Korean Job Discussion Forums

Laerasyn · Joined: 01 Dec 2010 Location: Ohio

Hey everyone... I'm really, really new at this, and have no idea what I'm doing, so please bear with me. I just got offered a contract for Kid's College in Suwon. It's really alarming the amount of bad things I've been hearing about Kid's College in general, but I haven't found really anything about the one in Suwon, Yeongdong.

Does anyone have any info on this school? Or on the area? Is there anything interesting to do there? I'm really lost as to what to do. They're not giving me too much time to think about it. I've been thinking about looking at public schools as well, but as I understand it, that would most likely mean less money, right? I have college loans, so that's a big thing or me. And it also would mean that I'd probably be the only foreign teacher there, right? For someone as new at this as I am... I don't know if that's a good idea.

I'm just looking for some advice here, if anyone doesn't mind. I don't want to pass this up and then not be able to get anything else. I guess it's kind of a matter of not knowing what I'm worth... and whether I have enough time for more opportunities. I have a TEFL certificate, experience living abroad, and a decent chunk of volunteer teaching experience over the years- does that make a difference? Any opinions would be appreciated!

digby · Joined: 27 Oct 2010

No info on the school but just some other stuff. The difference monetarily between public and private isn't so huge that it will kill you, I think EPIK/GEPIK entry level is 2.1m KRW. With a hagwon you can get 2.3-2.8 generally? Maybe more if you are lucky. And there are different payoffs. More time off at public schools for one.

But the deadline for the March public school thing just passed I believe. If you don't want to wait for more info just do a search. This site is filled with info. Especially for when it comes to locale, everyone has an opinion.

Things people have told me since I started this process. Don't just grab the first contract you get offered. Get as many as you can until you get something you like. There are lots of schools. And if you have any doubts about your contract or don't understand it post it in the contract review thread.

amnsg2 · Joined: 15 Aug 2010 Location: Gumi

Laerasyn · Joined: 01 Dec 2010 Location: Ohio

Actually, the contract says that they are only paying for my return airfare. Which is different than what the recruiter said; he has yet to e-mail be back on that.

I will definitely post my contract in the review thread, thanks for pointing that out. Smile

@amnsg2: Just out of curiosity, what exactly do you like about being the only foreign teacher at your school? Do you find the other teachers to be pretty helpful?

InDaGu · Joined: 28 Jun 2010 Location: Cebu City, Philippines

When they say "return airfare," they are talking about what we usually refer to as "round-trip," so you should be good. But it would definitely be worth finding out.
And it's always good to get another Buckeye in Korea. Whereabouts in Ohio are you from?

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

morrisonhotel · Joined: 18 Jul 2009 Location: Gyeonggi-do

I reviewed the contract in the contract sticky. Bottom line - I wouldn't sign it as it. Just one delightful clause includes a reduction in your severance between 30 - 50% if you have to take unexpected leave (i.e. family death) + unpaid prep time = no go for me. You could try negotiating, but I personally wouldn't bother with this contract.

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

I don't know about that particular Kid's College, but I worked for one in Seoul and it was one of the worst places one could land. Stay away.....