Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Gringo17]

Any thoughts from any one that is living in a dorm room during their ESL experience? Pros cons? Currently looking at a contract that has on campus dorm rooms and I'm not sure how I feel about it.

[Cedar]

Depends on what it is. I lived in a faculty dorm once and the place was small, but very sweet. Can you cook in your room? Do you have 24 hour access to the laundry room? Do you have a key card to get into the building at all hours? Is the campus remote from the subway etc.?

Things to be aware of -- Korean student dorms often prohibit any kind of cooking in the dorm. No matter how seldom you cook, imagine not being able to make toast in the morning or whatever! Many dorm type buildings lock at night. If there is a security guard you have to go through every time you come back after 11, it may cramp your style, so I'd try to make sure you have an outside access key.

How big is the apt they'll give you? Less than 8 pyeong, even for one person alone in a well designed little place is going to start feeling awfully small. Lord forbid there's a roommate!

[jinks]

The university I'm working at mentioned the 'dormitory' accommodation in their job ad. A friend of mine had already accepted a job offer and talked me in to coming up for an interview. I came for an interview and also to check out the dorm to see if I could stand living in it. The 'dorm' turned out to be a nice purpose-built one bedroom apt (in a block of 14) with big balcony and outdoor patio in its own landscaped garden area. Five years later, I'm still here and still enjoying the living environment.
Check it out, it may not be what you think.

[Highwayman]

Be careful!

I have seen people put in 4X3 meter rooms with no shower or toilet (shared with everyone else on the floor) in so-called "grad student" dorms.

I wouldn't last a month like that.

At some places, "faculty apartments" are reserved for Ph.D.s and the rest of the academic staff (i.e. English teachers) get shafted. No accommodation provided, or student-like dorm rooms.

Make sure your contract states the minimum specifications of the room: e.g. bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, furnished with fridge, range, TV, bed, washing machine, etc. etc.

I also hate it when they give you a really small bed.

[oldtactics]

I lived in a faculty dorm building during my first uni job, and it wasn't bad - basically a studio apartment minus a kitchen, but we didn't have any restrictions. I had a rice cooker and I'm sure I could have used a hot plate or other things without any trouble. Ask the school for more information - if they don't allow overnight guests, or have a curfew, I'd definitely say no. You're not a student.