Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Mongoos150]

Hi Everyone,
I've searched around but haven't found any definitive comparison threads. For those of you who've been teaching in public (EPIK program) schools vs private schools, what do you think? Has anyone taught in both? The recruiter I'm going through (Footprints) is asking me which I'd prefer. So far, this seems like the breakdown:

Public: Larger class sizes, slightly lower pay, however more vacation days, no weekend work and standard teaching lesson plans and more 'government teaching support'.

Private: Potentially larger salary ($1-300K), potentially more hours to work (incl possible weekends), smaller class sizes, more native English co-workers.

[olsanairbase]

[Triple007]

Really depends on what you're looking for. Any job you apply for in a place you've never been is definitely a toss up. Public Schools have more vacation for the most part than hagwons. They are more consistent. However, if you find a good hagwon you get to know your students much better, and you don't have to deal with a co-teacher. Hope that helps.

[Mongoos150]

Thanks guys. The increased vacation time and lesson plan consistency really appeals to me, it seems like a smooth transition from non-teaching to ESL teaching, with perhaps a switch from public ESL to private ESL more feasible as a second step.

[bbud656]

If you can find an afterschool public school job its the best of both worlds. Steady paycheck, small classes, more vacation, and no pressure to make the parents keep their kids in school. Kids come and go all the time and no one cares. If you want to know more send me a PM

[Mongoos150]

Interesting - I'm not at 25 posts yet, would you mind sending me a PM?

[kingssurfer]

I work at an after school program in a public school. What exactly is an after school public school job? Don't have 25 posts yet either. Would appreciate if you could send me a pm.

Thanks