Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Kim Cummings]

Has anyone had experiences with the Korea Herald Schools in Seoul (or anywhere else in Korea)? I'm wondering about their reputation regarding treatment of teachers, as well as the programs they offer....actually, any information would be interesting as I know nothing about them & could find nothing on this site by doing a search. (I'm a "newbie" & still confused by how one does a proper search.) Anyway, my recruiter says Korea Herald Schools are "good" but I'm wondering what teachers out there have experienced or heard...

[bobskinner]

I have heard a story or 2 about bad experiences at Korean Herald Schools, but then again I have also heard a number of horror stories about non-Herald Schools. I think your experience working for a Hagwon comes down to your boss and co-workers.

Myself and my girlfriend work for a Herald School and are loving it, our boss is wonderful and our co-workers are very nice also.

Hope this helps.

Bob

[Roch]

[Kim Cummings]

I'm not sure which Herald school yet; probably Seoul, but I've learned that can mean the greater Seoul Metropolitan Area. I spoke with my recruiter last night, and he's waiting to get more information from his partner in Seoul, which he will then pass on to me. I found a website with some basic information, generic statements regarding their philosophy of education, and some pictures of materials suggesting the "Herald" produces their own materials. I figured every Herald school would be different as far as specific working conditions go, but wondered if - generally speaking - it had a good (and hopefully, than bad) reputation. I also wondered if there might be some consistencies from one school to the next... would this be considered a "chain" school???

I know I may end up with equal amounts of good & and bad stories from posters, and, in the end, it's all a bit of a gamble, but I'd definitely like to hear from other people who have first-hand experiences or heard anything from friends and other reliable sources. Thanks to those who've replied already & to any other would-be posters out there! (I will post another inquiry when I get more specific information.)

[AndrewInKorea]

I don't know much about the group, except what I've read on the internet, some good and some bad - which is the case with a lot of hagwons in Korea.
However, I recently met two guys who work for them in Ochang, about 2 hours from Seoul by bus. They told me only good things about THAT branch. The best thing is to ask to speak to FT's currently at the school. If possible while they are alone, or get an e-mail address. If they don't want you to do that..... Definite RED FLAG.
Just my 2C.

[MayorGoonberg]

I can't speak for all the Korean Herald Hakwons but I can speak for the one in Sanbon-dong in Gunpo. Lousy director, lousy apartments (located above the school), and just an all around lousy scene.

[Kim Cummings]

Thanks again to those who posted...I never did have that interview & not sure why, but did get another interview (today) for an English Center position in Seoul. Still waiting to see a contract. The difficult thing is I'd need to leave Aug 5, and don't think I can swing it. Also considering a position I heard about - a private - on Jeju.

[wylies99]

Kids Herald Hwajeong was a nightmare of no pay, no benefits, TONS of unpaid OT, extra work, and illegal teachers.

It is now out of business.

[Bibbitybop]

I can't remember if it was the Korea Herald or The Korea Times, probably the Times, that had a hogwan in Seoul. They wanted to "try out" their teachers before giving them an E-2 visa, so they wanted to employ a teacher for 3 months on a different visa, then give them an E-2 if they liked you.

[jajdude]

A friend worked at one years ago in Bupyeong, Incheon (Kids Herald). If it's still open, stay away.

[face32]

Is there any updated information on the Sanbon Herald School?

[happiness]

I worked for one for a bit. The owner was very fair to me, and always insisted on sticking to the contract, never asked me to do too much out of the ordinary, very casual, this was in Gyeongi Do. I just listened to what he had to say and bent a bit and he was very nice to me. Not really more than what was promised.

So, I think it depends on the place...

[faeriehazel]

The thing about Herald Schools is that there is no central management. Owners just pay to use the Herald name. The schools all look the same in terms of their interior, so they give the illusion of being an organized chain, but really the owners can do whatever the hell they want in terms of contracts and curriculum. I know this because I have a close relative who used to work as a head teacher at one of the schools.

If by Sanbon Herald you mean the Kids Herald near Sanbon St, you can PM me for details.