Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Monkey82]

I've been hired by the Busan MOE and I have a choice of two jobs. One is rather.... unique... and both my recruiter and interviewer think I should take it for a couple of reasons, but I'm leaning towards the traditional one. Anyway, I'd love some input.

Job 1: Suyeong Middle School in Gwangan
- basic middle school job
- studio apartment near the school

Pros: I've heard this is a good area of Busan. And I'd prefer to teach middle school students.
Cons: Small apartment - my spouse is joining me in January.

Job 2: Magic Bus (?)
- I'd be going to a different school each day on the "magic bus" with one other FT and 2 KTs. They'd all be elementary schools.
- apartment in Dongnae

Pros: Couple apartment (20 pyeong).
Cons: I did this sort of thing before (at a science centre in Canada); and it actually gets pretty tiring.

I'm wondering if anyone can think of any other pros or cons to each job. I rather like the idea of having my own school, principal, vp, etc. Both jobs pay the same (nothing extra for #2). I don't mind working with elementary kids, but I feel like that would have a lot more pressure.
Basically I'm leaning towards number 1, but hoping someone can give me some good reasons for number 2, as the large apartment would be nice.

Input is appreciated! Thanks!

[withnail]

How about the variety of work and the different characters and challenges. There's also the fact that with a revolving set of schools, you're not stuck in the same one every day if some things are not pleasant...

[cruisemonkey]

Middle school - you will get to know your students and might actually be able to teach some of them English.

Magic bus - you will probably be a novelty, 'performing monkey' edutainer.

Also, at the middle school you will probably get many more days off for things like: field trips, sports days, science days, festivals etc. On the magic bus, I assume they will simply send you to a different school if your regularly scheduled school is having a 'special' day.

[Monkey82]

Thanks for the feedback.

The monkey entertainer thing was what I was worried about too. I mean, on the one hand, it's nice to be appreciated, but at the same time...

I also thought having my own school would be nice for things like vacation time. Isn't it often up to the school whether you go in or not for the whole vacation? Whereas for the Magic Bus job I'd probably just have to go to the Education Office or something.

Thanks! Unless someone can provide another really good reason for Magic Bus I'll let them know I'm taking the middle school job.