Korean Job Discussion Forums

Chet Wautlands · Joined: 11 Oct 2008

Hey all!

I've been poking my head around trying to get some info about jobs in the greater Seoul area. Just wondering, does anyone on Dave's work at an awesome hagwon? I've seen a lot of Public school vs Hagwon things. Who has an awesome hagwon and why is it so good?

Thanks!

Chet Idea

VanIslander · Posted: Wed Oct 22, 2008 12:07 pm Post subject:

I work in a mom and pop hagwon 18-22 hours a week from 1:50-6:10pm M-F for 2.5 mill with a nice big newer two-bedroom place overlooking a river valley with small class sizes, a nice classroom with big windows, freedom to choose whatever books and teaching aids I want, and no expectation to attend any meetings, hold any office hours or fill out any paperwork. Just teach. My students like me and I see continual progress in their English language skills. I have contemplated re-signing for a fourth year here but also have other plans, so we'll see.

Of course my awesome hagwon is nowhere near Seoul or the suburban apartment ghettos of Gyonggido, though I will be making a shopping trip to the big smoke next weekend.

Chet Wautlands · Joined: 11 Oct 2008

Wow! That's pretty awesome. Nice to hear there is at least ONE good hagwon out there. Anyone top that? Who's got a sweet gig that ISN'T uni or public school?

Ji · Joined: 15 Oct 2008

I think the best bet in terms of finding an "ideal" hogwon is probably a non-franchised one. All of the larger hogwons have a "standard" of work, pay, and treatment.

Amongst the large chain ones, I have to grudgingly admit that JLS isn't a bad gig at around 22 hours avg a week with no required additional time aside from the work and no weekend. It used to be a superb hogwon I've heard but since they've gone public and is now traded on the Korean Stock Exchange, they are moving towards the ho-hum every other large hogwon change model of pay vs. work involved vs. hassle.

xingyiman · Joined: 12 Jan 2006

My place is awesome. I get great pay, plenty of time off. And the bosses really take care of me.

DeLaRed · Joined: 16 Oct 2008

hari seldon · Joined: 05 Dec 2004 Location: Incheon

I'm happy at my small franchise hagwon. I'm well-paid* and well-treated. The owners/co-principals have studied abroad, speak English at a relatively high standard and have been good friends of mine for three years.

The school isn't perfect, but they strive to be the best. The curriculum overall is pretty good, the library is well-stocked and they respect my opinion.

___________________________________
*2.6 million looked pretty good before the won collapsed.

Snowkr · Joined: 03 Jun 2005

I worked at a nice one too from 2005-2006. I miss it sometimes. The owner was really great. He was the head teacher too and he wasn't just about the money.

PM me for details if you like...!

Draz · Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Location: Land of Morning Clam

Mine is not as good as VanIslander's, but it's in Seoul which for me makes it better. Smile

I teach the same amount but I have office hours and paperwork. Nothing too terrible, I'm not getting ripped off, and I'm learning a lot. Just a job. My last job was so bad that "just a job" still looks pretty good after two months of doing it.

hari seldon · Joined: 05 Dec 2004 Location: Incheon

misschel · Joined: 14 Oct 2008

Would it be possible to share the names of these great hagwons? And which ones to avoid (Not necessarily all in Seoul, but Busan as well).

Chet Wautlands · Joined: 11 Oct 2008

misschel · Joined: 14 Oct 2008

Yea, that's something I've noticed. There's either a lot of bashing or praising but no names. So it's not really helpful. But then again maybe they aren't trying to be helpful. Maybe it's just about ranting or bragging. Rolling Eyes

Chet Wautlands · Joined: 11 Oct 2008

A twoonie! No takers? It's probably worth about 8000 won at this point.

losing_touch · Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Location: Ulsan - I think!

I work at a good hagwon. I work from 2:00 - 7:40. I get overtime if I want it. I am free to do as I please. I make 2.3 and am content. The cost of living is low in my neck of the woods, and I am in a reasonable city ... Ulsan. My apartment is 10 minutes from the beach and two minutes from the mountains in a quiet neighborhood.

There are some negatives, but the positives outweigh them.

I would have no problems naming the hagwon, but they aren't hiring right now. There are 3 FT's and 3 Korean Teachers. When I ship out, I will be posting to find a replacement. There is no sense in naming them now.