Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mslaoshi]

I was offered a position working with kids. It is supposed to be a camp, funded by the govt. that offers English instruction in two week increments for kids in surrounding areas. I will be teaching such subjects as music, art, drama.

I sent an email asking some questions. I know I left some out, but I am not sure what to ask to make sure this is ligit. If anyone has any leads, please help!

mslaoshi

Attached is the email I got from one of the supervisors of Englishtown.

1. Curriculum:

I was wondering about the organization of the class curriculum.

Will I be assigned a supervisor who determines the exact method and content, or is the design of classes strictly up to me?

Is the curriculum set (predetermined) or is it based on the teacher's background and knowledge?



There will be teachers in supervisory roles at the village. All teachers will be trained in the curriculum (beginning July 31). The curriculum is being designed now and will give the teachers quite a bit of flexibility. We want the teachers to use their creativity and experience and give feedback, as the curriculum will actually be evolving over the first 18-24 months. We want the teachers actively involved in that evolution.



2. Materials: What materials will be available for classes.

For instance, if I am teaching a voice class, will I have multimedia equipment available such as television and video/DVD, CD players?

Are there copy machines for me to make copies of materials?



The facilities at the village will be hi-tech, state-of-the-art. But don't expect every room to have everything. There will be copy machines.



3. Computer: Will I have access to a computer on my own time to do research, or do I need to bring a laptop?

Are there computers in the apartments?



There will be computers available for teachers to use on-site, but each teacher will not have their own computer. The GECF does not provide computers in the apartments, so you're encouraged to bring a laptop. High-speed internet access is available in the apartments, but is not paid for by GECF.



4. Attire: What do I need to bring in regards to appropriate clothing?

Is there a dress code?



There are four distinct seasons in Korea. You might think of Virgina as having similar weather. It is cold in the winter and hot and humid in the summer. The fall is absolutely gorgeous;-)



5. Classes: How are classes chosen? Can I teach many subjects or will I focus on just one subject. *I am willing to teach many subjects (creative writing, drama, music [voice] and sports). These are the questions I have thought of so far. I look forward to hearing from you, and I look forward to this project!!!



There are ten students in each class. Teachers will probably be required to teach a variety of subjects, but some will specialize in just one or two subjects.

[Real Reality]

$30,000 a year?

That is about 2.85 million won per month. How many hours will you be teaching each week (or each month)? It seems many teachers get 2.2 million won for 20 - 25 hours of teaching each week.

[mslaoshi]

I will be teaching 9-5.
I need to find out how many classes.
The interviewer said 4-5 classes a day.
I am still waiting for the offer letter.
The company is a reputable company--this development is an expansion of their web-based teaching service. (Englishtown)
I am leary because this is all so new to me.
So far, the posts have been so negative, yet I wonder if the threats that they claim possible are in fact a reality for this situation, or not?

Thank you for your response.

I need some sound advice.

mslaoshi

[kangnamdragon]

It sounds strange that the offer is in dollars and not won. Will you be paid in won with a different amount every month due to the currency fluxuations?

[mslaoshi]

Good question about the US$$ instead of won. Thank you.

[kylehawkins2000]

Is this by any chance the new "English Village" the government is building in Seoul? I've heard that the Korean Herald has won the contract to provide classes/curriculum. Have they mentioned a location?

[cacheSurfer]

what kind of degree do you have?


i think $30k is a lot of money for only 4-5 classes a day.

[JackSarang]