Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, and Gwangju are all major cities with lively expat communities and lots of things to do. The worst xxxxxx. But this is a list about the absolute best places, and for me, they don’t make the cut. South Korea has been able to keep its economy running during the coronavirus pandemic. best. Try to focus in a bit more on specific areas you might want to live near, such as Gangnam, Apgujeong or Dongdaemun. Hagwons are a business; Due to the fact that all academies in Korea are privately owned, a lot of them can be shady. Play the field a little and interview at a few different schools before you make a decision. Q. Many Korean hagwons are unreliable; RELATED: Cheap Activities in Seoul. then Best Kids is AWESOME. Have you read some of the horror stories about teaching English in South Korea? The Takeaway on English Teachers Getting Ripped off in Korea. You can look at those things, but they aren't very reliable if you ask me. Though it might seem crazy to pass up a job offer after going through all the trouble to speak to teachers, research the school, and examine the contract, you have to be willing to say no. Hagwons require more interaction with parents than public school position. I saw some TESOL course provider out there wrote some article on "the best" hagwons in Korea, but YBM, Chungdamn and Avalon are some of the "most popular". Maybe the school wrote it pretending to be a teacher. The same can happen the other way around. They are the countless mushrooms in the concrete jungle. A lot has to do with their social distancing system which is now a 5-level system (Level 1, 1.5, 2. Online TEFL Courses That You'll Remember  Media rich and interactive online TEFL training (especially for teaching kids) that makes for more confidence and a better experience abroad. By public, I mean EPIK/SMOE and by private, I mean Korean hagwons. … Living in Korea was a blast, but looking back, I definitely made some rookie mistakes during my first job hunt. I would like to add Multicampus Education Co. to the blacklist of Korean businesses/hagwons that should be completely avoided. One thing to keep in mind is that some of the job postings are made by recruiters – if the post offers “many jobs all over Korea!” it is probably a recruiter. It wasn’t Seoul, but I was teaching in normal hagwons, and meeting normal kids, without the excessive hours some people have. Just remember, you don’t know all the details behind these reviews, so take them with a pinch of salt. One of the best ways to tell if the school you're looking at is a good school is to find out how long the native/Korean teachers have been at the school. Q. The Four Categories of English & Foreign Language Education in Korea: Foreigner Schools, International Schools, Foreign Language Schools & Hagwons. So, as you start your own process, here are some tips to help you out. By the same reasoning, th… Hagwons are very different from public schools. Talk to … Your email address will not be published. share. ... It’s safe to say it’s best to steer clear of chain academies, as most of these have completely thrown any values out the window for the sake of money. I was paid on time, and I got my bonuses and saved money. Your email address will not be published. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions in your interview. At hagwons, you will be expected to handle the English class on your own. In the USA we have chains called Target, Pizza Hut, Ace Hardware, etc. Salary for online hagwon. Money Savings: There are numerous reasons you should choose to teach English in Korea but the top reason for most people here is to save money or pay off debt.Because schools foot the bill for airfare and housing, you can save upwards of $1000 a month if you really put your mind to it and especially if you choose a job outside of Seoul. Want to get to Korea ASAP? At the end of the day, it’s all about deciding which is the best fit your you! Do you want to know the secret to finding a good job in a hagwon (that only experienced teachers know)? Like for example in Taiwan they are called buxibans so you could do a search for buxiban horror stories. If you are unsure about your school, you can always do a little research. Yep. We are a resource where future, present and former teachers can research hagwons for potential employment, trade stories, ideas and advice and learn from each other about teaching English in South Korea. 1. 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If you are in the States or Korea contacted by anyone from Multicampus for an interview, do not waste your time with this place. Dave’s ESL Café is a good place to start looking for jobs. 2 comments. English academies or Hagwons are very popular in Korea. However, if you don’t know anyone, having several other foreign teachers at the school is a quick way to build a social circle. If you’re having trouble deciding between teaching for South Korean public schools or private schools, you’re not alone! If you learn things about the school that make it seem questionable, move on. I was paid on time, and I got my bonuses and saved money. Most jobs in Korea will be in urban areas, but how important is it to you that you live in or near big cities? It’s up to you to look after yourself, if you’re coming to Korea to teach English. South Korean tutor, Kim Ki-Hoon, earns $4 million a year by teaching English – primarily via paid Internet video – in the nation's omnipresent hagwons, or private, after-school tutoring academies. You can practically find an English hagwon at ever corner. There are a few reasons