Korean Job Discussion Forums

[swurv5482]

Hi

I'm relatively new to the ESL field and was wondering if anyone can help. I really want to go an teach ESL in Korea but am not really sure about reputable places to apply. I really want to be able to work for a place that in general hasn't had many problems regarding contracts etc.

So far the places which I think are reliabe are YBM Education ECC Division and perhaps Berlitz International in Korea.

What would you recommend as the best places to apply for someone starting out in ESL in Korea?

[inkoreaforgood]

That's the biggest problem for any of us, even long time vets. Finding a good school with honest employers is difficult at best.

I'd be very wary of anyone actually recommending a good place to work on here. Recruiters, and worse, lurk on this site.

The best advice anyone could give you is to check out any prospective schools personally. Come over here, after you've made a few contacts, meet the director, the current teachers, look around the school and see what kind of apartment you'll be in. Ask yourself questions, like does the director speak decent English? Can you work the scheduled hours at the school? Do you feel comfortable after meeting school reps? Any red flags, things that make you wary of taking the job? Talk to former teachers, that's very important. If you're not here to see for yourself, then it's a big gamble.

[k_shearman]

Here's a thread about YBM you should read:

YBM

Here's what I know about Berlitz from a friend of mine that worked there:

-teaching English to adults (probably business men and bored housewives)
-split shifts (meaning you teach from like 7am-12pm have a long break and then again from like 5pm-9pm)

If you want to teach adults and don't care that much about having a social life, it's probably a legit deal. It's a huge company, so it might be a good career opportunity if you want to go to another branch in a different country when you've successfully completed your contract here.

[Milwaukiedave]

[BigBuds]

If you've evet seen one of Berlitz's there contracts you wouldn't want to work there. Pay isn't that good and they rip you off on vacation days....only 6 given.

There's a few other things but I can't remember them off the top of my head.

[Zenpickle]

A quick word on working for Berlitz:

The ESL teachers' union movement has roots there.

[VanIslander]

I've spent the last three years at a great reliable hagwon on an island with great beaches, less than an hour by ferry from Busan.

And I have to leave soon to go back to Canada.

Whomever takes my position will be a lucky duck, IMO.

[just because]

Berlitz have a terrible reputation in japan...so i can't imagine it would be any better here

[RachaelRoo]

InKoreaForGood is right, IMHO. If you aren't here when you look for a job, you are accepting a job blindly and on trust. When you are here, you can see everything for yourself, talk to the teachers face to face, and make an informed decision.

[jinju]