Korean Job Discussion Forums

[grandpa]

What questions should one ask teachers at a hagwon that you're looking to work at?

Here are some questions off the top of my head:

- How is the work environment?

- Are you paid appropriately and on time?

- What percentage of teachers complete their contracts?

- How many current teachers signed on at the school for more than one year?

- Do you have to develop your own curriculum?

- What preparation do you have to do?
* If you have to do lesson plans, then how many do you have to do?

- How many hours of preparation do you do per day?

- Do you have to do report cards?

- Do you have to phone parents?

- Do you have to work Saturdays on occasion?
* If so, how often?

[Kurtz]

Good questions. How about including;

Did your boss stick to the contract?

Better still;

Is this telephone conversation being monitored?

Are you giving false answers just so you can get the hell out of there as your boss will be wondering why everyone you speak to refuses to accept the job?

From a bad experience, I'd be looking after number 1 and number 1 only, screw the new guy.

[Vix]

I second Kurtz, the former teacher at my school lied through his teeth to get his severance

[hakwonner]

Get their e-mail or facebook. It's the only way you'll know for sure they are answering honestly.

Also, you didn't mention accommodation. I'd say that's one thing you definitely have to ask about if you don't want to end up living miles from your job in a flea-infested box room.

[interestedinhanguk]

I've been told lies through e-mail, as well.

[some waygug-in]

That's why it's sometimes good to talk to someone who has finished working at a school and has since moved on.

Get more than one opinion on the place, 3 or 4 if possible.

[teedram]

It's a good idea to ask about the school's location and the place you'll be staying. Also the surrounding area and the city if you're not familiar with it.