Korean Job Discussion Forums

[silence163]

Has anyone worked at any of the JLS schools recently? Looking for some reviews about the school that are more recent and not from 04 or 07. Any comments (good or bad) are appreicated. Thanks.

[Ji]

JLS as far as 학원 go isn't bad. They used to be arguably the best large chain when they were a privately held company. Ever since they've gone public on the Korean stock market, their policies and practices are moving more inline with YBM, CDI, etc.

You'll work standard 학원 hours and teach roughly 21-23 hours a week but there is no homework to grade and the curriculum is pre-made. By Korean standards, the curriculum isn't bad though you'll have to supplement the material if you want to keep it from getting too dry.

Work conditions vary. All JLS schools used to be directly controlled by the main office but now that they franchise, it can be hit or miss. The Daechi and Sunae branch are always busy and your hours tend to always be maxed or close to maxed.

Having heard all the stories about 학원s I found my experience at JLS to be fair. It isn't a wonderful experience but neither is it horrible. As long as you understand you'll be working 21-23 hours a week, teach intensives, understand that your vacation time is pre-set (1 week in the summer / 1 week in the winter), and you've no sick days, they are what they say. Just expect to work the "max" in your contract rather then the "min" and you won't be surprised.

I didn't have any issues with pay or pension.

Lois, the native English teacher liaison, is good. She does what she can for the teachers when issues crop up but her power is limited. She's basically the middle man.

[Mirabilis85]

DEFINITELY one of the better hagwons and a well-kept secret around Seoul. Compared to other schools, working hours are quite low (20-25 a week) and there is little to no prep. Work atmosphere is good, housing was great. No complaints at all from me.

Oh and Lois is gone now, but her successor is just as helpful.

[hagwonnewbie]

If I had to work in a chain, I would go with JLS. I've yet to hear a horror story from one of their NETs.

[silence163]

Thanks for the input