Korean Job Discussion Forums

raiden · Joined: 08 May 2004

My boyfriend and I have both been offered contracts with Taechi Wonderland, and I've been reading through the various reports on Wonderland schools in general. This is the first offer we've received, and the contract seemed a bit sketchy. Our friend in Korea read over the contract and told us several things that need to be changed before we sign, but he didn't see any reason for us turning down the offer right away. Does anyone know if this particular school is any good? Are we taking too big of a risk by signing with Wonderland? I am nervous because of the red flags in the contract, but since I'm a newbie I didn't want to just blow off this offer without getting more information and opinions.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

hadeshorn · Joined: 30 Jul 2003

I just finished a contract at a Wonderland school in Seoul.

Post the contract up so we can have a look at it.

But it all depends on who runs the franchise. Try and talk to some of the teachers working there.

Kristsoy · Joined: 23 Mar 2004

they are the toilet of the esl industy

rudyflyer · Joined: 26 Feb 2003 Location: pacing the cage

I usually would agree with the adage "Friends don't let friends work for Wonderland" however I know of a guy who works at one in Bucheon and he seems happy there, so happy he is thinking of doing a second year there. No Sat classes, paid on time, decent hours.

Still, I think I would take a long hard look before signing a Wonderland contract

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

If you want to work for the Korean mafia by all means sign up with Wonderland.

They are one of the worst franchises in Korea. Low pay, long hours, no pay, and shady owners. I have yet to hear of a good wonderland.

I would pass on this one.

snufalufagus · Joined: 10 May 2004

Interesting

Bunnymonster · Joined: 16 Mar 2004 Location: Tokyo

Can't say I'm having the best of times at mine though I could potentially see how my school could be good for some people. At least I'm paid in full and on time each month, my problems are more interpersonal with some of my colleagues. It really does depend on the franchise owner it just seems like Wonderland owners are trying to squeeze every last nickle out of you, even more so than the average hogwon..............

The Man known as The Man · Posted: Mon May 17, 2004 7:42 am Post subject:

Go for it you can't go wrong.

discostar23 · Joined: 22 Feb 2004 Location: getting the hell out of dodge

I'm, currently stuck in a wondrland contract. Fortuneately its a new wonderland franchaise so they aren't aware of most of the tricks other wonderlands pull.

Here is the problems with wonderland

1. Their standard contract is pretty bad in general. They expect you to work 150-165 classes a month. They don't pay you for inbetween classes so to completely forfill your contract you will end up working quite a bit.

2. They kindergarten classes are 1 1/2 long! When you have more then two f these a day they absolutely kill you!

3. The books are sooo repeatitive that they even make you fall asleep.

4. No Vacation days You get a small vacation in the summer and winter but you don't have any days in which you can take off yourself.

5. Wonderland usually has shared accomindations. That is probably why as a couple you have been placed at wonderland. Our recruiter told us that most schools don't like to accept couples (it was a lie)

6. You don't get paid for field trips. Some school hold these on saturdays but my school does them on Fridays so I have to go a half of day without pay.

Check out this website its the offcial wonderland website in which they have a copy of the standard contract

www.wonderland.or.kr or www.iwondernet.com

So you can work at wonderland if you want. Most of them are case
sentivite

Kristsoy · Joined: 23 Mar 2004

raiden · Joined: 08 May 2004

Thanks everybody for your responses! We decided today to decline the offer due to all the negative stuff we've read about Wonderland. I'm sure that there are good Wonderlands out there, but for our first contract, we'd rather not risk it.

Thanks again!

kprrok · Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Location: KC

Don't worry about all the negative stuff about Wonderland out there. I'm at a Wonderland now, and it's great! Of course, it's all about who's running it. My president is great and the staff is great (although the one pregnant teacher is a bit of a headache sometimes!).

They pay me on time and in full. The contract was very detailed and very acceptable. They don't expect me to teach 150-165 classes per month, it's more in the 130 range. Plus, the classes are only 40 minutes long. So it's cool. I do have a split shift, but it's OK as I just go to the gym around the corner and work out for the two hours!

Don't pass on a franchise simply because of a few bad franchisees. Every franchise will have a few bad apples, you just have to find them and avoid them. Especially with Wonderland having so many schools out there, you're bound to have a few bad ones.

But hey, this is all just my opinion, so take it how you will.

KPRROK

Lonewolf · Joined: 02 Feb 2003

Word to the wise aviod it.