Korean Job Discussion Forums

[omegamongoose]

Hey everyone,

This is my first post, sorry if there are already a million posts on this topic, but I need help deciding between a public school and a private school, and more specifically between a Poly School (Anyang-Pyongchon) and a Kid's College (Kangnam).

I know the Poly School is a lot of hours, but included in those long hours is 2.5 hours of prep time. Other schools that work less hours seem to imply that you'll be doing your prep work outside of work, which I suppose probably wouldn't be more than 2.5 hours per night, but who knows? Also, of course, the Poly School pays quite well (2.6 million Won/month) and the director speaks pretty good English.

The Kid's College school sounds a little more laid back, not as stringent with the dress code, and the working hours are fewer, but the compensation is a little less (2.3 mil Won/month), but it looks like all the prep is to be done at home. My recruiter is telling me you have time in between classes, but I'm not sure how trustworthy he is/any of them are.

In summary, I'd really just like to hear from anyone who is working/has worked at either of these private schools, or if anyone has a general informative opinion about the advantages/disadvantages of working public vs. private, I'd love to hear it.

Thank you all in advance!

[xCustomx]

I think this decision is quite easy actually. If you want to work hard and make money, go for Poly. Be prepared for a LOT of prep and grading at home though, in addition to the time you'll spend at work. I met a couple of people a while ago who loved to teach, loved the money they made, but hated all the prep work. They didn't have any complaints about the management at all, and since most of the kids have studied abroad or are very serious about their studies here in Korea, you may have an easier time communicating with them, say at a public school.

If you want a more relaxed work environment, with 1/2 the teaching hours, less prep and more vacation, go for the public school. Public schools aren't perfect, but they beat the hell out of hagwons in my opinion. I love getting random days off, cancelled classes, longer vacations, and working in a school where I don't have to hear complaints of how poor my hagwon owner is. The ability of the students will be lower than at a hagwon, but that's the tradeoff you make.

A lot of public schools will also have an after school program that runs from 3:00-3:45 or something similar (still within your normal working hours since you must usually be there until 4:30) where you could pick up some overtime and boost your salary to maybe 2.3. If you finish an online TESOL with 100 hours, you would get another raise of 100-200,000 won/month, so then you'd be pushing close to 2.4-2.5. Good luck

[ttompatz]

[omegamongoose]

Hey,

Thanks to the both of you for responding so quickly. It sounds like the public school route is the way to go.

Considering it will be my first time, I think less workload (and less money) for more free-time to acclimate and explore would be worth it.

And I'll definitely keep the online TESOL option in mind.

Thanks both of you so far for all your great advice and perspective.