Korean Job Discussion Forums

[stationhater]

So, I've been offered a pretty decent looking contract by a chain of Hagwons under the name Feinschule English Institute. I met the boss, saw the campus, and looked at the cirriculum. Everything seemed satisfactory.

However, because this branch is not open yet, there was no way to talk to other teachers about their experiences. I looked up the chain on google, but was only able to find the usual number of "my adventure in Korea" blogs that mention it off hand. The only real review I found was quite negative. But, I don't want to dismiss a good job offer on the word of one anonymous stranger on the internet.

Several strangers, however.............

Anyway, has anyone worked for Feinschule or known someone that worked there? I really am quite curious what it would be like. I'm especially curious about how well they obey their contracts and keep their moral code. You know how those pesky hagwon owners can be.

Thanks in advance

[Troglodyte]

If the school is just opening up now, then you can be sure that you'll be paid for at least the first half year. The owner has money (if not he wouldn't have been able to start up a new school) and will have thought at least 6 months in advance (probably).

Check with him to see how many students he has for when they start up. Ask him what the plan will be if they don't get many students at the beginning (what will happen to you and your salary). Ask what his plan is if the school isn't turning a profit by the 6 month mark or by the 12 month mark. Tell him that you know that new businesses are a bit unpredictable as far as success goes and you want to be sure that it's not going to affect you. Ask for a pre-signed and stamped LOR with the date left blank. That way you know that you can leave if there are any problems with pay or the owner yelling at your because he's stressed over his failing business.

Still, if the school and job offer are just "satisfactory" then I wouldn't take a chance on it. For me to take a job at a new school, I would have to either know the owner (and have confidence in his ability to run the school) or be getting some above average job benefits (more money, awesome apartment, more paid vacation days).