Korean Job Discussion Forums

BDups · Joined: 23 Aug 2005 Location: Jisan, Daegu

Hello.

I am torn. I just had an interview with a very very nice man. He just took over as director for this school (which has been open for about 2 years) in Daegu. He seems genuine, smart and caring. His English is a bit choppy, but all in all I understood the points he was trying to put forth.

My concern is that first, he just took over as director, so I don't know if this is anything to be worried about, and second, there are no other foreign teachers at the school. I would be the only one. I have not yet spoken to the current teacher, but this director told me that the teacher was leaving at the end of the month back to NZ. I am awaiting the contact info for this teacher now, and obviously I will speak with him.

But my questions is should I be very worried about being the only foreign teacher at the school, when the director seems like a good guy, and the contract is great? (2.1mil, 2 weeks vacation, single housing. etc)

I know there's no general answer, but any insight or experience would help!

Thanks

Wangja · Joined: 17 May 2004 Location: Seoul, Yongsan

You can only play the hand you're dealt. That looks like a full house.

BDups · Joined: 23 Aug 2005 Location: Jisan, Daegu

As a poker player, I love your comparrison.

Thank you so much, I agree, I guess I just needed a bit of experience to agree as well! haha

Thanks!

thursdays child · Joined: 21 Sep 2005

It's all a matter of who you are.... but I for one prefer to be the only foreigner at a Hogwan. You get to do things you're way without being compared and get treated like the 'top-dog' (well in cases). It will be hard at first because of social reasons... but then again chances you will be lumbered with an ass!! And living in a big city like Daegu it's easy to meet people anyhow.

4 months left · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

I've met a few very very nice directors that quickly change their stripes. But not much you can do, gotta roll the dice and hope they don't come up snake eyes. I taught as an only foreigner and it was good, nobody really could speak English so I just did my thing.

BDups · Joined: 23 Aug 2005 Location: Jisan, Daegu

Man these are the best responses I could ever hope for!

Thanks for all the words of wisdom.

See you on the 28th

YoungLi · Joined: 06 Sep 2005

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

Sometimes I think you have an edge being the only foreign teacher in the school - you can mix with the korean teachers better and they are less likely to bitch about you behind their back.

Also, you get to know all the kids, which, to me, is great.

The only drawback is that you might have to do a few extra chores.... but you can negotiate on that.

Good luck.

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

I wouldn't worry too much about being the only foreign teacher, but I say you'd be crazy to take the job until you talk to the teacher you're replacing.

cj1976 · Joined: 26 Oct 2005

BDups - that sounds remarkably similar to an offer I've had in Daegu. Could we be looking at the same job? Is it for Leaders English School by any chance?

Imbroglio · Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 2:36 pm Post subject:

I was the only teacher for about six months till we got some blonde hotties from LA and Vancouver.

ajuma · Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Location: Anywere but Seoul!!

I was the only foreign teacher for most of my hagwon career and I loved it!! It may be a little difficult at an established school that had a really good foreign teacher (they'll expect more from you), but as tzechuk said, you get to know all of the kids really well...and that's a plus! T/Daegu is a big city, so if you need foreign companionship, you'll be sure to find it. I went a full month (first contract) before seeing or talking to another foreigner!!

sheba · Joined: 16 May 2005 Location: Here there and everywhere!

I have a great boss and am the only foreign teacher here - its great! Dont be too worried about being the only teacher, Daegu is a big city so meeting others shouldnt be too difficult. I like being the only teacher because I dont have to worry about being compared to anyone else, and the Korean teachers are terrific!

Demonicat · Joined: 18 Nov 2004 Location: Suwon

plus, there is always the chance (and is frequently the case) that you and your coworker might not get along. If you are the lone wolf, you can pick and choose your friends...much nicer.

joe_doufu · Joined: 09 May 2005 Location: Elsewhere

The hagwon is only 2 years old and they're already selling it to a new owner? You have a failed (apparently) business being bought by an inexperienced (probably) new entrepreneur. I wouldn't worry about being the only foreigner... that can be fun... I would worry about how long the business is going to last. Trust me I'm in the same situation. I work for a "19-year-old" hagwon but a new owner bought it after I signed the contract so its essentially a new, struggling business. And I've only gotten 25% of the pay I was owed this month so far!