Korean Job Discussion Forums

ch1can3 · Joined: 30 Jan 2011 Location: US

New teacher here, no experience. I have only a few days to decide this, and I'm having some trouble.

Muju Highschool through the EPIK program
Hagwon in a big city.

As a first time teacher, I'm really unsure which to choose. I've heard big cities are better for first timers, and I'm a little nervous about going to the stix right away.

My second question is in regards to what happens if I reject the EPIK offer. I've been told I will be blacklisted, is this permanent? Am I forever banned to teach in public school?

I've been asking a lot of questions lately, and you guys are the best. Thanks so much, hope you can help me again today!

noobteacher · Joined: 27 Nov 2009

Hmmm, that is a tough decision. I had a similar decision to make when I first came to Korea and I feel like I did the right thing by starting off in a larger city. I thought that I was the super adventurous type and would be just fine on a teeny tiny island with only a few other foreigners, and I might have been ok, but I feel like hitting the bigger city first made it so much easier to get my feet wet. It has allowed me to get comfortable with the culture and the people and to have the ability to make many friends which I think all helped me not get homesick or freak out and leave.

I think it all depends on your type of personality, but as a noob teacher, you might want to go for the city for your first year (this also depends on the hagwon contract), and then you can decide after your first year if you want to go for the tiny town job.

Also, as far as I know, if you decline the EPIK job, there shouldn't be any problem with getting another one next year if that is what you want (but I am not 100% so some other people might be able to comment more).

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

If you decline the EPIK job it is no problem later (other than your current recruiter won't work with you).

I assume you are aware of the constant and on-going problems with working at a hagwan?

Advice:
Hedge your bets. Get a new set of documents prepared (your first set will be kept by K-immi) as a backup (plan B) in case the hagwan position goes pear shaped on you and then take the hagwan job.

If it works out for you great.

If it goes south you have the option of taking a quick flight to Japan (to get the visa canceled), returning and taking another position (EPIK/GEPIK/etc.) and you will be wiser and have a better understanding of what it is like here.

.

ch1can3 · Joined: 30 Jan 2011 Location: US

I thought that the EPIK office/Ministry of Education kept your records on file? My recruiter sent the school my documents already, but I haven't signed a contract. Is it still not a problem? I'm a little confused, if you could clarify it a bit I'd appreciate it!

I thought if you turned it down then they had your records and blacklisted you.

OculisOrbis · Joined: 17 Jul 2006

If you already sent your documents, just take the job....unless you want to pay for a whole new set of documents because there's a good chance you wont get them all back.

Muju is not that far from Daejeon (large city) and has a ski resort if youre into winter sports. You can always go to Seoul or Busan (you can catch the KTX from Daejeon) or anywhere else you please on the weekends or on holidays (of which you'll get next to none at a hagwon).

Yes, it will be more isolated during the weekdays but the working hours, teaching load and extra vacation time should more than make up for that.

You also dont have to worry about not getting paid, being shafted on pension or health insurance or screwed over on your airfare and severance. At a hagwon, you are pretty much guaranteed to experience at least one (or all) of those things.

ch1can3 · Joined: 30 Jan 2011 Location: US

I have an extra set of docs, I'm just worried about the blacklist possibility, but thanks for your comment!

Does anyone else know anything?

OculisOrbis · Joined: 17 Jul 2006

Ok, since my previous advice is not what you wanted to hear - take the hagwon job in the city. Good luck to you.

tardisrider · Joined: 13 Mar 2003 Location: Seoul

There should be no difficulty in making a decision. Take the high school job.

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2011 8:41 am Post subject:

Each job has advantages and disadvantages. Some of these have been covered already so here are some more...

PS
Larger classes
Co-teaching (so you can get support if you are on good terms with the co-teacher)
Deskwarming

Hakwon
Smaller class size (this can be a huge advantage for an inexperienced teacher)
You get your own class
Fewer vacation days

The hours can vary. Some Hakwons offer fantastic hours while others offer split shifts. A good schedule could be 3pm to 7:30pm Mon - Fri. A bad schedule could be 9-11, break until 3 and teach until 7, 8 or 9.

PS jobs offer the "9 to 5" routine so it is more stable.

Good luck.

BigMike82 · Joined: 08 Mar 2011 Location: Rochester, NY

PS schools do tend to pay a bit worse and with many of them you can't leave during the day to say, run to the bank or grab a bite for lunch. Or have a smoke if your a smoker.

RMNC · Joined: 21 Jul 2010

Post both contracts in the contract review thread.

That said, I'd go with the hagwon.