Korean Job Discussion Forums

[LizardOz]

Hey everyone,

I've been made an offer to work at Berlitz in the Gangnam area.

It is split shift, working with adults.

Has anyone worked for Berlitz or have heard of their reputation?

Thanks !

[beentheredonethat777]

Hi, I haven't worked there but I almost accepted a job in Gangnam, too.


Why did I change my mind? The idea of going to work very early, stopping, then going AGAIN, in the evening is more than a notion for me.
It drags, did I say, dragsssssssssssssssssss the day out too looonnnng.

If you are young, need a job, not worried about being tired, and don't have any other living planned, go for it! Split shifts are tough on the body.

On another note, my cousin worked for the company for almost 10 years in three countries. The pay was good. He worked hard. I never heard him say anything about being cheated out of money, hours,vacation,etc.But then again,I never asked about it.

Do a google search. There are many comments about Berlitz online.

Is this your first job in Korea? Or have you been here awhile? The answer to that question will make a ton of difference.

[LizardOz]

First job in Korea.

Though, I have taught in China.

Yeah, everyone complains about the split shift.

Though, I'm out of options. I've been actively looking for work for over a month and I can tell you it has been very difficult.

I'd rather teach adults than kids though... and as my gf is in central Seoul this seems like the best/only choice at this moment.

[isitts]

[denverdeath]

Splits won't kill you, but they can tire you. It depends a lot on who you are. Can you sleep in the day? If so, that's great! Can you unwind quickly after work and get to bed soon after? If so, terrific! Can you function on more-or-less 6 hours of sleep nightly and be able to wake up to make it to that 6:30 or 7am class? If so, superb! (I've slept in for an EVENING class before!)

I did splits for about 2.5 yrs at a place I worked for for 3 yrs. I did pretty well. Gotta tell you though, 2-3 of an average staff of 12 were somewhat grumpy on a regular basis. 1-2 had no issues whatsoever. Some people quit only a month in. Some people were fired less than a month in. Etcetera, etcetera.

If the place you're talking about has a lot of teachers working there, and scheduling is arranged in a fair manner; that is, not only based on seniority, you may get 2-3 of your months as a block shift. That's just a maybe; not a promise. Who knows?

I've not worked for Berlitz, so can't recommend them one way or the other. I do know that I, like you, much prefer instructing adults more than kids, so the not-so-perfect schedule was pretty good for me.

Adults don't want you stanking either, so wear some good-smelling pitjuice!





Almost forgot to mention. AGE may be a factor. If you're younger, a splitshift may be less tiresome for you. Sad, but true.

[urbanadventurer]

When you work split-shifts, living within walking distance to work is really important.

Since you said you will be working in Gangnam, that means you will need to find an apartment in Gangnam!

A decent (very small) studio in Gangnam will run you 700,000 KRW per month + another 100,000 for utilities!

This will take a big chunk out of any plans that you might have with regard to saving money.

Working split shifts on an average salary in Gangnam is a bad idea.

If you wanna teach adults in Seoul, find another neighborhood.

[trueblue]

700,000 won? Even for a small studio, that is not bad, in Gangnam. In fact, I am quite surprised. I was looking at rental rates back home (Denver) and one would be lucky to find a place (and in a safe location) for $700 a month. In fact, Denver prices rose higher than SF and NY.

700,000 in Gangnam is not bad.

[Sector7G]

[SeoulNate]