Korean Job Discussion Forums

Songbird1979 · Joined: 06 Sep 2005 Location: Back in Oz, onto Korea Jan 06

.....but I would REALLY like to know (specially from the people working there now) just how pedantic are they about having a NORTH AMERICAN accent? Seriously, what's the difference? I have just seen an ad (here on Dave's Cool

starting Jan 2- PERFECT for me as I finish my year's stint in China on 25 November, home for Christmas. I am Australian, and they DO list us on the ad.

Is there any point in even trying to apply??

CaptainConjunction · Joined: 12 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul

I'm Aussie too. I applied to one of their branches and they wanted me to do a test to check my accent. However, they seemed ready to hire me. Only problem was the position was available a couple of months later. In the end I took a job elsewhere because of the wait.

If your accent isn't too country they should be alright

Good luck!
Very Happy

Songbird1979 · Joined: 06 Sep 2005 Location: Back in Oz, onto Korea Jan 06

Hey Cap,

What did they do to test? Just a phone interview or something? Nah, I don't sound hicksville or anything, I think I have a neutral accent (how do I tell Shocked

?). They're looking for a whole bunch of people at the beg of January, so hopefully I could be in for a chance.

Can I ask you another non relation q now you're in Korea? What is included in your apartment, or indeed any apartment? Do they use gas there like here in China? I hate gas- if so I will go out and buy one of those portable stovetops! Kettles included? Microwave? I plan on buying a laptop when I get home so I won't have a prob with net access- thanks in advance for answering Very Happy

CaptainConjunction · Joined: 12 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul

Yeah, I never really got to do the test, coz I found another job beforehand.

As far as housing goes, I assume you've looked at their website.. if you can get the officetel housing it's ok.. I'm living in an officetel now that has a super-modern electric stovetop, but a lot of apartments here tend to have gas.. it depends on how much they cost.

Generally though, the officetel apartments are good. I'm very impressed with mine

riley · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Location: where creditors can find me

I used to work there and there were a significant amount of Aussies and Kiwis. There were some definite accents also. (to a North American)

I_Am_Wrong · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Location: whatever

As far as hogwans go it seems that Yes is one of the more reputable ones. I know a few people at the one in Yongton and it seems like the curriculum is well planned, the management is organized, and the kids are well behaved. It's a chain however, so some could be among the best while others are among the worst....

dreaming_saturn · Joined: 26 May 2004

I just did a phone interview with them for the same position you've mentioned - let me know if you get it, I may see you there Smile

I was impressed by the professionality of the whole setup and the fact that the interview answered some difficult questions without avoiding them.

My accent is a bit odd, not Canadian anymore although that's where I'm from (spent about 10 years in the UK, some time teaching in China and the Netherlands). The interviewer was very observant and picked up on it. He said my accent was interesting and I spoke clearly, actuall complemented me on it so I assume he heard no problems with it. My guess is that if you enunciate well, you should be fine. You can always work on your accent if you feel you need to. I find teaching actually changes it, you become more aware of how you say things.

Carole Anne · Joined: 04 Oct 2005

Well it's good to find others that will be joining the YES Youngdo group!! I am Canadian so I did not have any problems with accent, they didn't even comment on it. I am starting on November 17 and am very excited about it. They also seemed very professional when dealing with me. I am going to the Ansan campus. I was told that although they have 17 campuses, they are all run by a central or main office. They are not a franchise as many of the hagwons are. This is better as they can oversee each campus and hold them all to the same level. This is of course theoretic and experience will prove me right or wrong. Hope to see you there!

Gamecock · Joined: 26 Nov 2003

I just resigned for my 2nd year at Youngdo. If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me.

TiGrBaLm · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Location: Hubcap of Asia

I just applied online on Saturday for the January openings

Anyhow, how long does it take them to get back to you after the initial application is sent ?

PS: Gamecock, at first it seemed you resigned from your position rather than re-signed Wink

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

If you say you've lived in North America and have an American accent how would 99% of Korean teachers be able to tell?