Korean Job Discussion Forums

[victrolavs]

I've got two very different job opportunities and have done a lot of reading, research and talked to family/friends. I thought I'd ask your opinion as to what YOU would do:

1. Private school in Seoul - negotiated to get 3 wks paid vacation, 2.5 million won salary, the principal is from same province as me in Canada. She's very nice...the staff and work environment seems really friendly, stress-free. Work hours are 9:30-5 M-F

2. Public school in Bundang - 2.3 million won salary, don't know much about the school - it does seem a bit disorganized. It's with GEPIK. The vacation time is supposedly 4-6 wks, lots of days off, pretty easy job, etc.

I really can see the benefits of both and am really torn between the two! Help!

[ramen209]

editing your post to include a poll might be useful

I would say take the private school, unless vacation is very important to you.

[xCustomx]

I'd take the public school. Not only will you get 20 days of vacation (4 weeks), you will also get an additional 2 weeks off if you decide to sign on for another year. You might also have a chance for OT at the public school job, which would bump your pay up another 100-500k/month. I've worked for a hagwon and am now in my 3rd year at my public school and there's no comparison. I'll never go back to a hagwon

[lifeinkorea]

The main difference is social life. At a hagwon, you have the chance (not always) to talk to other teachers. Adult students will often ask you out for a meal. At a public school, everyone is stationed in their classrooms. The principal will make visits to check up on you, etc... a bit like the army. No one interacts and you don't meet with teachers much after school for any type of friendly gatherings. I kind of miss that from hagwon life.

You are more likely to be paid on time at a public school, and at a hagwon you will get paid until they don't need you.