Korean Job Discussion Forums

[pokoj]

This is some insight for anyone interested in working for public schools managed by YBM. There has been no information posted about his before, but all of the foreign workers have some of the same problems that should be addressed before they start working.

Cons
1. You are responsible for paying many fees here like visa ($50), health check ($50-75), a very large security deposit ($900), plane ticket, and apartment finder fees ($250-450).
2. A verbal start date is made over the phone before you come, but that date can change without notice. Make sure to get a start date in writting, on your contract, before you come to avoid this.
3. You are not paid a full paycheck for months and are expected to pay one- two months of rent upfront and all utilities and school lunch fees.
4. You normally will not get the 2 weeks of vacation or you will not get it in one block. You may be expected to take a week, then work, then take your other week. If there are weekends or national holidays, they are included in your vacation time, drastically cutting your time off.
5. You are often expected to work for YBM even when school is not in session, and they will create work for you to do.
6. If there is a problem with your public school, YBM does not help to resolve that problem. They do not honor, as stated in the contract, to respect the native teacher and create a comfortable environment for the native teacher.
7. There is a complete lack of managment in every area, and if there is a change or mistake it WILL ALWAYS BE at your expense. ALWAYS. YBM is such a large company, that there is possibly nothing you can do.

Pros
1. No matter what, the public school principle has the final say for hiring or termination of a native teacher.
2. Your public school helps to manage your paycheck, so when you do start getting paid, it is very very regular.

[pkang0202]

Are you referring to after school programs at public schools run by YBM?

Those are still technically hagwons. Except the venue is at a public school, instead of a hagwon building.

[jvalmer]

YBM don't manage public schools. They may be contracted to do after-school programs though.

[Mr Lee's Monkey]

There is a branch of YBM with a little longer name than simply YBM that contracts with counties to fill positions in their public schools - maybe that's what the OP is talking about - the recruiting branch of YBM that does public school placements.

[DC in Suwon]

I signed my contract last week for an after school program. The contract names the school as my employer. Does this mean I don't fit this YBM critieria?

[pokoj]

I am not sure how every YBM contract is set up; but in my situation, I work for the public school, YBM, and also the county. Three bosses. I found this information from my school that I work at. I also work as a teacher for the day time classes and after school classes. I feel the more knowledge you have about who pays you and who you actually work for, the better. Knowledge is your best weapon when things go wrong.

[Fishead soup]

Sounds like the worst of both worlds. If they offer you a job

RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!