Korean Job Discussion Forums

fustiancorduroy · Joined: 12 Jan 2007

bumped

braunshade · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Location: Somewhere better!

Take it!!!

twg · Joined: 02 Nov 2006 Location: Getting some fresh air...

Look in the contract VERY carefully.

There's a screw with your butt's name on it somewhere down the line.

ChuckECheese · Joined: 20 Jul 2006

What's your qualification? If you have few years of experience or are very good looking, it may be legit.

If you are a newbie, I would be extra careful.

mrsquirrel · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

Do people ever worry that their prospective employers read this forum and recognise them?

Hithnar · Joined: 15 Jan 2007

Be careful with taxes - they might be the hidden cost here (I guess Confused

)

ChuckECheese · Joined: 20 Jul 2006

diablo3 · Joined: 11 Sep 2004

post the contract (if available) here and everyone can analyse it.

Paji eh Wong · Joined: 03 Jun 2003

If its too good to be true, it probably is. When he says "maybe Saturday", he means "Saturday".

Dont get your hopes up and be prepared to walk if things get bad.

robot · Joined: 07 Mar 2006

this is standard starting pay and hours at a high end test prep boutique.

though instructors are usually paid hourly... that way you control what you earn...

100,000 won/hour for privates is quite nice, though! Smile

ROBT.

wisernow · Joined: 30 Dec 2006 Location: Korea

The reason why your salary is high is because you will have to teach test prep to very smart students who will scrutinize every thing you say. They pay a very high tuition and at the end of the first day, week or month you will either be patted on the back for doing a good job or told that this month they will have to cut back on your classes. Generally you can make a lot of money but job security will be very low.

Just like at the Korean TEST Prep schools the Korean teachers are paid according to the star system. The so called well known teachers are mini celebrities as word of mouth spread very fast and many students sign up with the teacher they heard on forums. For every teacher that makes a lot of money in this system there are 5 or more who don't last more than a few weeks or just a month or two.

Also, many SAT/TEST prep schools are seasonal. You can make a lot of money in some months and and not a whole lot in others as kids tend to study at these centers more during vacation periods. Also, any schools that let you do privates openly probably is breaking many of the tax laws themselves as privates are illegal although many schools don't really bother to strictly enforce this as long as the teacher is not trying to solicit their student. Be wary of any schools who openly break the law.

Would you work for a company in the western world that tells you that you can do something that is against the law?

fustiancorduroy · Joined: 12 Jan 2007

robot · Joined: 07 Mar 2006

i wouldn't worry so much.

things are probably going to be fine.

your case sounds a little different as you're on a salaried contract. like i said, most teachers are hourly, so getting rid of failing ones is simple: you just reduce their hours until they can't survive anymore.

in your case, you're assured of that monthly base minimum -- even if they give all your privates away, which probably won't happen. your position sounds good as you'll still make a good base even in the off-season, when less hours could potentially drive an hourly teacher's salary lower.

TOEFL/SAT prep isn't especially stressful, either, assuming you know the material. You do have to work some long hours in the intensive periods, but it's kinda fun. and the kids are generally very respectful and extremely hard working, so it's really a pleasure teaching them.

ROBT.

yashi · Joined: 19 Jan 2007

Looks like you landed a decent opportunity. "Robot" has some good points.
Your contract is fairly standard for Test Prep based on 25-30 contact hours a week at the standard 30K-40K per hour. Although the base contract seems high, know that you will be spending 500K-700K a month for a one room in Seoul.
The 5 million a month number is not unreasonable. If you do 1:1 tutoring at the school and receive 100K, that is exceptional (standard is about 50K-60K) and LEGAL.

Points to consider:

1. Benefits: You will probably be listed as an independent contractor which means no benefits such as insurance, pension and severance. If these are included or you can get them included, then congratulations. National insurance can be obtained through your E-2, and although not expensive, the cost will be based on your pay. Private health insurance will run you about 100K a month (really good for any hospitalization). Get your school to help you. -Be sure the contract explicity states that you will receive benefits if you anticipate recieving them. This includes severence pay.

2. Taxes: If you are an indy w/o benefits, you will charged less than 4% tax. However, in May, you should be aware to file with the local Gu office. Again, ask school for help. One year, I made around 68 million and only paid about 500K after write offs when I filed with the local tax office. Save all your receipts for everything if this is the case for you. Check your native country's tax laws to cover yourself. If you are American, under 80K a year is tax exempt.

3. Writing Classes: You mention TOEFL in your post. Work out a payment scheme for grading essays. You might have 3 writing classes a week with 10 students in each class (12 is the max for me). 2 essays a week per student can eat your private life. Say, 10 minutes per essay to correct, so 60 esays equals 10 hours pay at a set rate (30K-40K is fair).

Hope this can help. The position will be rewarding, but you will work hard. Test Prep is a different beast. You will garner more respect with staff, students and parents but only if you produce results.