Korean Job Discussion Forums

[deepclick]

I'm about to apply for my first teaching job and I'm looking at taking a year's contract with the EPIK programme through the agent ESL Planet. I have read consistently good things about ESL Planet on here but can't find anything written about EPIK in the last 5 years.

What do people think about the EPIK programme? What are the conditions of work? How do they treat you?

Your knowledge will be welcomed with open arms!

[Otherside]

[yesman]

Yeah, I think this belongs in the Job Related discussion, but I can tell you my experience.

It's great! I taught at two hagwons for 2+ years before this and the second one wasn't too bad, but comparing jobs I find this one much better. There are far more benefits. Like today. No classes cause it's science day. Whoohoo.

As far as working with EPIK I've had no real problems and no complaints. The week-long orientation was tiring but useful, particularly for folks who'd just arrived here. The staff was welcoming, helpful and friendly. I heard some bitching from people at the orientation about how long it was, but I thought I'd much rather have this as my "welcome to Korea" experience than the crap I was dumped into at the first hagwon I worked at.

My recommendation would be, do it. Everyone's situation will be different, but it's been good for me.

[mysterious700]

I'm with EPIK and it's a good deal. But if you are a nighttime party animal, a hogwon schedule that allows you to stay out late might be better for you. Also, if you absolutely demand Seoul, a hogwon might be an easier way to go. That said, public school is a good employer and the perks are great. You might occasionally get a boss who is high on himself because of Confuscionism. But take that in stride. I'm not sure how picky SMOE is for teachers. They may demand some teaching experience. I have some friends who had no teaching experience said they had a choice between security (Public school in smalltown or other metro city - not Seoul area) or location (Hogwon in Seoul). I don't know if this is the experience for the rest of you. What is most important to you? Countryside can be good for absorbing the culture and picking up the language if you're willing to study it. Most foriegners who live in Seoul don't pick up much Korean. (There are always exceptions). You can always move later on if you go to the countryside. I've never been in a hogwon so I can't tell you about it. I can say I am glad to be in public school. I sometimes hated the country but got used to it. Especially after making the education office build a small modern apt building for us englishee teachers. Anyways, that's my early morning spiel. ha ha