Korean Job Discussion Forums

r. · Joined: 06 May 2006

I've been offered a job by a guy who says he is contracted by public schools to get them teachers. The job I've been offered is for an after school program. Teaching hours are 1-5:30 with a bit of prep beforehand. This part sounds great to me, but there are some things that worry me. I've asked twice and he won't give me the name or location of the school I would be working at. He says it is in Seoul and "don't take my word for it, but I think the subway station is on the green line." It seems like he is ready to hire me, but he hasn't really interviewed me at all. The first time he called me, the first thing he said on the phone was "How do I get you over to Seoul?" It seems like he just wants warm bodies and I'm afraid I'll go over there and be stuck in some place far from Seoul with 12 hour working days. Any thoughts?

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

I think you already know the answer, but just want confirmation.

Listen, it sounds shady as hell, right? You need to get ALL the details. If someone's hiding something, it's because it's something that will make you not want to come.

r. · Joined: 06 May 2006

plattwaz · Joined: 08 Apr 2005 Location: <Write something dumb here>

Well before you commit to anything, you need to see a contract. A contract needs to clearly state the place of employment. As in, name and address.

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

I would really suggest passing on this one. Something seems shady, although it's not clear what because of the lack of details.

There are enough jobs right now that you should be able to find one where they are at least going to tell you enough to be able to make an informed decision.

The last thing you want to do is get yourself into a bad situation.

Maxboss · Joined: 24 May 2006 Location: Seoul

If the company is In The World and the guy is Jack. Forget it.

spliff · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand

The offer blows and so does the guy proffering it! Evil or Very Mad

xCustomx · Joined: 06 Jan 2006

is it from Jeffrey at EDU(?) i think he has like 2 or 3 different names for his hagwons. his office is based neark mokdong on purple line #5. i wouldn't even bother talking to him again unless he gives more details and lets you speak to current teachers.

Nok Yong · Joined: 05 May 2006

Don't walk, but run away from this scam.

First, you'll be asked to sign two different contracts, one with this bogus company and the other one with a public school. (An E-2 entitles you to one employer unless a second is preapproved by immigration.)

Second, you'll probably be asked to open two bank accounts; so, they can steal your taxes.

Third, they'll take a minimum of 6% of your supposed salary for taxes that they pocket and never report. (3.5% income tax is the legal limit for most teachers.)

Fourth, you'll be required to "sell" English by peddling a plagiarized textbook series like Backpack or Let's Go that they've copied and stuck a new cover on to make it look original. (This is how they'll pay your salary, BTW, based on how many of these books you can sell to a revolving door of students.)

Fifth, they may tell you the class size is limited to 20 students, but then you'll be stuck with 40-50 kids, who'll certainly be burned-out from hours of studying combined with their umpteenth dose of sugar of the day.

You'll be assured of getting zero support as these programs are not supported by the school, its principal or its staff; and, to top it all off, if you can't hack it after 2-3 weeks, they'll just plug the next sucker into your shoes.

Check out this thread: http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=51119&highlight=

Still want the job?

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

Sounds like a winner.