Korean Job Discussion Forums

[majoba82]

Anyone familiar with working at YBM sisa in Gangnam?
. . . SLP in Ilsan?
. . . Public school in Ilsan?

I have a few offers from the above and am trying to make a decision. YBM si-sa doesnt seem offer housing, requires some split shifts, but allows you to teach adults. Also the school is huge, seems established and highly regulated.

Ilsan hogwan is kindy, pays housing, block shift, comparable pay and vacation

Ilsan public school is high school, over two months vacation, housing, but I'm the only native teacher (this is my first time to Korea)

any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks

[PGF]

The adult YBM in gangnam is a joke. No one works for them that knows any better. If you like early morning classes and late evening classes, low pay (2.4 or so) with no apartment, go for it. You'll pay about 500 month for a little apartment so, right off the bat, you are getting paid 600 less than most new teachers.

It's not worth it when there are so many better and higher paying jobs here...

[jadefrog]

I have worked for YBM ELS Gangnam, as well as YBM ELS Yeoksam (in Gangnam), and have to say that I resent what PGF has to say. Working with adults in Korea means having to work splits sometimes, but this isn't always the case with these two YBM ELS schools. The academic supervisors are quite caring, and this extends to scheduling as well.

If money is your only issue, then yes, you can do a lot better at other schools -- but you will be babysitting children. The best part about teaching adults is that you can have actual conversations with them, and hopefully develop some meaningful friendships.

[garykasparov]

Slave Labor Pay

[reimund]

As a first-timer I'd stay away from public schools, at least for the first year, because you'll be the only foreigner there. Getting a job at a decent hakwon will give you some networking opportunities, which will help you a lot through the first year.

[climber159]

I disagree with reimund. I am very happy with my decision to go with a public school as my first job in Korea. I am the only foreigner at my school of 1600 middle schoolers and have managed to do well in the networking category. It's not all that difficult to meet other foreigners outside of work at places; you can visit places like Itaewon or Hongdae (and you don't even have to hang out in the bars if you don't want to) to do this...but you can't be shy. You'll be able to strike up some conversations; you aren't the only one here is a bit lonely and could use someone to talk with.

While there are exceptions (and I'm sure someone will chime in on this), your chances of having a pleasant (or at least tolerable) first year teaching experience are better in the public school. You'll likely have more autonomy, less lesson planning, more vacation, less of you own money going into purchasing teaching materials, and more interesting co-workers.