why you probably won't find "the best" hagwon, but towards the end of this article I'll give you some advice for finding a good or at least decent hagwon. So I thought I’d do a full breakdown sharing the benefits of teaching in Korea and the differences between EPIK vs hagwons. We often hear such horror stories from Hagwons, that I think all the good ones need to be duly recognised. Some I know well; others I’ve visited only briefly. A Hagwon is effectively a private learning centre that almost all Korean students will have attended at one time or another to supplement the learning that they get in normal schooling. It can be stressful teaching in a hagwon. I think it was the best option for me. So I thought I’d do a full breakdown sharing the benefits of teaching in Korea and the differences between EPIK vs hagwons. I ended up working longer hours than most first-year teachers, and with very few breaks. You should have 10 days of paid vacation, which is usually one pre-scheduled week in the summer and one pre-scheduled week in winter. I can teach you how to avoid a bad hagwon. I do my best to keep up with questions. Look for posts that focus on just one job or school if you want to be in contact with the school’s director. save hide report. A Hagwon is a South Korean private language school. After you apply online you will be contacted by our placement coordinator and will be sent information on country-specific documents you will need to … Hagwons in South Korea is designed to enhance students’ cognitive abilities and contribute to South Korea‘s admirable reputation of educational devotion. hide. Or maybe you are wondering where the greenlist is? Hagwon is just the Korean word for private institute but you can find them in other countries too. You will get another job offer. What hours are you looking for? If you work here, expect all of the following and more: 1. The REAL Greenlist To The Best Hagwons In Korea (It's Not What You Think), How to kill it teaching English in a hagwon in Korea, How to get a good job teaching in Asia [GOLD]. Where do you want to work? This is who you can speak to about the school’s work environment, what problems they have experienced, what are the best parts about working for that school. TLDR; if you can work within the typical expectations of most Korean hagwons (strict teaching styles, long work hours, etc.) This course is especially focused on teaching mostly children in Korea (who you'll probably be teaching) and it will make you feel more clear and confident in that classroom. If the job doesn’t feel right for you, turn it down and interview with other schools instead. If you are in the States or Korea contacted by anyone from Multicampus for an interview, do not waste your time with this place. There’s no 100% fool proof way to ensure your hagwon is great, but here are some tips: 1) Another example of why it’s better to speak to an actual person than sift through internet forums for job advice…the best hagwon jobs often come through word of mouth! The best hagwon jobs are going to spread by word of mouth in Korea and less likely online. Here's a couple resources that aren't free but will help you. Korea takes their education seriously. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. I got to say that there is no "best" across the board. South Korea is fast becoming a more sought-after destination, both for tourists and for those looking to work abroad. They make sure they get the best results in Taekwondo, in math, in music, in dancing, and that includes English. These are chain schools just like chains in your country. During your time spent teaching at the hagwon, and depending largely on your personal schedule, vacation time can seem a bit limited when comparing them to … Competition for English means demand for more teachers. 입시 is specifically referring to hagwons for the … I'd like to add Best Kids English School, in Jeongja-dong, Bundang-gu, to the Green List. Well-known for its high-achieving students, South Korea’s education system is quite demanding. Finally, the list. Although there are Hagwons for other specialties other than language. Hagwons. The real greenlist is a list of questions you ask the school. Then hagwons might be the best option right now because they hire year round whereas public schools take some planning. They are out there. I read some statistic that said 30% of all online reviews are fake. After you apply online you will be contacted by our placement coordinator and will be sent information on country-specific documents you will need to complete the visa application process. Teaching hours normally exceed 22 hours, which is the norm for EPIK teachers. Not a morning person? You are the one flying around the world and moving to a new country. How-to Videos A 100+ how-to videos: lesson planning, teaching tips, games & activities, classroom management, etc. Private Academies, also known as Hagwons, are everywhere in Korea. Thanks to my inexperience, I didn’t know that this was not a normal list of teacher duties. The translation essentially means private school, however, many westerners also refer to them as language schools, English schools, English academies or English institutes. Looking at the Wikipedia list of Korean cities by population, I’ve been to about a third. If you decide to use a recruiter, be clear about what kind of job you want and don’t be afraid to turn down jobs they suggest if it doesn’t match your criteria. A. Hagwons.com is intended for teachers looking for a teaching job in South Korea, as well as teachers wanting to share their opinion of their current or