Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mdsb87]

Hi all,

Just want some inspiration! I'm hearing so much bad stuff about working in hagwons in SK - do good jobs for TEFL teachers even exist ? So much bad news out there - can somebody convince me it's worth the work of finding one !

[kardisa]

Yes, they exist, but you have to do some due diligence before accepting a position - e.g. online research, speak to other FTs, pay attention to the contract, etc. These are also known as "things you should be doing anyway."

That said, I love my hagwon job. The school is located in a great neighborhood and the boss and manager are both helpful and reliable. I teach 5-6 afternoon/early evening classes a day (50 min each), with at least 2 of those being one-on-one classes. My "single" apartment is actually about 60 sq meters and is quite nice.

The horror stories you read on these boards aren't limited to just hagwons - public schools have their issues as well. Just do your research before accepting any position and you should be fine.

[northway]

Mine really isn't bad. The hours are long, but the work isn't bad.

[thegadfly]

Don't come to Korea -- there are no good jobs to be had. Stay in your home country. Also, this cake I am eating tastes horrible, and you shouldn't try any because it is so nasty!

[bobbybigfoot]

There are some good jobs out there but you need to do your homework and ask the right questions. Then cross your fingers.

What I've yet to experience is curriculum that is based on sound on language learning principles.

But step 1 is finding a hagwon that won't cheat you.
Step 2: finding one that won't disrespect you.
Step 3: finding decent working hours
Step 4: finding meaningful work.


I've experienced the first three, but not the fourth. Perhaps hard to find in Korea, though not impossible I wouldn't think.

[mdsb87]

Ok thanks folks - just seems that anyone who has been interested in us are cowboys from the due diligence I've done! It's very frustrating to put in hours of emailing and searching to only have the crooks contact you!

[Saxiif]

Yup, a lot of good jobs out there but most of the good ones don't hire newbies. Overall doing a public school job is better if you're a newbie unless you have some kind of relevant training or experience.

[mdsb87]

What would be considered relevant training - I assume a 120 hr TEFL would not ?

[northway]

I would consider my job good outside of the hours, of which the actual teaching hours are tolerable (thirty hours) but the amount of time at work is often not (nine and a half hour days M-W-F). I know plenty of people who work at kindy hagwons that respect their teachers and don't steal (too much), it's just the hours that are problematic.

[VorcePA]

[gogophoto]

[Saxiif]

[mdsb87]

Ya i understand what ya mean about experience etc - all we have in our favour as newbies is a lower salary - but then they have to fly us over there. Are we doomed to having to work for a rubbish hagwon in order to get our foot in the door ?

[Saxiif]

[Son Deureo!]