Korean Job Discussion Forums

[wonkavite62]

I am an English teacher from the U.K. Recently, I worked 6 weeks in a summer school (Embassy CES) in Oxford, and I came out feeling very confident . I tried to get a public school position in Seoul, through Worknplay, earlier this year, but they made a mistake and told me I needed fewer documents than I did, so my application was rejected. I tried again with a different agency, and it felt awful.
I thought the agent's trying to make me feel guilty for applying to Seoul. SMOE's application process is the most gruelling I have ever seen in my life(and I spent over a year in Japan). Who do they think they are? Who do they think I am? I am in no mood for their contempt. I KNOW I am good. I am not interested in bad teaching experiences, or people who want to play games.

So, I am waiting on word from EPIK, about a job in Incheon and the application process is slightly easier.
The reason I am applying to Seoul is social life. I am keen to be active and involved in sports, and to go swimming and hiking and meet people. There are other personal reasons. There are more facilities in a city.

Then I saw public school positions in Gyeong-gi Do, Suwon, et.c. They pay more. But what would it be like to live there? Would I still get the best of Seoul? I'd like to here from people who live in these towns.

I was tempted by a private school position at YBM in Seoul. Can you tell me what YBM is like? Hagwons have the most atrocious press. Reviews please.

[bogey666]

[ttompatz]

[polonius]

I know of MANY people who have stayed at their Hagwons for multiple years, not only the one I work at.

Not all Hagwons are bad, and similarly, you can have just as bad an experience at a public school. I have also read of many discontent public school teachers.

So, it just comes down to doing your research. If YBM is where you are favouring, then talk to current teachers. 3 of my friends have worked at YBM Pagoda, and they all have differing opinions, partly because of locations and management. None worked in Suwon though.

Don't always rely on the bad press you get here.

[PRagic]

If you are a professional and certified teacher, don't waste your time with a hakwon job. You'll take on more risk, work more hours, get less vacation, and you'll end up with 'experience' that won't count if and when you transition back to your home country.

Sounds like the OP should only be looking in Seoul. Scream 'NEXT' if a recruiter tries to place you elsewhere.

Don't give up, OP. Like you said, you have the goods, so take your time and get a position you like where you want. Don't be cajoled into accepting less.

[Starla]

[PRagic]

Yeah, it's amazing how many organizations function in spite of themselves.