Korean Job Discussion Forums

Dwiggy · Joined: 24 Jul 2006

Hi,

I really need some help. This is my first teaching stint in Korea and
I have the choice of the 2 schools below. I can't find either on any blacklists which is obviously good. I really need to save money so can't decide whether I would spend more in Suwon or alternatively have more earning potential there?? Wages are the same for both schools. I've spoken to the principal in Suwon but only to the recruiter for the Jeju role.

Village on Jeju:-
6 months contract
11-16 year olds
3pm-10pm
Id be the only foreign teacher

Suwon:-
12 month contract
6-11 year olds
10-12.30/2.30-7pm
3 foreign teachers

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

Jeju is beautiful but if you are working in a village on jeju expect isolation as I am pretty certain they will almost zero foreigners around where you are living....could be really tough if it is your first stint here...

depends what you want though...if you want isolation and i would say have travelled a lot and are able to adjust to different cultural norms quite quickly then i would go jeju..

If you want western things at your availability and some semblance of a nightlife and people to talk to in english then i would go to Suwon...

kprrok · Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Location: KC

What village on Jeju?

PM me if you have any questions about the island, I lived there for over 2 years and know a fair bit about it.

KPRROK

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

Dwiggy · Joined: 24 Jul 2006

Thanks for your replies. I really like the idea of Jeju and as Ive travelled on my own for the last 9 months or so, I dont mind being alone and trying to immerse myself in the culture. Although id venture into the city every weekend.

However Ive just realised that the recruiter told me the lessons were 70 mins long. On the contract it says up to 30 working hours per week - which presumably means 30 x 70 mins. Presumably fewer lessons but just much longer. They havent put the lesson length in the contract nor the hours as they say could change. Am I being stupid by opting for this and believing the recruiter??

jellobean · Joined: 14 Mar 2006

Never believe the recruiter.... Get everything in writing or don't sign....

Teufelswacht · Joined: 06 Sep 2004 Location: Land Of The Not Quite Right

CBP · Joined: 15 May 2006 Location: Korea

I know someone who was the only foreigner at his school. The entire school revolved him. When it was time for him to leave, things became really unpleasant from what he told me. It was a small town, which meant not many people wanted to teach there, so finding a replacement was extremely stressful and challenging. He felt bad about leaving and chose to stay until a replacement could be found. According to the last teacher and now the current teacher, the director is a good person to work for, but there seems to be a greater level of stress at these small schools. If you get sick or want time off, they're up a creek. Small towns appeal to me, but I don't want to find myself in a similar situation. That said, Jeju sounds lovely!

Good luck!