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Torn Between Ilsan and Jeju

 
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Zanniati



Joined: 04 Apr 2011

PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 5:19 pm    Post subject: Torn Between Ilsan and Jeju Reply with quote

So, I'm seriously torn. This will be my first time teaching in Korea and I would really like some advice.

The first job is in Ilsan. Hours are 9:00 - 16:00. I would be teaching 6 40 minute preschool classes each day. Pay is 2.1m. My concern is that the contract doesn't list overtime, maximum teaching hours (or even number of hours per week), or a 30 day termination notice. What I'm most concerned about is the contract says both my hours and duties can be changed at the will of the director. I asked to make a few changes, they said they wouldn't change anything. The organization that this school is under seems to have a pretty reasonable reputation and most complaints only seem to be that they work people long hours but that those hours are generally in the contract to begin with.


The other job is in Jeju. Hours are 14:00 - 22:00. 30 50 minute elementary and middle school classes per week. Overtime for anything more than that. Pay is 2.1m. Everything is stated in the contract. I've heard amazing things about Jeju and that it's one of the best places you could possibly be so I'm really torn on this one. I also like the age group for this one. I don't like the hours but I'm much more comfortable with the contract for this job and I think they'd even be willing to make a few changes.

So, what do you guys think? Thanks for any advice you can offer!
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Z



Joined: 05 Apr 2011
Location: North Carolina, US

PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 5:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Jeju seems like the winner to me
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Z



Joined: 05 Apr 2011
Location: North Carolina, US

PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 5:31 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Jeju seems like the winner to me
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lifeinkorea



Joined: 24 Jan 2009
Location: somewhere in China

PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 5:43 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Swamp land or isolation? Tough call Laughing
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whiteshoes



Joined: 14 Apr 2009

PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 6:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I actually worked with a couple who started on Jeju and worked with me in Ilsan. They HATED Ilsan, and as soon as they finished their contracts they were down to Jeju.

Basically, if you love nature and that sort of thing, Jeju is the winner by a mile. If you're worried about adapting to Korea, Ilsan is the safer choice because of how close it is to Seoul.
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Zanniati



Joined: 04 Apr 2011

PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 6:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

lifeinkorea wrote:
Swamp land or isolation? Tough call Laughing


What do you mean by this? I've heard that Ilsan is a great city for first timers and that Jeju is gorgeous. I've also heard that there is a lot more to do than you would expect in Jeju.
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dyc



Joined: 16 Dec 2010
Location: Vancouver

PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 7:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Are you comfortable teaching pre-schoolers? Or do you prefer elementary age? Do you prefer finishing work earlier?


The contract for the Jeju position sounds more legit from what you've told us though.
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morrisfletcher



Joined: 21 Oct 2010

PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 7:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm in Ilsan right now.....been here for about five months. I definitely agree with the other post; Ilsan makes for an easy transition to Korea, however it is a bit boring at times. It is relatively close to Seoul, but it will take you at least an hour to get most places, and often more. I haven't been to Jeju yet, so can't offer an opinion other than to say everyone here (Koreans) love to vacation there, apparently it's quite beautiful.
If you have any specific questions about Ilsan, things that you are looking for etc., post your questions, and I'll do my best to help.
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ThingsComeAround



Joined: 07 Nov 2008

PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 9:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Jeju is a popular tourist destination for Koreans, in spring & summer

Jeju isn't so nice in winter.

Ilsan is close to many comforts of home

Ilsan is rather a concrete jungle

and edit: find another job in Ilsan- there are dozens of dozens of schools here
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lifeinkorea



Joined: 24 Jan 2009
Location: somewhere in China

PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 10:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Zanniati wrote:
lifeinkorea wrote:
Swamp land or isolation? Tough call Laughing


What do you mean by this? I've heard that Ilsan is a great city for first timers and that Jeju is gorgeous. I've also heard that there is a lot more to do than you would expect in Jeju.


Just preference I guess. You got to decide where YOU want to go. We can't do it for you. Personally, I like Incheon (Bucheon is near and a great place) or southwest of Seoul in the Gyeonggido area. There is easier access into Seoul, and you can go south when you want to visit new places.

Ilsan is too far north, and I am not crazy about the idea of spending a year on an island for Jeju. Again, it's preference. If neither of the two are popping out making your heart all a flutter, then you are probably more like me and I would avoid them both.
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davemon



Joined: 16 Jan 2011

PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 3:15 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
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hagwonnewbie



Joined: 09 Feb 2007
Location: Asia

PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 6:32 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

jeju
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