Korean Job Discussion Forums

[deusbelli]

Since I decided not to sign the contract, I have removed it at the request of the hagwon director and the recruiter.

Thanks again for helping with your comments!

[Marissa0687]

Did you check out the Job Forum? There's a sticky there for Contract Posting where you'll have better luck getting feedback. As far as the contract goes, it looks like a typical hagwon contract. Saturdays/special events seem to be expected of foreign teachers, and you'll be lucky if you find a hagwon that doesn't expect your presence at these events. Also, the contract isn't half in Korean - it's just translated. Theoretically, it should say the exact same thing in English and Korean to make things easier for both parties. In practice, don't be surprised if the Korean version is a little different in its wording, and yes, the Korean version/understanding trumps the English version.

[plato's republic]

The best thing to do is ask to speak to current or former teachers of the school and get their take on working there, especially in regard to working on the weekend. They should be able to allay any concerns you may have.

One thing which did strike me as odd was the fact that the employer will pay the full cost of health insurance but won't pay in to the pension plan. I was under the impression that the employer was liable to pay 50% of both, with the employee contributing the other 50%, though I could be wrong.

[lifeinkorea]

Is this the one in Anjung? If so, the owner is pretty cool. I had an interview there last year around this time. I didn't take the job because Anjung is a little too far from the station. You have to take a bus for about 20 minutes.

However, from a teacher who worked there he always got paid on time. 2.3 was negotiated, but he will try to lower it if you expect pension.

[Looney]

[Otherside]

Having worked for E Bo Young, and signing a contract almost identical to yours, let me say this, it was the biggest mistake of ESL career.

Like your recruiter, my recruiter also made promises over the phone that weren't in the contract and low and behold I was shafted.

A few quick ones.

1. You'll be registered as an independent contractor, that means, higher tax and no pension. Head office supports them on this. (I know, I tried to fight it).

2. No mention of working hours. Yep that's right. I was told 2pm-9pm. For me, it started off as 1pm-8pm (which I didn't complain about) and was 12:30-9pm by the time I quit.

3. Teaching hours. Contract says you'll be have to teach 110 teaching hours. I was told 1x45minute class = 1 teaching hour. When it came down to it, 1 teaching hour = 60minutes = 1.33x45minute classes. So prepare to teach 140+ classes a month which = burnout.

4. No sick days.

5. And finally, vacation. My contract said "5 days in winter and 5 days in summer" - My 5 days in winter were Wednesday - Sunday (so actually 3 days).


This is based on my experience with a DIFFERENT E Bo Young school, with practically the same contract. I'm not saying it WILL definitly happen to you...but the contract leaves you wide open. And the head office supported the school on EVERY issue.

[CentralCali]

My experience with EBY was that they could do exactly nothing when it came to one of their franchises cheating the Chinese teacher, the Canadian teacher, and me. Their final action was to not renew the franchise's contract for using the name. Big whoop. I would never advise anyone to work for any EBY place until she (yes, Ee Boyeong is a woman) gets her act together for ALL of her franchises.

ETA: On an E-series visa you cannot be considered an independent contractor. A Korean court has already weighed in on the issue of who is and isn't an independent contractor. If your (prospective) employer wishes to declare that you are one, then you know full well that he's dishonest.

[Looney]

[bobbybigfoot]

Avoid!!

No pension? Wtf!
No working hours laid out?
And when you decline the offer, be sure to let them know that YOU KNOW the chain has a BAD REPUTATION amongst teachers.

[nicam]

Funny, my boyfriend works for an Eboyoung in Geoje, and they are absolutely wonderful. His school is one of only 2 hagwons, out of countless others on the island, that hasn't consistantly abused and cheated its teachers. He has the best hagwon job on the island by far. Huge, nice apartment, always paid on time, great health insurance, was given everyting imaginable down to an electric fly swatter by the school and never had to buy a thing himself, was even allowed 2 sick days, and much much more. He was allowed the full 10 days of holiday and even had a bonus day or 2 off around New Years and Cheosuk.

[CentralCali]

I know more than a couple of EBY outfits that are fine and dandy--and they certainly don't use that trashy contract posted above. My point is that the chain owner is merely pimping her name, as with all the other chains here. Then when a local franchise gloms onto the name and treats their workers, Korean and foreigner alike, like dirt, there's nothing the pi...er, chain owner can do for you.

Now, if more and more people decline working for any outfit associated with a chain where even one school got away with mistreating their employees, then the chain owners will realize that the "hands off" approach in Korea is not beneficial to them anymore and will change their business relationship with the local franchises.

At least, that's my dream.

[browneyedgirl]

[CentralCali]

Another reason it won't happen is because there are no legal repercussions for the name pimp/chain owner for the egregious misconduct of the local franchises.

[thomas pars]

pass.

[Tobias]

Any and all hogwarts with "Talk Club" or "Talking Club" in the name should be avoided. The outta be closed down, really.