Korean Job Discussion Forums

[georgiadawg]

Don't post much here on Dave's, but need some input! I'll finish up a couple of years with YES at the end of January and am considering other countries. I've searched the boards and done quite a bit of reading. Here are a couple of questions:

1) How do you know it is time to choose a new country?

2) Has anyone made the transition from / to Taiwan?

3) Why does Korea continue to give the best deals (pay / benefits)?



GEORGIAdawg

[demaratus]

Hi Gd. I am coming TO Korea after a little over a year in Taiwan. I had a great time in Taiwan. I am not in Korea yet, therefor I cannot directly answer your specific questions. But I do know that money wise and benefit wise Korea is a far better deal for most people. Few schools in Taiwan would pay you any more than a typical newbie despite having years of teaching expierience (especially if you are not North American). There are no typical severance payments (I was given my training money as a "bonus"). You will probably work longer hours (most schools I know of work 1-9 pm with early arrival and time after class being the expectation) I worked an average of ten hours a day and was paid for 7. Many schools still expect you to work saturday mornings as well. The taxes are considerably higher in Taiwan, however they are not that bad.

However there are some benefits that Taiwan has that I don't believe are typical in Korea. These would be in no particular order: 1) Freedom in work and freedom out of work. You do pay for your own flat, but you choose your own place and where you want to live. Also you hold your ARC,not your school. I had an amazing flat, with good roomates, at a good price. If things don't work out with your school or situation you have some control over your situation. 2) Weather. This is subjective of course, but nearly all of the teachers I have encountered who have taught in Korea prefer the tropical climate of southern Taiwan to that of Korea. I am the opposite. 3) Culturally Taiwanese people are pretty accepting of foriegners (at least to your face). I was always treated respectfully by my students, their parents and by nearly all Taiwanese people from day one in the country. 4) Vacation. I was given 4 weeks of unpaid vacation plus Chinese new year (one week) and national holidays. I don't believe most Korean Hagwons give this much vacation. Some people got more and some people got a little less.

I know of quite a few schools in the south of Taiwan (Kaohsiung esp) and people still living and working there. I would be happy to answer any other questions you have.

Cheers,

Dem

[soviet_man]