Korean Job Discussion Forums

[OiGirl]

This looks like a dream job to me: http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/korea/index.cgi?read=11163

Does anyone have any first or second-hand experience with the International Children's Language School that they would like to share?

[Guest]

I've been happily employed at ICLS for 10 months and am planning to stay on for at least another year. One teacher has just come back for a fourth year. Two others just completed two-year contracts. And, yes, I would call it a dream job. The owners/administrators have backgrounds in education. (One taught at an international school for several years before opening ICLS.) They provide teachers with everything they need to teach effectively and support them both in and out of the classroom. Students are grouped by ability, and most truly want to learn. Discipline problems (aside from the occasional chatting in Korean or chewing gum in class) are few and far and between.

On the flip side, the job is a lot of work. (Read "Slackers need not apply.") The preschool and kindergarten classes are run just like their half-day equivalents in North America, which means you're teaching not just English, but also math, science, social studies, art, etc. Afternoon classes are strictly ESL, but still require a fair amount of planning, as there's a lot of material to be covered. Lesson plans must be submitted weekly, tests written monthly and report cards issued every other month. Actual teaching hours range between six and six and a half per day. Contact hours are closer to eight and a half when you factor in morning recess, video time, lunch time, weekly specials (art and P.E. with Korean instructors, etc.) Of course, a good part of the contact time may also be used for planning and/or class preparation.

Anyone with other questions about the school or the advertised position is welcome to e-mail me at [email protected]. (PMs aren't ideal as I rarely have reason to visit this site any more.)

[el_gringo_que_viaja]

This week I will be finishing up with ICLS and, as I know they are hiring, I figured it would be an appropriate time to comment.

Before I came to Korea, I heard many good and bad things about the language schools here. One of the most common complaints that I heard was that bosses did not pay on time or did not fullfil their contractual obligations. I am quite happy to say that ICLS has been one of the most straighforward and honest employers I have ever had with regards to this. We are always paid in full and on time. When I had problems with the toilet in my apartment (which is much more spacious than the one bedroom apartments other teachers I know have lived in) and my cable service, they immediately had someone at there to fix the problem.

As far as the teaching situation goes, I have been lucky to have a Korean assisstant who is very diligent and hard-working and who plays an essential role with classroom management (this was my first time teaching preschool and I wouldn't known what to do without her). In fact, all of the assisstants and Korean staff work harder than anyone else I've ever worked with. They spend countless hours making sure that everything is right for the school and that special events are prepared.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact the director for the emails of her past teachers. When I asked, I got about a dozen contacts and, through them, was able to come to ICLS knowing everything to expect.