Korean Job Discussion Forums

yogini · Joined: 16 May 2011 Location: Busan

Hey,

Just wondering if anybody would be willing to give me some feedback on their experience with YBM? More specifically in Busan locations if possible! Negative or positive experience? Reliable company? Good working conditions?

I am currently looking for a position in Busan, ideally near the beach Smile

The YBM Nam Busan and Haeundae placements seem like prime locations. However, I'm a bit turned off at the low wage (2.0), yet this is my first time going to Korea and I don't have prior teaching experience so it looks like if I want to be in Busan my wage will be around this number anyways.

Also, I think it's pretty ridiculous that you don't get to choose your vacation days...

Anyways, any feedback or opinions would be helpful at this point! I'm finding it hard to trust companies after reading all the horror stories! Yet, better to be well-informed than no enough!

Thanks!

soviet_man · Joined: 23 Apr 2005 Location: Seoul

I worked at a branch of YBM ECC from May 05 to May 06.

We were on 1.8 mil then, so if it is 2.0 now, then it certainly has not kept pace with inflation.

In saying that, I was never paid late even once and you were looked after.

Vacation days are 10 per year (or were then) and they were not consecutive in a bloc and that is a major problem.

Re: Nam Busan or Haeundae - I think Haeundae would be nicer, but both are close enough to the sea side.

The way I look at it, YBM ECC is like McDonalds = bad but at least consistent.

A good 1st year option though.

Tigerstyleone · Joined: 01 Feb 2009

northway · Joined: 05 Jul 2010

shanana.og · Joined: 15 Apr 2011

OP, did you end up picking a school in he end?

World Traveler · Joined: 29 May 2009

DaHu · Joined: 09 Feb 2011

Feloria · Joined: 02 Sep 2006

If you want to go with one of the main adult institutes(YBM,Wallstreet, Pagoda, etc.), go with Pagoda!

All of them are pretty similar as far as university to adult students and typical split shifts, but Pagoda pays a MUCH HIGHER minimum, and you get a month long vacation + Korean holidays.

I taught there for a few years--probably the best gig you can get as far as adult institutes go, especially in regard to pay and vacation time.

CPJ · Joined: 30 Dec 2008

You should ask the more important questions like when your first class is, when your last class ends, how many classes you teach a day, and how long each class is.

I know people that teach at YBM and it's a long day. You start at 11 and finish at 8. That's 9 hours at the school!

Mind you, for many that want to teach in Busan, this is going to be as fairly average. However, I know YBM tries to sell their school as less teaching hours when it is really not.

ibeattheborg · Joined: 17 Dec 2010 Location: the deep blue sea

Type "hagwon life" into google or youtube and you will get an idea of what its like to work in YBM (or any hagwon for that matter) from an honest youtuber in Korea.

CPJ · Joined: 30 Dec 2008

Your experience at a hagwon could vary from excellent to absolutely horrible.

You have to remember that they are basically all owned by a different person. If that person is a good guy, you are probably going to have a good time. If that guy is a crook, you are probably not. Even then, there are so many other factors that come into play that will determine what your hagwon life will really be like.

Talk to the teachers at the school! Ask all the questions you need answered! You'll know if you want to work there or not! That simple!

Ultimately, it comes down to who you are. if you are a 'good' applicant then you'll get so many job offers that you can pick and choose from all excellent schools. if you're a 'bad' applicant then you'll be lucky to get any decent job offers.