Korean Job Discussion Forums

Feloria · Joined: 02 Sep 2006

I'm going to be moving out there in Nov, to teach English at a Hagwon in Busan; already signed the contract-it's pretty much a done deal. After reading some of these posts (although some have been very informative); I am becoming a bit more worried about it than excited. Are Hagwons really that bad?? Please tell me some good stories! I am not too worried about the work enviroment itself( I just quit a job as a Crisis Intervention Specialist where I had to de-escalate crisis situations, and talk people out of killing themselves, etc.,so I can handle stress). My main worry is this whole 'not getting paid thing', and just getting screwed in general. There are also the dumb, silly concerns about not being able to find clothes out there ( I am a size 10 American, and I have a chest-I'm female if you were wondering). Anyway, I hope there are some people out there who like Hagwons. If so-Introduce yourself! Later!

kat2 · Joined: 25 Oct 2005 Location: Busan, South Korea

What school are you working at? Give us the name and we can help you more.
It will be very difficult tofind clothes that look decent. Definitly bring enough bras for hte year. Pants will be difficult, shirts a little less so. If you wear more than a size US 8, it will be a challenge.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

At what hogwan will you be working? A few are great, some are tolerable, and most are crap.

In any event, make sure you have an escape plan in case things go wrong. If you're able to tell your boss 'if you don't like it, go screw yourself' you'll be in a much stronger position and feel a lot more relaxed.

the eye · Joined: 29 Jan 2004

Did you speak to current teachers at the school? Ask them any tricky questions?
Did you ask people on these ESL websites if they had experience with the school?
Did you check the blacklists?

Feloria · Joined: 02 Sep 2006

I will be teaching at Oedae Language Institute- the Yeonje Campus, 'elementary and up'. I'm going to be making 2.0, and I will have my own studio apt. One thing I noticed in my contract (too late), was that any sick time is unpaid; but if I have a family emergency and have to leave, I am eligible for 6 paid "emergency leave" days, on the condition that I return. I should've caught that, oh well. Is it pretty much accepted that foreign teachers are going to have a 'limited' wardrobe? In other words, having to wear the same things over and over? The baggage and weight limit is well, limiting. Ugh!

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

princess · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: soul of Asia

It's the law to give 3 sick days, although many schools get away with giving zero. I speak from experience when I say it is hell on earth to work sick. I was sick half the summer last year. Also, not to scare you, but do you like small towns? Personally, I think small towns in the US are scary enough. I wouldn't want to be in a small town anywhere in Asia. Seoul is the best! I wouldn't worry too much about clothes in Korea. I've seen some Koreans who look bigger than a US size 10.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

princess · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: soul of Asia

Oh yeah, shopping in Seoul is EXCELLENT!!! 2.0 is plenty to go shopping, so you won't have to worry about having a limited wardrobe. I always end up with more than I start with.

Feloria · Joined: 02 Sep 2006

Luckily, I am going to be in Busan which is the second lagest city there- I'm not a big fan of small towns either. I live in Philadelphia now, and Chicago before that.
I do have the name of a current teacher at the school that my recruiter placed. I will be e-mailing him. Has anyone used Don Park from Asia-Teachers.org?

Hollywoodaction · Joined: 02 Jul 2004

You'll love Pusan. People there tend to be pretty laidback and it has a fairly large expat community. There are also plenty of beaches to go to around the city. The town itself is rapidly modernizing, and yet traffic isn't horrendous (unless you're driving to the beach on a summer day). It's near the top of my list of favorite places in Korea.

heydelores · Joined: 24 Apr 2006

I'm working at a hagwon and love it. I've also worked at a hagwon that I hated. I hope you have a great experience. If not, put in your notice and leave. There are enough good jobs in Korea that no one should put up with abuse. (Wish I had realized that earlier. Live and learn, I guess!)

As for clothes, I'm also a size 10 US. It can be hit or miss finding things that fit. I generally don't go looking for anything in particular. That way, I'm pleasantly surprised when I do find something and not too disappointed when I don't. I have the best luck at Emart.

Feloria · Joined: 02 Sep 2006

Ummm, No-I didn't "already sign and am only now checking". And, no I would not do that in the U.S. Why do you feel the need to be so snotty,JB?
I read the links you gave me, and the contract that was considerred so 'horrible' was not the same one I signed. Also, the Oedae in Busan (which is where I said I was going), got relatively decent reviews. My main point was that at first I was excited and enthused about this new and different experience I am going to be embarking on, but after reading how so many people on this site hate it, for whatever reason, I started to become more worried than enthused. But you know what? I have decided to be enthused and excited about it again, despite the 'Gloomy Gusses" out there. After all, I haven't even started yet- maybe my situation will be great! In any event, it is an adventure-and there is no true adventure without some risk! Thanks for all the helpful replies!

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

lastat06513 · Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 11:37 pm Post subject:

Ok- you might think alot of what people say here is negative. But that comes after a bad day or a long day of work.

Working for a hogwon is a gamble- it could be good, it could be bad
It all depends on what attitude you come with. If you come with a good attitude, then you will have a good time and vice versa.

But to put it in perspective- I think what you can do outside of work will compensate for the bad things that might happen at work.

I love Busan, really. The people are nice (it is a big city- but they still have that small town charm to them) and it is very convenient- it is the second largest city in Korea and has almost the same stuff as Seoul does. But what it does have that Seoul doesn't is the beach- I am a beach bum, so Busan would be a good choice...