Korean Job Discussion Forums

CustomX · Joined: 25 Aug 2004 Location: Seoul

i am considering an offer from Topia in Pyongchon. I've done a search on the boards, and nearly everyone is saying its one of the schools to stay away from. Some people are biased, but they sent me the same standard contract that at least 2 or 3 people have already posted. There are several things in there that scare me, as other people have mentioned as well. Im leaning towards telling the recruiter to not have them call me. You think its a good idea? I am not getting a good feeling about the school. I should trust me gut insticts I suppose

chronicpride · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

What do the current teachers that work there, say about it? Never sign with nor rule out a school without talking to the teachers there now.

Shoon · Joined: 02 Nov 2004 Location: Gwangju

A friend of mine works for one of the Topia schools and has enjoyed it. He has been there over one year and has extended his contract.

CustomX · Joined: 25 Aug 2004 Location: Seoul

the teacher that i spoke to said its a really good school. the only downside is that the 10 days of vacation. he said he can only request 2 of those days off, the other days off are decided by the school. other than that, he made it seem like it was a pretty nice place. there are some contract issues that people have posted about in the past that scare me, such as having to pay back the recruiter fee and air fare, even if they fire you. imma have to think about this over night and make a decision

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

"[insert big chain] sucks!"

Reasons to be skeptical:

1) Schools are franchised and depend on owner/director. One franchise can be good but another can really suck.

2) Okay so someone 14 months ago had a problem with the very school you're applying to. Schools suck because of the owner/director. Bad directors don't last. The school could be 100% different today.

3) Teachers suck too. And even a good director won't tolerate some "teacher" with zero talent and zero social skills. It's a two way street and you have to give respect to get respect back.

In sum, talk to current foreign teachers. Have any reupped for a second or third year? That's a great sign. And go with your gut.