Korean Job Discussion Forums

[frankhenry]

I have taught in different type of systems. I have taught in public and private schools from elementary to high school. I have been exposed to the university teaching system. I have taught in different countries and on different continents. I am a qualified teacher on paper and through experience. I have a good understanding of languages and culture because I have studied them and I have taught them in a formal setting. For me, teaching is a job and overall I enjoy it. I think that most anyone who is well educated and knows their subject matter, and if they have the motivation, can be reasonably successful at teaching. I am the average Joe Teacher who still learns something from the newbie as well as the old-timers. I need a roof over my head and I like to travel so Korea is as good a place to live as the next place, for the time being. I am currently pecking through the hakwon system. The pay is OK and the work is OK if you are fortunate enough to get in a decent place.

I believe most students do benefit, surely to different degrees, in the hakwon systems. However, for some reason, since now working in a hakwon, I just feel like I am working at some type of carnival sideshow.

It is kind of like being a member of the family of: hakwon teacher/carnival Joe, used car salesman, the one armed man who plays the piano in a whu#e house.

Woe is me!

[Travelous Maximus]

That's exaclty how it is. The Hakwon is the freak show and you're the Caucasian freak the students line up to see and the parents pay for. Being a conversational instructor at a Hakwon is a joke. With your background and experience, you could do a lot better. Don't lower your standards.

[frankhenry]

I have been able to put back a little money through traveling and teaching but I don�t feel as though being on the move has been the best career choice on my part. However, I have enjoyed the life experience.

Believe me, I know some teachers out there who have had some good and bad experiences in the professional teaching field. And yes, the public schools are somewhat screwed up too in many places. But, this hakwon system is a con game. Well, I figured that out on day one. Almost everyday I think about the carnival scene in the movie, �The Jerk,� starring Steve Martin. Some victim dishes out a lot of money to win a thimble or something. Steve has a conversation with his manager, and then Steve says something to the extent of, �Oh, I get, it, this is a profit �..�.

I am not complaining or poking fun at the system. However, I am somewhat surprised that something hasn�t been done to make the system more efficient for everyone, director, teacher and student.