Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kylehawkins2000]

Hello all,

A friend of mine has been contacted to work for a company called English Train and/ or English Town. Has anyone heard of them? Sounds like an interesting opportunity but a bit dodgy. Here's what my friend wrote:

"Have you ever heard anything about an English Train - English Town company? Its based at gangnam station I guess? I've gotten two call from the chairman of this company. He insists that I work for him, based on my picture he thinks that I am very handsome??? He wants me to be the director of this english train. we would be going to pusan once a week for two days, staying in a hotel and then returning to seoul. He is going to pay me 2.5 a month and he wants me to higher the other teachers for the program. It sounds like an excellent opportunity but at the same time quite sketchy. I don't know what to make of it, his english isn't very good and it is sometimes hard to get him to answer or understand the question I'm asking. He said that he would send a contract to read and I hope that will make things a little more clear as to the details of the job. the only problem is I have three other legitimate school breathing down my neck and I don't want to put them off to long. do you have any thoughts about this situation?"

So any info on this company? What do you think from what he has written?

Thanks for any info you can provide!

Kyle

[Mashimaro]

[chronicpride]

The only English Town company that I know is the web-based classroom one. Doesn't sound like he's affiliated with them, though.

[kylehawkins2000]

Oh god, the language police are out!

[helly]

Sounds like the "school" doesn't exist yet, simply a "great idea" on how to exploit the fad/fear of English necessity by adding a simple new twist (English tours and train rides). I would lay a bet down that no business plan exists and no customers have been lined up.

Imagine 2 full days of English "teaching" like this: 10 hours on the train, walking up and down the aisles conversing with your students. Most likely, the director would not have had the foresight to book a block of seats so you'll have a bunch of extras either 1) trying to figure out what the hell you're doing or 2) trying to join in.

Then, hotels and standard Pusan tourist sights, meals, noraebang, all in English. Wonder if you'd be sharing rooms?

Sounds like fun!

[gajackson1]

I've looked high & low for any info, & this is as close as I have gotten, but I don't think it is the same company:

http://englishspectrum.com/2003/job_center.html?include=form&mode=view&id=9286&gid=1

In any case, it only seems to be a 3-month gig - visa questions spring to mind immediately . . .

We DID have a thread about a similar posting a few months ago - I remember Denz, self, and a few others in on it. The OP then put up similar info, but then never followed up/got back in touch with us again about it. She just sort of ghosted, and I can't find reference to the thread using the search function here, either . . .

Good luck, in any case . . .

Glen