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The Best Job? University/Public School/Hogwon
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timhorton



Joined: 07 Dec 2005

PostPosted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 8:05 pm    Post subject: The Best Job? University/Public School/Hogwon Reply with quote

I am trying to decide which job to take. Out of the three which one is best? & Why?
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Ronald



Joined: 14 Feb 2007

PostPosted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 8:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm leaving in two weeks so I can't tell you from experience, but this is what I've been hearing (1. being the best)

1. University
2. Public
3. Hogwon
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seoul_nhl



Joined: 18 Mar 2006

PostPosted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 8:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ronald wrote:
I'm leaving in two weeks so I can't tell you from experience, but this is what I've been hearing (1. being the best)

1. University
2. Public
3. Hogwon


My opinion is this if you like teaching Kindy then Hogwon are good. Most Hogwons are poorly run and they get on your back a lot of shit so its hard to find one that you can stand for long term. Plus the hours are longer.

Public schools are good because they don't expect a lot from you, less pressure and less hours. If its an afternoon program like 1-5:30 then you have lots of extra time for making extra$. The same can be said for University jobs but unless you have connections or an MA your gonna be teaching outside of Seoul. The benefits are a little better more vacation time, less hours but pay the pay is also lower.

What are you looking for? $$$ I go with hogwon. Lifestyle and longterm I'd go with the other two!
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Yu_Bum_suk



Joined: 25 Dec 2004

PostPosted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 8:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Too much depends on the individual institutions and what ages you like to teach to say.
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timhorton



Joined: 07 Dec 2005

PostPosted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 8:31 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

After reading more related posts some are saying:

( assuming that the applicant is open to all ages of students )


1) Public School - pay is not bad and there is time left over to have a life.

2) University - pay is near same ( higher at national universities ) as public schools and there is more vacation time.

3) Hogwons - pay is near same but the work hours, vacation time, and workplace conditions are not so good.

This is how I have the three choices figured out. Any comments to add to this?
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ChuckECheese



Joined: 20 Jul 2006

PostPosted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 8:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yep, you're ready now. Go get 'em. Wink
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makemischief



Joined: 04 Nov 2005
Location: Traveling

PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 3:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

timhorton wrote:

2) University - pay is near same ( higher at national universities ) as public schools and there is more vacation time.


Just a quick note: national universities are definitely NOT always higher (example- jeju, kyungpook). many of the highest paying university jobs are private (not all, but many). that said many of the low paying ones are also private... I'd more likely say that National Universities tend to gravitate safely towards the middle of the pay scale, usually.
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Kimchieluver



Joined: 02 Mar 2005

PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 4:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I would also like to add that most universities only hire from within Korea, often don't pay severance (Private pension is usually refunded at year end at some unis) and they don't pay airfare home.
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gsxr750r



Joined: 29 Jan 2007

PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 5:24 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Public school was the easiest job I ever had. Fun. Got boring after a time.

At the uni, I work twice as many hours as my teaching hours total.

I worked far less at the public school, and my hours were between 9 and 5. Lots of opportunity for extra work, too. Full national pension, health, etc.

Unless you're someone with a higher degree, and can get on at a top university, I'd say a good public school that gives you lots of vacation is the best job to have. Depends on the school. And my advice is that you work in a rich area.
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timhorton



Joined: 07 Dec 2005

PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 5:32 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Kimchieluver wrote:
I would also like to add that most universities only hire from within Korea, often don't pay severance (Private pension is usually refunded at year end at some unis) and they don't pay airfare home.


This is the most useful infomation I have seen in a while. I did not know this...no severance pay or airfare.

Then the main benefit I can see with university positions is the sheer valuable teaching experience.
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the_beaver



Joined: 15 Jan 2003

PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 5:33 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

timhorton wrote:
Then the main benefit I can see with university positions is the sheer valuable teaching experience.


20 weeks vacation doesn't hurt, either.
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chachee99



Joined: 20 Oct 2004
Location: Seoul Korea

PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 7:24 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Working at a university looks good on the resume.
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Kimchieluver



Joined: 02 Mar 2005

PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 7:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

When I am more financially stable, I will be looking for a good university position.
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DCJames



Joined: 27 Jul 2006

PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 2:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm curious about public school vacations.

It seems most advertised on this site and other popular sites only offer 2 weeks of vacation.

Also, many public schools only offer housing allowance (most at 300,000).

How is this much better than the traditional hogwons?
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chachee99



Joined: 20 Oct 2004
Location: Seoul Korea

PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 4:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
I'm curious about public school vacations.

It seems most advertised on this site and other popular sites only offer 2 weeks of vacation.

Also, many public schools only offer housing allowance (most at 300,000).

How is this much better than the traditional hogwons?


These are GEPIK and EPIK contracts, not ones done directly through the public school itself. What makes these contracts better than hogwans is they are a) a public school and b) you only work 22 classes a week.


From my understanding, some GEPIK/EPIK schools will allow you more vacation time than the two weeks stated. Others stick to that number like glue.
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