Korean Job Discussion Forums

CustomX · Joined: 25 Aug 2004 Location: Seoul

I figured I'd share some of the comments a current teacher emailed to me regarding a position at Topia that I posted a couple days ago. I tried to address a lot of the questions and points that Hellaofaniceguy, Son Deureo, ManlyBoy and Grotto brought up. Heres a link to that thread: http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=29528

*Edit*
I was asked to remove the Topia contract from this site by the school. I also deleted the response I received. SOrry if this caused any trouble

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

Sounds like he is being up front. He doesnt sound like he is candy coating anything.

My advice is to delete the parts of the contract you dont like or change them to a wording that you feel is fair. After all when it is said and done you are the one who has to put up with it for a year, are'nt you!

I said in the other post: you will probably never be given a fair decent contract in Korea as they usually word them to be overwhelmingly in the schools favor. Change what you want and see if they agree to it. If not there are plenty of schools out there.

manlyboy · Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2004 9:46 pm Post subject:

Two quit, one was fired, and two have stayed on? It might be nothing, but it doesn't bode well either. People tend not to walk out on jobs they like.
The guy sounds honest. The "getting the extra work done during free periods" comment is interesting. They're certainly not going to give you free periods out of the goodness of their heart. If they can get the customers, they will load you right up with six a day and no breaks. Why wouldn't they? They don't have to pay you overtime. That means ALL of the extra stuff PLUS your prep has to be done in the two hours before you commence a six hour teaching shift. I'd be asking when do I get time to eat?

phaedrus · Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Location: I'm comin' to get ya.

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

Sounds like a stand-up guy giving you the straight goods on a decent school thats trying to keep a satisfied contingent of students & teachers. Sounds like a job. Surprise! teaching is work. Seems like a lot of seekers on this forum are looking for the softest angle, least commitment, & maximum playtime. Just give me an apartment, spending money, minimal responsibilities, & guaranteed no hassle. Gimme gimme.

Just curious, did you ask this guy if he minded you posting his private comments to you on a public forum? Its one thing to ask for advice, its another to blab here about every scrap of information you come up with. About time to start using your own common sense.

manlyboy · Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 5:34 am Post subject:

Steady on there Schwa.

shifty · Joined: 21 Jun 2004

He doesn't strike me as being upfront.

He's not going to be yr peer, but presents himself as such. The reply to the issue of teacher turnover is oily. Thomas had to be hired in an emergency after they always knew that Olivia was to depart.

After a long flight you're going to be stuck with this "dedicated to the kids" paragon.

The positive side is that, you could gain a lotta teaching skills from him and be set-up for the following year if you're interested.

oneiros · Joined: 19 Aug 2003 Location: Villa Straylight

My favourite bit was when every bit of extra work was justified with "but we don't mind, because we really like the kids."

So, let me get this straight - you have to be there for eight hours a day, and you're not allowed to leave at any time, except maybe to run to McDonald's for take out? Do they pay you for the whole eight hours, and not just in-class time?

hellofaniceguy · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: On your computer screen!

Listen...the consensus on this contract is against. So...stop dilly dallying around with it and use your time to get a better deal elsewhere. Too many shady areas and while the current teacher you are dealing with seems helpful....and while this gig might turn out to be a great one...it could also be a nightmare. Working in korea and working in hakwons...is a crap shoot. I have seen schools where teachers were treated awful and yet the same school hires new teachers and it turned out to be great. It's all about personality...you have ot or not. You need more than anything else working in hakwons is...THICK SKIN!

CustomX · Joined: 25 Aug 2004 Location: Seoul

Hellofaniceguy-I modifed A LOT of the contract to put things in my favor, as far as not being called in on days off, not paying for a sub, giving myself a sick bonus if i dont use my sick days, i gave myself 3 sick days, not sharing my apt, having the school pay for photos of me if they want to use them in ads, having the school agree to sign a release with immigration if the contract is terminated by either party, and a lot more. I'll agree that there were some realy bad parts in that contract, but I spent 3 hours on revising it and taking into account all the advice Grotta, You, and a bunch of other people gave. Im going to see what they counter back with and I'll make a decision from there. Like Grotto said, most contracts will never be written in your favor. So I took it upon myself to make the changes I felt were necessary for me to sign.

hellofaniceguy · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: On your computer screen!

You are absolutely correct...ask questions and get what you want!
Afterall...you have to live with the contract for a year.
If the school owner is negotiating with you and is changing some things...that is a good sign in my opinion. When the school owner does not want to meet halfway...don't work for the idiot.
Hope all works out for you no matter what school!