Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ghost]

Folks:

I have a problem. It looks like on Monday, I will be offered a University position teaching at a vocational University in the north east area of Seoul in the Uijeong-bu area.

The basic details are: 2.2 million, 12-16 hrs per week, 4 hrs office per week, teaching 5 classes of 40 students per class, 450,000 housing allowance, and 4-5 months paid vacation per year.

I did well at the interview, and my recruiter told me she would probably have 'good news' on Monday.

The hesitation comes from the fact that I don't like teaching students who lack motivation, and I was told at the interview that many of the students lack motivation.

Also, if I accept the job, I will have to leave my present one, one month early, which means no severance or return air fare (a loss of about 3.5 million). But at least, then I will have a one year contract. Is it worth the sacrifice of leaving your present job early? I have been told at my present job, that I can leave one month early (I guess they will save the money that would have gone to my severance pay).

I feel I am only accepting the job for the wrong reasons - i.e. the long vacations. It is strange - I have always wanted a University job, especially because of the long vacations, but now that I am facing the chance to accept such a job, I hesitate....go figure?

Do you think it is legitimate to accept a job for the perks it offers rather than because you actually want to teach there?

Feedback appreciated.

Ghost in Korea

[Kimchieluver]

Tough call. I had to give up my severance to get in with EPIK. It was worth it. I thought teaching 35 kids would be hell, but if other people could do it, why not me? Things worked out for the best. There were a lot of other reservations I had with taking the Public School job, but as I said, my situation really changed for the good.

I think "the lack of students' motivation" may be a challenge for you but you never know until you try. Worst case scenario, you have a year to tough it out and then have university experience under your belt. You can probably find a new university next time round with this experience. Who knows maybe you will really like it.

My advice, don't knock it until you try it. Take the job. Think of some ways to motivate the students in the meantime..

[Intrepid]

The housing allowance is good, as are the vacation months.
Teaching hours are bad if they're 16, not so bad if 12, terrible if you actually have to keep those four office hours and teach 16!
Are the classes writing? Don't do it.
If they're conversation of something without much prep, well, you can work 10 fewer hours per week than the usual adult hagwon, and get five months off instead of ten days.

[chachee99]

hmm really hard decision. Yes, 5 months off is really nice to have. It gives you plenty of time to travel. However, you will stand to loose 3.5 million won.

If this is the same university I'm thinking of, you might also have other problems. I went to an interview with at a smaller private college at Mang Wol Sa station. Yes, the person said there would be vacation periods, however he also stated that students attend classes over the semester breaks. Also, the college also does English camp programs over the breaks as well. Meaning, you could be forced to work during your vacation period. Second, the college also does not provide a severance to it's teachers. Meaning no year end bonus. So, you can expect to increase your total losses to exceed 5.0 million won. Also, for some reason you have to agree to pay the recruiter a "finders fee" of 30
% of your first months income. So, tack that extra charge on your running total. Third, you have to maintain a certain score in regards to your teaching. If you score below a certain amount, they can terminate your contract immediately. That's a little risky, especially since the person said students are lack motivation to learn.

I was also informed that the college plans on hiring 10 people for the up coming semester. I asked why so many? He said it was because they are introducing a new English program to the school and want to expand the number of teachers. Sounds fair, but IMO 10 foreigners is quite a lot people to be hiring at once.

I was a little sketchy about this position. Too many holes and unanswered questions. I got the feeling that maybe this was not a typical university position. Rather it seemed something more of an university hogwan operation.


Again i don't know if this is the same college as the one that offered you the job. However, your description of the schools contract offer, conditions, and the schools location makes me think it is.

If you want to accept the position it's entirely up to you. It will be a good reference to add to your resume providing everything goes well. The perks of a university position are nice, but make sure you know exactly what the university/college will provide to you beforehand.

I understand your situation, that's a lot of money to risk. Plus, because it's last minute you will have a really hard time finding a university position in Korea. Weigh out your options and ask yourself if this is the best possible offer you can find.

If you have a copy of the contract, post it in the contract forum for others to see and critique. They know the difference between a good and bad university offer.

[Corky]

OP said in another thread that he wasn't getting renewed next year anyway. So if that's true, why wait?

[ghost]

Chachee - you are right -it is the place which you are referring to, which I would prefer you not name at this time, for obvious reasons.

I feel I should take the risk and accept the position. I may not get another chance like this. But additional feedback would be welcome.

I was told that work during vacation time would not amount to more than 10 days, each end, so you would still get at least 4 months off, which is good, in my opinion.

I am concerned about class sizes of 40 unmotivated vocational students - what can you do to retain their interest. Even at the interview, one of the professors mentioned that some of the students use their cell phones or sleep during class!

Ghost in Korea (www.gifle.go.kr)

[chachee99]

[ghost]

I have been to a few University interviews, and I was not hired, and I assume it is my age (I'm just over 50), because younger people (in their 20's) are getting hired in many Universities with just B.A.'s.

In fact my recruiter for this job (I will pay her 30% on the first paycheck) told me before the interview, that for this University/College position - qualifications and experience were less important than personality and enthusiasm. I get the impression they want an 'edutainer' which I am not.

One of the reasons for my non renewal of contract in my present job is because my students do not really appreciate my teaching style, and if the evaluations are not very good, the college does not renew you. Also, my college president thinks teachers 'over 50' are 'too old.'

One of my weaknesses, perhaps, is that I lack creativity and technological skills - and I fear that this might affect me in the job I'm applying for. I have had quite a few 'sleepers' (especially guys) in my classes - it is very depressing to see that. I don't wake them up - because that would be loss of face. But then, those same sleepers, presumably, give me the mediocre evaluations I typically receive in this country.

The longer I stay in this country (Korea) the more I get fed up with the shallowness and whole 'circus' aspect of teaching here.

If this gig does not work out, I will leave, and not come back.

Ghost in Korea (www.gifle.go.kr)