Korean Job Discussion Forums

[gambo tong]

I'm looking for a job in Korea (from Canada for now), and I was wondering if anyone out there who is more experienced could answer some questions.

I've been offered a job at Kid's College Yunhee in Seoul. They've offered me a great contract, a great salary and the promise of great curriculum (the opinion of them having great curriculum was verified by a teacher currently working there). I've seen some negative views on this school in this discussion forum, but they all seem to be dating back to a few years ago. Anybody know the current situation? If you have a negative view, could you be really specific? I've noticed that there are a lot of postings where people say things like "don't go there. it sucked", without giving any details. Maybe the problem was a unique situation or something that wouldn't necessarily bother someone else. Maybe it's really more the fault of the person writing.

Another question: is it acceptable to ask a school director to talk to more than one teacher at a school? I asked this only to be told by my recruiter that the director was extremely offended, this was not acceptable in Korean culture. They would not provide me with more than one reference. It sounded a bit fishy to me, so I turned down the job. Did I make a mistake? Is this really how it's done? (this school was not Kid's College)

Wow, this Korean job hunt thing is frustrating. I've had no shortage of job offers, but all the jobs seem to have at least one thing that makes me uncomfortable. I pride myself with being open and flexible, but still there are some things that I can't deal with (20 students in kindergarten classes? Are they joking?) Maybe my standards are too high...

Thanks to anyone out there willing to help.

[prairieboy]

I find that the "That's offensive" line is way overused. It doesn't matter if it's offensive or not as you are trying to ensure you get the best school and the best deal you can get.

If the school will only provide you with one reference and then tell you that they are offended by your request for more, then the school is not worth wasting your time on.

You did the right thing turning the job down.

[jazblanc77]

I would also be interested in hearing some recent views on Kids College hogwans. There is a position available with them in Shincheon (I'm not sure if that is the Yunhui branch or not, maybe someone knows), which I would like to get the inside scoop on before proceeding further with the process.

Any help with RECENT complaints, praise, or simply insight would be appreciated.

[Pyongshin Sangja]

Death to Kid's College. Death I say. Or at least back in 2001, I said that.

Actually, it's much the same. Be a good monkey and don't talk back and you'll get paid. Don't bother wearing good clothes.

[W.T.Carl]

Stay away. if the current teacher had something nice to say about Kid's College, there was most likely a Korean on the other end making sure that what was said was pleasant and positive. I have seen this happen. You would be teaching in a chain school with a curriculum pirated from many sources most of which are totally inapropriate for kindy kids. Look elsewhere.

[sprout]

This is a response to the questions about Kid�s College. I have worked at Kid�s College Yun Hee (Seoul) for over a year and a half. I know that all the Kid�s College�s are different (they are a franchise) and that the situations vary, so I can only speak for my situation and this location.

I have not encountered any of the horror stories I have heard about other Kid�s Colleges. I have always been paid on time, received bonuses on more than one occasion for going above and beyond my duties, get along well with the employers and honestly enjoy my job.

Is this job an easy, laidback and do little job, no it isn�t. It is a lot of work and a lot of time is spent preparing for my classes but as an educator, who has taught in the school system in North America, it is no different. I do no more or less work than I would do there. The school is just like a school in North America in many ways. If you�re looking for the easy way out, this is not the school for you. If you�re a true educator and want real life experiences and training in the classroom, this IS the school for you. I find that the majority of people who are complaining about the job are not people who have taught in a "normal" classroom before. Many of them came here to make a quick buck and the job was more than they could handle. If your an educator whose focus is on career development, the education of bright young minds and NOT on the money or vacation, you will find this job to be more rewarding than you could ever imagine.

I was provided with a nice, clean and modern apt. They have always treated me with respect and dignity. Heard my questions and concerns and though I may not always get what I was asking for, I did feel like my side was heard, considered and understood. As I said, I have always been paid on time, heard when I have had problems and been appreciated, I have vacation as promised per my contract and have received bonuses for a job well done, as have every other teacher at the school!

After being in Korea for 3 years, I have come to realize that the majority of people who write on here are only those people who are bitter, have had troubles or just want to complain. I thought I would change that! I have had a great experience here, learned a lot and would have no problems recommending someone to work here. I would welcome any questions or concerns from anyone looking at this school.

I have seen stories and comments on this particular Kid�s College on Dave�s ESL, and my only advice is this; check the date on those comments. They are all from 2002 and from the same person. Again, I can not comment on other Kid�s Colleges because they are all different.

Ask questions, ask to speak to teachers that work at the school and go with your gut and it will lead you to the place you�re suppose to be. Good luck searching for a job!

[Milwaukiedave]

[Peter Jackson]

It seems that a lot of the big franchise chains are horrible. I still find it hard to believe that they can still continue to find teachers.

I've never heard a good first-hand Kid's College story. It is the place where 22 year old first timers go. Anyone with any experience teaching ANYWHERE will most likely find Kid's College deplorable.

The one in Songpa (near Jamsil) has got to be the worst...

[Buff]

Nice neighborhood. Quiet. Decent grocery store and a small gray market-ish store. Good hofs. Close to Shinchon.

I know nothing about the school except that it's ugly on the outside.