Korean Job Discussion Forums

[shawner88]

Three years ago it seemed there were a lot more horror stories than now. Either that or I was just focusing on them while deciding whether or not to come to Korea. But maybe Koreans are getting more used to foreigners. Things might be improving. While I still read a lot of negative stories, I'm not seeing quite the same level as in the past. It's been a while since I heard of passports stolen, physical confrontations, etc.. What do you think?

[shawner88]

I guess not?

[kangnam mafioso]

not sure ... i think it's still a pretty unpredictable work environment. i was lucky and had no major problems ... aside from the usual korean silliness and a little dragging of the feet to pay my severance. after my first year, i moved on to work in a university and that was heaven compared to my first year teaching kids.

[Harvard Material]

Funny, I was thinking the same thing last night Shawner. I think the moderators are doing a good of filtering those 'specific' posts. Unfortunately, that may not be a good thing. Hiding events that should be open for discussion/evaluation.

The old eslcafe forum would allow such topics, and that was pretty much all you could/would see (with exceptions of course). Some good info for newbies, good shopping/buying/selling tips and what not, but you certainly read a lot of complaints.

I think they still exist - the problems related to being ripped-off, lied to, cheated out of money, physical assaults/confrontations - but they aren't acceptable on this forum anymore. Unfortunate...my opinion.

H.M.

[shawner88]

I see, I didn't know. I have seen a few threads now ana agin about bad experiences. They must mod out the really harsh attacks.

[crazylemongirl]

[Tiger Beer]

I agree with you Shawner. Much more accountability. My differences between now and my first contact (1996-1997) is immense.

I noticed that certain chains have come about and have a strong reputation to uphold. More places have become more honorable as they've become more established.

Some still shiesters to watch out for.. but not nearly as numerous and feelingly almost unavoidable as before. Not even close. Generally the sheisters are more likely the ones without a long-term image or name to uphold.

[panthermodern]

many of the bad Hakwons (many not all) have gone under ...

We are not looking at the age of the bad mom and pop shop or the small time operators ((BIG LEE in Jeonju for example)(the past)) and looking at the company Hakwons (Wonderland, Pagoda, ect.) ...

The companies are a question of manager not owner ...
A case by case basis ...

Some company shows are good, some are bad ...

Some are good some are bad ... (company shops) BUT they have pushed the indy hakwons down and out...

The MODS do not have any power or idea over "bad schools".

Face it the majority of them had little or no idea of the current private sector of Korean ESL

(I just wrote that to see if the mods are paying attention.)

Bad schools are not as represented as they were before because the whole system has smartened up ....

[crazylemongirl]

[panthermodern]

That was quick ...

I was supporting the mods BTW, why do you continue the witch hunt?

[crazylemongirl]

actually PM. The yes we are was in answer to your query about whether we were paying attention.

[Harpeau]

Hey PM,

Any idea how many Mods are working in Hagwons? Can you guess? Give it a shot.

Harpeau

[Harpeau]

[panthermodern]

I mean long term history: (all mods ... ever)

The last year ....

The unemployed and those working outside of Korea don't count ...

So, I would say the majority have or do work for universities.

And the simple fact is ...

The majority of foreign EFL instructors, who teach in Korea, teach in the private sector ... Thus, if this board should accurately represent the statistical facts ...

OR

Be honest and have separate boards for separate matters because the realities of the two teaching environments have very little to do with each other ....

[panthermodern]

How can I respond when everyone keeps editing their posts ...