 per extra class is shit pay. Privates pay 50,000.

Miguel12 · Joined: 03 Nov 2007 Location: Louisiana, USA

Well, I'm not going to teach in Korea to make a ton a money, if I wanted to be rich I would enter a more lucrative profession. I want a chance to live in another country, experience another "authentic" culture, possibly learn another language, and impart knowledge through teaching as a way of honoring all those who have taught me over the years.

Miguel12 · Joined: 03 Nov 2007 Location: Louisiana, USA

I'm still somewhat of a socialist at heart, so I would rather take my 2.1M won and spend my time teaching those who cant afford to pay for privates.

marlow · Joined: 06 Feb 2005

marlow · Joined: 06 Feb 2005

lowpo · Joined: 01 Mar 2007

boyne11 · Joined: 08 Jul 2007

cbclark4 · Joined: 20 Aug 2006 Location: Masan

Miguel12 · Joined: 03 Nov 2007 Location: Louisiana, USA

Great posts so far, keep them coming! I have decided to go ahead and apply for the GWD EPIK position, so wish me luck!

Miguel12 · Joined: 03 Nov 2007 Location: Louisiana, USA

Anyone else applying to teach in the high schools starting this December?

Rae · Joined: 10 Oct 2007

I was originally offered a position in Gangwon this December but I declined because it's too soon (I wanted to leave in early 0 Cool

and I'm a wimp when it comes to extreme cold. I hear that province gets pretty cold during winter. Other than that, I didn't come across any negatives and I researched about the area extensively.

I'm looking for a public school position this spring, perhaps somewhere closer to the southern areas of SK.