Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Beeston27]

I am weighing up the pros and cons of two things in who to teach in Korea: -

1. I was thinking it would be better to teach in a public school than a private -----as I am less likely to get screwed over-
-----I am less likely to lose pay without good reason
-----as the hours are more humane

How true is this?

2. I was thinking of trying to teach kindergarten and elementary rather than middle school
-----as I have no teaching experience/relevant qualifications, therefor I thought I would be teaching more basic things

Any guidance is much appreciated!!

Oh and the class sizes of 30-odd, does that apply to elementary schools/kindergartens too?!
I was also looking at schools in Ilsan predominantly. (Though I had a good job offer from Bundang this morn). Is such a narrow choice wise? or should I look to other places too, bearing in mind I am from the UK and not US/Canadian?

[emmuh]

I'm kind of in your situation, but i don't graduate until June. I'm trying to get a public school job in Bundang
but anyways.
After some research this is how I see it, public will be better for me for various reasons, no tax and also its a government job which is really good for a future resume.
But hagwons do have their bonus's too... lol
I know I'm not much help but, I guess just saying I know how you feel

[bassexpander]

Private elementary schools are generally of higher quality than public. With the older ages, they tend to swing slightly the other way, I'm told. It really depends more on the area you live in, though. Bundang (not Seongnam) is a rich area.

I worked at a private high school in Bundang. It was pretty nice, and the teachers were great.

[emmuh]

[Beeston27]

Cheers for the info. I guess it is difficult to generalise, however, I imagine teaching teenagers in Korea would be much like teaching teens in a school in the UK- basically like putting up with some rubbish from them? (Well, thats how I remember some kids treating the teachers anyway!!!)