Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Charlieb]

Hi, I have been looking for a job in Seoul for a while , had a few interviews but no joy. I have recently been offered a job in an SLP school and did my research and wasn't too impressed with what i saw. However i decided to speak to the teacher im replacing and she said that while some of the horror stories used to be true, things have improved a lot over the last few years. Everyone has been paid on time, all contracts fulfilled etc. and generally no horror stories any more.

Has anyone found that there has been an improvement in these schools? I know the nickname is Slave Labour Programme but im working 40hrs in the Uk at the moment in a dull job and getting paid badly for it. What seemed like a certain nogo has now become a possibility. Has anyone got any suggestions on what to do. Im new and therefore pretty open minded!

[exteacher]

My old hagwon (in Ansan city, on the blue number 4 subway line) needs a teacher. I left there at the end of December and they haven't been able to find another foreign teacher yet. If you want I can give you a phone number to get in touch with them. However, they're a bit of a dodgy hagwon... don't let them keep your passport, as they did with mine. When I left, I left 2 months earlier than my 1-year contract, and although I gave them more than the requisite 6-weeks notice, they tried desperately to make me stay on longer. Plus, they charged me for the two months' worth of apartment fees that I wouldn't be there for. It didn't say anywhere in the contract that they would charge you for the rest of the accommodation costs if you left early... but I didn't fight it because they only gave me my last pay (with that huge sum deducted) just before I left, so I only had time to transfer the money, without argument. Anyway, I'm about to post a warning to everyone about my school, which was one of the GnB chain ones, but run by a family. So if you ask me for the phone number, just bear in mind that you have to really stand up for yourself and push for what you want if you don't want to feel screwed over by the boss, Mr. Gang.

[ttompatz]

[margaret]

[Charlieb]

Yeah , cheers for the offer but that sounds worse than the one i've already got. Its the Gwanjin school thats offered a contract, i haven't read many bad reports so far on it.

[squirming]

at my former SLP, they paid the teachers to say nice things to people being recruited. I'm sure all SLPs aren't terrible but the days are long, the salary is low, and there are so many better jobs out there.

[doublejeopardy]

My old school!!! Unless there have been major changes, I would not recommend someone work there. Maybe the owner has turned over a new leaf, maybe she's become the christian she claimed to be. I swear, every month I worked there, there was someone who had to complain about their pay cheque. They took off twice what they should have in tax and, when one teacher complained too much about it, she was fired. I managed to stay the year. BUT, in the year I was there, four people including myself finishe their contracts...three of them within the first four months. However, at least two teachers were fired, two pulled midnight runs, two quit and were not given the release letter that was promised, and one girl left after a day...I feel like I am missing someone. I am not saying don't take the job, but think about it very, very carefully. I managed to stay the year, but then I like taking it up the ass.

Edit: How does ass not get beeped, but c o c k p i t does

[Charlieb]

Yeah, the girl im due to replace said that when she got there people were quitting and being fired all the time. By the sounds of things though, the owners have turned over a new leaf because she said the current lot all resigned for another 6 months after the year was up. She reckons all were paid on time etc and contracts were upheld. Its difficult to get a job in Soeul when you're from the UK like me and have no experience. Having said that , i've already turned down a few turkeys!

[doublejeopardy]

Well, if you decide to take it, I hope it all works out for you...I will always have my doubts, until I see that woman (the owner) in heaven, but I hope it does.

[mswiftansan]

There are better jobs out there. I know people who have worked and still work there and they would all agree that it's not a good place to work. They will take all they can get out of you, screw you on your tax, make you work different hours than agreed to.........seriously, don't do it

[Charlieb]

I kind of already accepted ! I suppose theres not much i can do about it now is there?. The current teacher seems so positive about the place and I do think shes genuine. Whats the worst that can happen? would be be impossible to enjoy the Korean experience working there? I suppose i can cope with irregular hours up to a point, as long as a get paid etc on time.

[doublejeopardy]

Where's the emoticon for biting my tongue? I really do hope all goes well for you. I hope she's changed. I still enjoyed Korea that year. I made great friends. All the best.

[Charlieb]

Thanks. I've always been a bit reckless anyway!