Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Penelope]

Hi Everyone

I have already gotten some great advice on this forum so far, so here we go again- hopefully y'all can help me make my most difficult decision yet. (Much tougher than what camera to buy)

I know this school has been talked about on the forum before, but the posts are from 2003. I am weighing two offers right now. One from GKI Olympic park and one from a new CDI school that is located in a suburb 15 min on outskirts of Seoul toward Incheon. I am torn and would appreciate any advice people can give me, especially if you have worked for either organization before. I have been offered the same salary for both, and I have teaching experience in the US and Japan (just 2 months in a camp). I am an English Education major.

Here are my main concerns:
GKI- The hours are long 10-7, although I think I teach for 6 hours per day. No weekends, all holidays off. I have talked to the school director, Mr. Kwon and he is very nice on the phone. I would have to teach Kindergarten and elementary, but the curriculum is more flexible. Negative= "all foreign workers employed by Korean business shall pay into the Korean National Pension plan at a rate of 9.0% monthly." in addition to 4-8% tax.

CDI- The hours are 10-4, five days a week, but they are spaced out so I would work some sats and suns. School is open on national holidays. The school is new, so I have no idea who my team or director would be. it also seems like there is little flexibility with curriculum. I find the whole "camera's in the classroom" thing freaky as well. Plus it is about 15 min outside of Seoul, on the way to Incheon, which I have heard is fairly dull. On a positive note I think CDI has a great reputation, I would be able to teach older students (3rd through High school), which is what I am licensed for.

Have a good day everyone, maybe I'll see some of you in about a month!

[plato's republic]

What are the wages like? How many foreign teachers are there at both schools? Try to contact one of the current teachers in order to get some first-hand feedback. Working on the weekend sucks big time, I wouldn't do it.

[Penelope]

Both schools offered me 2.2 and both have several foreigners. CDI, I think, will have 7-8 and GKI has 10-12 at the school, plus others at a school nearby.

Does anyone know anyone who works at GKI Olympic Park? I would love to talk to them!!!

I plan to talk to two teachers who work there, but getting the e-mails from the person who wants to hire you, you know, I might get an overly positive perspective.

[plato's republic]

I haven't worked at either but you might want to talk to a current teacher on the phone or even via web-cam if possible. That way you might be able to tell if they're telling you porky pies or not.
Good luck!

[chinook]

Did you end up working for GKI? If so, how are they?

[laogaiguk]