Korean Job Discussion Forums

Alkiwi · Joined: 22 May 2003

I have just searched the forum and cannot find much information about the Mido school in Kangnam/Daechi. Can anyone out there help me out - would love to know a little bit about them as my friend and I are considering a job with them.
Thanks

GirlFromMars · Joined: 15 May 2003 Location: Corea do Sul

I've heard from someone reliable (I think) that despite several negative reports from teachers, Mido does pay on time and does give you all your bonus entitlements. However, at best, they are described as one of the more "difficult" schools to work for. I think there might be cameras in the classrooms too.

Bulsajo · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

They've had a long-standing reputation as a place to avoid (running on 6+ years); get in touch with current teaching staff to find out if things have changed before signing a contract.

dongdongju · Joined: 09 Apr 2003

Mido was the first place I worked for when I came to Korea in '97. I lasted there 4 months--and they were 4 months of hell!

The director was (is?) an autocrat named Mr. Kong, and he ran too tight a ship. I was expected to teach exactly 30 minutes in each class, then *immediately* start the next class, even if it was at the other end of the corridor. I tried to explain that it would take me a few minutes to conclude each class, pick up my books and cassette player, etc., but Kong was adamant.

Teachers were always under considerable pressure to prepare lesson plans a month in advance, write up tests, give monthly grades and so forth. Sometimes we stayed in our offices until the wee hours.

I was hugely relieved when Kong terminated my contract.

My advice would be not to go there.

itaewonguy · Joined: 25 Mar 2003

STAY AWAY!!

this place has been black listed forever!!!

do yourself a favor DONT GO THERE!!!

I have spoken to teachers who have worked there in the past!!
IT'S HELL!!!! flag it!

Alkiwi · Joined: 22 May 2003

Thanks for the replies - we had interviews last night and your postings confirmed what we thought, very dodgy and a no go zone!

GirlFromMars · Joined: 15 May 2003 Location: Corea do Sul

I just want to add...

I just found out why Mido (luckily it seems) didn't hire me. It's because of my strong British accent which is a bit odd because I'm an AUSSIE.

Oh and I never heard this information from Mido. After the phone interview they said they were pleased and would call again soon and then NOTHING even after numerous (numerus?) emails. I mean just a short courtesy note to say they weren't interested would have been nice.

Mido doesn't seem to advertise on this site, they use recruiters and also www.tefl.com which is where I first found them. When I applied there was very little info on this site about them. Hopefully this thread is helpful to future applicants there.

I was really disappointed with my first job seeking attempt, I thought I'd found the better than average school etc... anyway things are working out for me much better now. I'm really careful as to where I'm applying now which is going well and thank goodness for this site it's been a great help!

Mellow Mushroom · Joined: 18 Mar 2003

Mido is a hell hole, pure and simple. The comments by dongdongju concerning Mr. Kong are right on the money. Speaking of money, they still owe me some cash, but that isn't motivating my negativity. Director Kong would be the source of that. He is as ruthless as a dictator (Mao Zedong without the pantaloons) who obsesses over every detail of your work and personal life. Unless I see a post from someone stating things have changed (not likely) I would avoid this place.