Korean Job Discussion Forums

[McNasty]

In the eyes of GEPIK, hogwan work experience is not considered an accredited workplace.

It's like 5 years of my life was a complete waste of time.

Interesting how hogwans are required to register with the ministry of education , but refuse to recognize them as a legitimate place of employment.

I guess Charlie's Chocolate English Factory just isn't repudable enough for the highly regarded GEPIK program.

[JacktheCat]

That's strange. Gyeonggido school board recognized my two years "teaching" experience in hackwon hell towards getting certified as a Level 1 teacher at my current high school job.

[dulouz]

I think you didnt read something right or someone is lying to you. Look again, harder or elsewhere.

[Derrek]

If the place trying to hire you, or re-contract with you is pulling that game, it's definately time to look elsewhere.

[Grotto]

They accepted my two years experience no problem. Sounds like a snow job.

[fusionbarnone]

How does one get certified as a level 1 teacher in Korea?

And as far as recognizing what constitutes "accredited", it really depends on who's doing the hiring. I have a friend who was offered a contract with a number of constrictive clauses, she declined, stating she'd rather take a vacation. Weeks up to her departure the offers got much sweeter.

Moving goal posts in order to defeat recognition of abilities so that payment levels remain minimal, is not new. I'd studied for three masters degrees(albeit, none of them ESL) before coming to Korea and there was a lot of dickering as to my worth(read minimum wage theatrics). Later, once my "contribution/s" were "recognized", I'd be asked questions verbatim and to the effect of, "would you like more money?,"in order to induce me to stay on in their program.

[JacktheCat]

[McNasty]

I am doing some more investigating and will get to the bottom of it.

At this point, the ministry is claiming that my work is experience is not accredited and therefore are unwilling to pay me the level 1 salary that I qualify for.

Part of the problem is that the former principal at my school was the one that is ultimately responsible. Despite the fact that he looked like a kid in a candy store when he discovered I had 5 years experience. Then proceeded to shoot me in the foot.

Is he completely to blame? No.
I am also responsible because I took his word that I needed an MA in order to qualify for level 1 pay. Sadly, that was not the case, and I discoved the truth after the fact.
The money isn't really the issue, for me it's the principle of the matter.

When you get screwed by a hogwan, not that surprising.
When the government gets you, it hurts that much more.
Who's got more class? Apparently, neither.

By the way, I'm not looking for sympathy here, this thread is intended as a warning to those interested in taking a position in a public school.
Keep your eyes peeled and know your rights so this situation doesn't happen to you.

[fandeath]

My hagwon experience helped me with my job at a high school and later at a university.

[crazylemongirl]

[McNasty]