Korean Job Discussion Forums

Talia · Joined: 20 Apr 2005

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a school or areas in Korea that would be good for anyone who is new to teaching english. I have never taught before, so I'm a little nervous. Any input would be greatly appreciated for a first timer.

Thanks!!!

changmee · Joined: 10 Apr 2005 Location: Yongin, South Korea

If you are a first time teacher, you will most likely find work at a "hagwon" or private language school. I would reccomend to speak directly to the school, instead of going through a recruiter. There are several big chains of hagwons that may have a better reputation than the little mom and pop schools. As far as location, it depends mostly on you. Have you traveled abroad before? Do you like cities or the country? For a first timer, you might want to stay close to Seoul, Deajon, or Pusan. They are big cities with a lot of foreigners and more access to goods from home that may ease any homesickness you might experience. Most hagwons should offer at least a salary of 1.7 - 2.0 million won, roundtrip airfare, furnished apartment, and 10-14 days vacation. Wherever you go, you should research both the school and the city before signing a contract. Speak to foreigners who work there and see how they like it. Good luck!

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

#1 Dont settle for less than 2.0 mil
#2 get a block shift, split shifts suck
#3 look for a place in a big city as there are more foreigners there so it will be easier to make friends and find a support network

Dont worry about the teaching too much your English level is much higher than any of your Korean students and co-workers.

Set up some rules with your students and be fairly strict at first, you can always ease up later on.

Relax and have fun.

Be patient with your students.

crazylemongirl · Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Location: almost there...

I would recommend a hogwon or private academy as a good place to start if you are new to korea. If I were you I would try and get a job in one of the bigger schools that have a few foreign teachers just because there seems to be a bit more safety in numbers than working for the smaller operations.

Think about where you'd like to be.

Seoul
Seoul Satlities
Other big korean cities
The hinterlands.

Each has their own postive and negative aspects to it. I'm in a small town just out of seoul. It's got a small town feel to it, but I'm not far from the action.

Reena · Joined: 16 Nov 2004 Location: Ilsan

If you are interested in going through a recruiter, I know of a really good one, she is a friend of mine and can help you find what you are looking for, she knows which schools people have loved, and what school's aren't too good. The schools are in and around Seoul. She will visit the school herself and get you in contact with other foreigners working there. PM me if you want more information or have any questions.

Eunoia · Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 3:04 pm Post subject:

Reena, your "friend" wouldn't happen to work for Reena Recruiting, would she?

Talia, don't bother with a recruiter. Do you own research, ask your own questions, and take your time. That's the only way to get what you really want.

A few things to consider:

-big city or small? What's the neighborhood like?
-will you get stuck with a roommate?
-size of apt?
-what furnishings are supplied? Ask for details.
-***** can I speak to current/former teachers of Hagwon X, Y, or Z?

Col.Brandon · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Location: Seoul

MAKE SURE you talk to someone who has (or is already) working at the place you're considering - don't go in blind. If that person tells you the place is OK in their experience then you should be fairly safe.

Things to ask about:
- Accommodation; single? close to work? aircon?
- Salary; how much? do they pay on time? how much is deducted?
- Holidays; how many? can you choose when?
- Working conditions; class size? age of kids? teacher support? schedule?

Good luck. It's worthwhile, but you have to be easygoing - if you get stressed easily you won't last long.

Reena · Joined: 16 Nov 2004 Location: Ilsan

No, my friend does not work for "Reena Recruiting", she is also an ESL Teacher and is working part-time for a recruiting agency. I know people are wary of recruiters since there are a lot of bad ones but incase the OP wants any help, thought I would suggest it.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

Talia · Joined: 20 Apr 2005

Hey everyone,
Thank you for your replies! They have been quite helpful. I spoke with someone who recommended ECC schools as a good choice for first timers (based on their experience). Does anyone know anything about this chain of schools? Has anyone had any good/bad experiences with them? Also, do they have a website, I couldn't seem to find one in english.
Thanks for your time!
Take care,

Talia

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

I worked for an ECC hogwan my first year here. I have no major complaints other than their low salary.

Free World · Joined: 01 Apr 2005 Location: Drake Hotel

Grotto,
Did you move to Korea and then get the job or were you hired from overseas? I cannot find any ECC info in English, do I need to go through a recruiter?

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

ECC info is under YBM as they are a subsiduary of them

website is http://www.ybmecc.co.kr/

Homer · Guest

Also worked for ECC my first year in.

Salary is a bit lower but the school was very well run and they respected everything in the contract to a T.

I would say it is not a bad choice for a first timer.

NearlyKorean · Joined: 15 Mar 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