former hagwons. Typically hagwons will have smaller numbers of students in a class then a public school which allows for a more intensive learning experience. Most schools start their hiring process for the next school year far in advance. If you want to try searching independently, there are tons of great job boards online. level 1. With housing, flights, and severence and pension provided by both along with medical insurance, it’s somewhat small differences between the two situations. This thread is archived. I made lots of friends, and one of my best friends was Korean. There are many hagwons in Korea and most of them are hagwon chains. If you are going into a hagwon teaching job in South Korea with some teaching experience under your belt, try not to be thrown off by being a piece in this business machine. The third and final big factor is government policies. Know When to Apply: Most schools start their hiring process for the next school year far in advance. Deciding who to teach for is a big decision and could completely change your experience abroad. Most good hagwons hire a cleaning service and have other workers ride the bus home with the students. Public School vs Hagwons in Korea: The Pros & Cons. To be quite frank, a lot of hagwons suck. What are the best hagwons in Korea? These are chain schools just like chains in your country. $1000 x 12 months = $12,000. Stay up to date on all of Korea's best activities, food, entertainment, shopping, fashion, culture, and travel. I would like to add Multicampus Education Co. to the blacklist of Korean businesses/hagwons that should be completely avoided. Elementary students go to public school from 8am – 3pm, middle school students stay until 5pm, and high school students stay until 10pm. There are many hagwons in Korea and most of them are hagwon chains. ... (3 full time teachers, including me and two korean teachers) wants to give us only half of what we originally make, which is less than minimum wage. Below is a flow chart for the private school (hagwon) application process. Students spend much of their time, often between 12 to 16 hours per day, at school or at a special after-school academy called a hagwon.The school system is very test-focused and goal-oriented, urging students to concentrate on their results. Students come and go, depending on the month and the season. SMOE – Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education. I can’t adequately answer what teaching in a public school would be like, but I did spend a good part of my six years in South Korea teaching in hogwons. Find the address of your potential school and punch it into google maps, then work out how far you’ll be from major centers and transportation networks. We often hear such horror stories from Hagwons, that I think all the good ones need to be duly recognised. But even if that is the case, students and their parents want the competitive edge. However, hagwon jobs in Korea are plentiful and easy to get, which is why I spent my first year in Korea working for one. If you're diligent enough to do the leg work, you can land a gig without their help. SMOE places teachers directly into public schools … Make sure you are comfortable with your potential boss and the situation you are putting yourself in. Hagwons are for-profit private institutions throughout South Korea that students often attend in substitution of public kindergarten or preschool, as an after-school program and sometimes both. If you get a full time job teaching in a hagwon then you will be spending about 33% of your time at work (unless you're lucky, 33% sleeping (unless you're a superhuman) and then 33% of your time doing other stuff. Well, it could be for you, but think about McDonald's for a moment because it's served BILLIONS. In Korea some of the biggest hagwon chains are called YBM, Pagoda, G'n'B, etc. What if there was a hagwon that focused on actual skills for entrepreneurship and leadership? There are lots of experienced expats who will take a look and offer some feedback. Learn how your comment data is processed. Korea takes their education seriously. If you’re considering South Korea as a destination for teaching English, you’re probably wanting to find out more information about the various teach English programs on offer there. By public , I mean EPIK/SMOE and by private , I mean Korean hagwons . Like & Subscribe! Question. Some Hagwons are not as good as others though, and while we at Teaching in Asia urge you to work with us in your application process since we work with reputable schools and screen contracts, you may choose to try and find a Hagwon on your own. But their ultimate goal is to match you with a school as quickly as possible, not to hunt down your perfect job. In Korea some of the biggest hagwon chains are called YBM, Pagoda, G'n'B, etc. That means that the ideal time to start your job search is anywhere from October through December. TLDR; if you can work within the typical expectations of most Korean hagwons (strict teaching styles, long work hours, etc.) Korean private academies, also known as hagwons, are widely known to have a dark side.I landed my job at a hagwon six months after graduating from university, and I’ve had moments of pure frustration, cried pitifully after horrid classes, and still struggle with my working schedule at times. Moving to Gyeonggi-do was a great improvement, because it was a decent compromise. then Best Kids is AWESOME. Due to the low cost of living in South Korea, and the fact that your school will provide you with a rent-free apartment, it is relatively easy to save $1000 dollars per month