Korean Job Discussion Forums

[reimund]

With my latest job search, I've been getting offers from these two types of hakwons:

1. Large, well-known hakwon chains (YES Youngdo, Avalon, CDI, etc.). With the exception of CDI, they tend to pay less, but the upside is they are pretty much guaranteed stable. They also offer structured curriculum that's easy to follow - always a plus for newbie teachers like me. And of course, the networking opportunity a large chain provides is pretty huge, and definitely important for me.

2. Small, independent, boutique hakwons that focus on SAT, TOEFL, etc. They offer a substantially higher salary (~2.5), but the problem is they are so small that there are no reports about them. I have visited a couple, and on the outside they look good. They certainly don't give off the hakwon-owner-skipping-payments vibe. Still, I know nothing about them on the inside. And most importantly, they don't seem to offer such a set or structured curriculum as the large hakwons do. This, I think, translates to more individual responsibility, and therefore more chances of screwing up or doing badly. Comes with the higher salary I suppose. And of course, the networking opportunities would be substantially smaller.

Given my teaching experience and background (6 months teaching exp. at a public school, with an Economics degree - in other words, not taking teaching super seriously), which would you say is the best bet for me?

[Poemer]

Ask to speak to current employees. Do some research and have specific questions to ask, that is the only way to get a realistic idea of what you are in for, regardless of whether the school is big or little. There is a sticky about questions to ask when choosing a job.

[ChinaBoy]

I always recommend a big chain for newbies.. then you network and get something better next time

[Cherbear]

[i]

I think it depends on what your motives are for teaching. Be the best teacher you can be and be a company man. I think the big named places are best. Although, if you are into results, you might end up disappointed. I've only gotten results with privates.
But like me, if you are teaching to fund some adventure/travel, aren't that organized, fly by the seat of your pants, want to dress down, maybe a hakwon where the head teacher is the owner is best. I've worked for 3, under 4 owners. Not always treated fairly, but always in a relaxed atmosphere. Could teach whatever I wanted much of the time. Just keep the students happy. Some teachers even taught after stopping off at the bar before work or hung-over every morning. At 2 schools, we'd take each class once or twice a week to a bar, restaurant or tea house. Don't think you could do that at YBM. I don't even prepare for classes now because I don't have the books. So no prep hours, etc. In to teach, out the door when block classes are over. But I recommend talking to teachers there before you sign. I did in my current school, and they told me, "Easy work, easy going boss." That's what I wanted to hear.

[Adventurer]

This is very tricky. If you work for a small, start-up there are often risks. The risk is higher as with any new business that you will be cheated on taxes, health insurance, and pension or some combination of the three. If a major chain opens next to them, they could even lose lots of students. CDI definitely pays well, but you will have to work a lot and won't have much in terms of holidays. It is always good to contact the foreigners already on staff over there, though that doesn't guarantee anything. A small place is like a new business anywhere, and you may encounter more risks. Some small chains might be awesome. It is better to be safe-than-sorry when coming to a foreign country where when, if push comes to shove, you have to speak to government people, and many of them don't speak English.

[Kikomom]

What about the Korean co-teachers? After teaching along in these classes (for how many years now?), how is their English?

I'd imagine the ones in the hagwons have better English than most?

[Poemer]

I haven't had many students in Korea who couldn't speak and write English better than their Korean English teacher, that's why all us dirty foreigners are over here.