Korean Job Discussion Forums

JasonT · Joined: 05 May 2009

I recently got a job offer form this school and I was wondering if it's a good place to go to or not. I just would like to hear what other people have to say about it. So is it a good school to teach at or should I stay away from it??

Demonicat · Joined: 18 Nov 2004 Location: Suwon

its mediocre. You can certainly do worse, but you can also do a hell of a lot better. Imagine a hagwon environment with the yelling kids, the constant appeasing of parents' every whim, the general malaise. Then add in corporate memos, nonsensical changes, and NO text books ever. When you compound both of those with 3 hour long kindie sessions (that some maple bears don't even give breaks to)- things get rough.
That said, they do pay slightly above average and are highly supportive of things you will need. Out of curiosity, which branch is talking to you?

bcoral99 · Joined: 26 Mar 2008

I've worked at a Maple Bear and I can honestly say I did not enjoy it. I can only comment for the one I was at. It was disorganized and dishonest. The owner and director never communicated with the foreign teachers and almost everyday had always something to criticize about. I believe most Maple Bears are quite independent from each other so I'm sure it varies from school to school depending on your owner and director. I think you should only take it if you enjoy working with little kiddies and you can handle their temperament and especially the parents as well. You will be surprised how much of an influence they have on schools.

JasonT · Joined: 05 May 2009

Laura Beaulac

Director, Education Services

That's the person who I have been talking to, and the address from her is Vancouver.

and these are the locations she sent me

Location: Bundang, Yongin, Suwon

This is from here original message to me:

Dear Jason,

You recently expressed an interest in teaching in Korea on Serious Teachers.

Attached, please find further information regarding the Maple Bear Canadian Schools in South Korea

I don't know if that helps a little,but I just wanna make sure cause the last job, I almost accepted was to a place with a bad rep.

Also, I have no University degree. I am just saying that so my options are slim only having TESOL and a college diploma, though I really don't see a big diff between a degree and diploma. Cause you could have a Uni degree in something completely unrelated to teaching, but they would still take you anyways.

jenl70 · Joined: 27 Apr 2009

I just got a job at the songpa one, does anyone work there?

bobbybigfoot · Joined: 05 May 2007 Location: Seoul

Raquel82 · Joined: 21 Oct 2009

I am considering a position at the new Bucheon branch of Maple Bear. Can anyone send me any information other that has already been posted? I know a few people would rather email their experiences. If anyone can assist, please email me at [email protected].

Thanks for your help!

Big Mac · Joined: 17 Sep 2005

Laura is a recruiter. She's not the school.

There is a big difference between a diploma and a university degree. Big difference. Especially in the eyes of Korean immigration. To them, a diploma is worthless. A degree will get you a visa to teach here legally. It's as simple as that.

Sorry, but you won't be coming to Korea until you get a university degree. If someone does give you a job they are taking a big risk of getting fined and/or shut down by the government and you are at a big risk of getting fined, jailed and deported.

jenl70 · Joined: 27 Apr 2009

i worked at maple bear for about 2 months and got lucky and got out of my contract and moved to a better school. maple bear is good in the fact that it does have other foreigners working there compared to other schools where you can be the only one there, which is really hard to deal with. my apt with that school was complete shit...i didn't even have a closet.. i cant even describe the difference between my new apt with the school im with now and theirs...
as said before...they dont give breaks..i had one hour off in the day for lunch and do final some prep and try to get it all done..unless u wanna stay after work and than u gotta go eat lunch withe the kids...
the worseeeeeeee is the korean teaching assisants..mine was horrible and yelled at the children and never listened to me...even tho i was the teacher...she always wanted to change my lesson plans....
other words....if u can get a job a different school....try and always make sure u get pics of YOUR (THE one u will actually be getting) apt. before you come. also always try to get one near seoul in the heart of it....much more to do and more people.
hope that helps a bit!

siborg69 · Joined: 06 Nov 2007

m_et · Joined: 03 Sep 2010

I have an interview with a principal from Maple Bear in Bucheon. I was looking at the some of the posts and was wondering if anyone had any information regarding that specific branch. Any insight would be of great help.

Also, I hear that Hagwon schools are horrible to work for because the parents tend to dictate the lessons of the teacher; however, the students are much more disciplined. Is this true?

Any advice as to which public schools in South Korea would be best?

whiteshoes · Joined: 14 Apr 2009

northway · Joined: 05 Jul 2010

Clearly they haven't looked at your resume if they're still speaking to you.

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

meaghan · Joined: 24 May 2009

my friend is in his second year at the maple bear in hyewha and he likes it just fine, sounds a hell of a lot better than my job anyway.

look, if you're thinking of working at a hagwon the standards of what constitutes a "good" job go WAAAAAY down. A "good" hagwon job is one that always pays you your entire salary ontime, enrolls you in health care and the pension plan, provides a livable apartment, and doesn't find an excuse to fire you in your 11th month. All this stuff about "pleasant working conditions" and "competant coworkers" is just gravy.