Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Patrick Murray]

Anyone heard or know anything about this school? Ive been offered a position in August. Did a pretty extensive but was unable to find anything other than their facebook.

Just curious as to feedback regarding this academy. (kindergarten to elementary)


thanks,
-patrick

[pmwhittier]

I do not have any info on the school. I would suggest joining the "Daejeon Peeps" Facebook page and asking there for any information about GLE. Warning: that page (peeps) is full of snarky a-holes. Proceed with caution.

As far as the address is concerned, it looks like it's in Taepyon-dong. I worked in that area for a year. Just an FYI, the neighborhood constantly smells like ass. It's not a pretty place to be. In order to see anything resembling nature, you must take a bus or a cab for about 10 km.

I am thrilled to be out of that area. But it is close to Costco, and easy access to downtown if you care to dink $5 cass until you forget how horrible the area really is.

[emetib]

I ran into a former teacher. This is what I was told.

Pros:
Smaller class size (depending on what age you teach).
Kids are great
Awesome parents
Nice staff
Freedom to choose curriculum
Lunch provided
Their new building has a cafe next door I believe, and parents often buy coffee for staff
Close-ish to the subway, so you can easily go to other places in the city.
Daejeon is a nice city and conveniently located 50 min from Seoul by KTX
Really nice new facilities
I think the staff housing is good too? I'm not sure...

Cons:
You are basically with the kids 9-5 non-stop.
No co-teacher
Unless you are Korean-American/Gyopo you will be the only "foreign" teacher. If you don't speak Korean it can be problematic.
Manager doesn't speak English and gives notice about things last minute.
Your lunch is with the kids (feed them, make sure they finish, clean out dishes, give vitamins and make sure they brush their teeth).
There are two snack breaks. You are with the kids.
Insurance not 50%. Teacher paid for it in full.
No pension unless you ask specifically
No NHIC unless you ask specifically (don't get the private insurance offered-was told it was pointless)
No real prep-time at school
After completing work every day you clean the whole school with the other English teacher as there is no cleaning staff. (Vacuum and mop). You end up leaving about 5:40 or so....cleaning takes 30+ minutes with the new building (school originally was under a different name down the street in Taepyeong-dong).
They are lax with the contract unless it benefits them...which is typical of most hogwans.

Hope it helps!

[Weigookin74]