Korean Job Discussion Forums

Alyallen · Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 11:03 am Post subject: OSungSik franchise

I tried to find info about the franchise but the search function is not working...SO...anyone know anything about this franchise? I have a chance of working for one of the franchises....Any info would be appreciated....

AlyAllen

Alyallen · Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 10:17 pm Post subject:

ok...so the search function now works....what I am looking for is info regarding the Jeonju branch of Osungsik. HELP! The posts I read so far were not so positive, so info about this particular branch is really important...

Thanks,
AlyAllen

PatrickSiheung · Joined: 21 May 2003

I too have only read bad things about OSS.

I worked at one of their schools myself.
As for the place I worked... well I hated it lol. But I think that had everything to do with the directors and not the franchise itself.

I don't know about the jeonju area, sorry =\

ryleeys · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: Columbia, MD

Well, searching might work better if you bust out the spelling they use, "Oh Sung Sik"

After that, I'll tell you that I work for the Oh Sung Sik in Icheon... and it's certainly been a rollercoaster ride. I've certainly never been treated horribly, even been invited to dinner with the director's family. But these situations keep happening where I am pushed to the point of nearly crapping myself, then it seems to settle down (See "I'm getting nervous" thread).

The school really does depend on the director. The only time you'll feel like you're working at a franchise is because the curriculum is mandated by the head office, although your director may require you to teach more than just the OSS books. I personally have to teach 3 books to each class. If you end up there, we can collaborate and come up with activities for the OSS books and share information and such.

bjonothan · Joined: 29 Apr 2003 Location: All over the place

As mentioned above it depends on the owner. Try http://koreablacklist.tripod.com/1/id4.html and you can find out which ones are really bad. Before signing check the place out (not the franchise) thoroughly and you won't have any problems.

Alyallen · Posted: Mon May 03, 2004 6:42 am Post subject:

Thanks for the replies so far.

Ryleeys: This is weird but the recruiter I'm using spelled it "O Sung Sik". But I'm assuming that she made a typo. I will check out the search function with the Oh Sung Sik spelling. I'm a newbie so any help (especially if I take this job) would be much appreciated Laughing

....

I'm will check the blacklists and get more info from my recruiter. I will DEFINITELY ask for contact info with the teachers and all the other good ideas I've read on this forum.

Thank you!
AlyAllen

PatrickSiheung · Joined: 21 May 2003

Newbie huh?

Well I'm no expert but I've a few things to say that may be good advice...

First, just because you're going through a recruiter (if you are) doesn't mean you're protected in any way. Most recruiting companies look out for themselves, don't fool yourself into thinking they will go to bat for you if you have any problem that isn't in their best interest to solve.

Next, just because your directors seem sweet as candy when you talk to them or meet them, don't assume they really are that nice. One thing I have learned here is that many people will smile to your face but stab you in the back. My suggestion is to not be too trusting. Don't suspect everyone, that's kind of a miserable way to work, but don't let your judgment be clouded by free dinners and sandwiches for lunch.

If you talk to another foreigner working at the school you're interested in, don't necessarily trust what they have to say either. 9 times out of 10 the director will be right there monitoring what they tell you. I know this from personal experience. Insist on talking to a teacher that already works there but get their email so you can have private talks about the work situation at the school. That's really the best way to check up on a place.

Best advice though, look out for yourself. Don't expect anyone else to take care of you. Have a plan if things go bad in Korea. You may need to leave suddenly and you don't want to be at the hagwon owner's mercy.

What happened to me? I was kicked out of my apartment just days before my contract was up. I gave 6 weeks notice because I had come down with a nasty cough here. They were none too happy about it and although they wished me well, I knew something was going to happen. Sure enough, on my second last day at work, just 5 days before I was going to fly home, they insisted I get out of my apartment. heh. Good thing I was able to find another place to stay. Can't say I was too surprised with their behavior though.

And as for recruiters... even though I emailed several complaints to them, they just accused me of warping the facts. Later I found out that they were actually sending another teacher there LOL It became pretty clear that supporting me in any movement against the directors would be a conflict of interest. Anyway... point is, recruiters don't care, directors don't care, you have to look out for yourself.

Alyallen · Posted: Mon May 03, 2004 8:38 am Post subject:

bjonothan · Joined: 29 Apr 2003 Location: All over the place

The reason that it was spelt that way is because that is what Koreans do. The languages are so different and it is hard to translate things exactly the way they sound in English. The fact that they spelt it "O Sung Sik" tells me that their English probably sucks. When you are here for a while then you will learn that stuff. It is pronounced O song (with a mild sounding o) and shik. In Korean s+i=sh. There are millions of jobs don't try one school shop around and when you get offers post it back in here and I or one of the others can tell you if it is a good deal or not.

Holyjoe · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Location: Away for a cuppa

Alyallen · Posted: Tue May 04, 2004 5:20 am Post subject:

Thanks Bjonothan and holyjoe.

Here's the funny thing about the spelling issue....My recruiter is from New Zealand! I think (I hope!) it is a honest mistake....Thanks for the link holyjoe. I hadn't even tried to find their website yet Embarassed

.

I'm still slaving away trying to find a job. I will post when I do get offers...

Thanks all,
AlyAllen

chronicpride · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

bjonothan · Joined: 29 Apr 2003 Location: All over the place

Well holyjoe obviously you don't speak or understand Korean very well or you would know better. That might be what their address is, but it doesn't make it right. And yes to the other guy, the website is a bit ill-informed from what I saw. But I don't really know because I haven't been blacklisting any schools.

Holyjoe · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Location: Away for a cuppa

Saxiif · Joined: 15 May 2003 Location: Seongnam

I got offered a job at the Chongju franchise a year ago but then after I accepted they changed they changed the starting date from July 1st to September 1st. D'oh!