from your monthly salary. Teaching can be hard. I worked at two very different hagwons when I was in Korea. In the USA we have chains called Target, Pizza Hut, Ace Hardware, etc. There is a Hagwon Blacklist of schools that other people have had terrible experiences at. Most parents sent their kids to English hagwons and spend millions of won on English education each year. Class size Hagwons Hagwons have smaller class sizes, usually no more than 15 students. By January 6th, my first interview was arranged. Get the latest posts delivered to your inbox or follow me on Twitter (I tend to be more consistent about posting blog posts there). You also need to take into account the amount of turnover at hagwons. Only sign the contract once you are 100% comfortable with it. Follow me on Instagram: Chelseaf64 Camera: … However, they can also get some extra practice at after school Hagwon. According to the BBC, it is estimated that there are up to 100,000 hagwons scattered throughout Korea and that roughly three-quarters of children attend the institutions. However, remember that recruiters are paid a recruitment fee by the schools. I know you probably want a simple answer, but it's not that simple and it's not that clear cut. The other thing is you probably don't have experience. A. Most schools prefer teachers with experience and especially experience teaching in Korea. The style of Korean education has led to a generation of followers in Korea, instead of innovative thinkers in the Korean workforce which is now catastrophically lacking. I think perhaps the best way to figure out if you’ll like being somewhere is to: Read the reviews and the black listings, and pay attention when the post is about breach of contract or breaking the law. English teacher recruitment. Teach English in Asia Guide You just discovered an informative and insightful path to teaching in 4 Asian countries. Elementary students go to public school from 8am – 3pm, middle school students stay until 5pm, and high school students stay until 10pm. Required fields are marked *. Good hagwons will pay for your flight to Korea and give you money for your flight home at the end of your contract. 2.5, and 3) used for covid-19 alert levels in Korea. Need some help navigating Korea? Although International Schools and Foreigner Schools are the focus of this article, parents should be aware of all their educational options in Seoul and greater Korea. And I've been to branches of all three of those in Korea. How does Hagwons.com get this information? This will let you see what is common among schools, and what contract requests are a bit odd. For example, my first school expected me to clean the classrooms, help make snacks, and do bus-duty at the end of the day. I also had to do jobs outside the normal job description, such as cleaning the classrooms and school with the other teachers. It has over 300 HD image expeditions that you can view with even a simple cardboard VR headset for your smartphone. Recruiters feed off the uninformed. It's the easiest way for them to make fast cash. We'll keep you updated on where to go, what to do, and how to have fun in Korea! Hagwons are not necessary to do well in school if you are already a good student and the course load is not too difficult for you. Enough of all that. Unfortunately, I broke nearly all of the rules for finding a good hagwon in Korea and paid the price. My first school in Korea could have been a lot better had I known what to look for and what questions to ask. Most parents sent their kids to English hagwons and spend millions of won on English education each year. Then you might want to consider an after school hagwon that works with elementary or middle school students and starts in the afternoon. There is a high demand for English teachers at hagwons (private schools) and as a result, hagwons hire all year round. Many schools will post job openings on these sites, meaning you can contact the school director personally. If they don’t give clear answers, or try to avoid the question, this might be a sign that it isn’t the right school for you. There are tens of thousands of English Hagwons in Korea. Making decisions in life is hard enough as it is, especially when you factor in moving to a different country. It is easy to install and perfect for teachers looking to guide their students through a VR journey. Be sure to ask for a contact at the school so you can speak directly with someone who has been there. Ask questions about how many students will be in each class, how many breaks you get each day, and about the curriculum you might teach. No, it depends. Teachers tend to work in those positions for a looong time. Since 2001, Teacher Tech has been successfully providing South Korea’s top private language schools (referred as hagwons) with competent English teachers. Collapse. I made lots of friends, and one of my best friends was Korean. Finally, head over to the lively forum communities at Waygook and ask them about the area – someone should … There are a million and one hagwons to work at, they key is finding the right one with a decent owner. Largest Hagwons in Korea. But something you want to keep in mind is even if you find a decent-good hagwon it's not going to be the end of your problems. 100% Upvoted. A look at Hagwons in South Korea In South Korea the private schools were so heavily regulated that they didn’t really look much different from the public schools. In fact the city with the highest per capita income in Korea is Ulsan, with Hyundai Heavy Industries and their shipbuilding prowess largely contributing to the wealthiest city status.