This is really irrelevant, but you and your voice remind me of Ross from Friends. Anyways, I'm rethinking of going to a hagwon now..I think I'll stick with public schools.
that's why in Korea, people don't have hakwon jobs for life. people usually work there when they're young and do Ingang (internet lectures - concept like hakwon but it's online, like Megastudy). Or people just do private tutoring. hakwons are convenient for people who are desperate for stable jobs. Even native Koreans don't stay there for that long so no wonder it also sucks for the foreigners
Hey man, thanks for your insight on hagwon life. Coincidentally, I just had an interview with a small rural hagwon where I might be the only foreigner employed. Nothing official, but I'm really nervous since I'm only 21 and the director may believe I am easy prey for exploitation or something. I'm getting in contact with the current teacher soon though, so maybe my worries will be cleared. Best of luck to you, your videos are awesome!
@furizen It's great to hear you are contacting the current teacher. That's the best way to get the inside scoop on your hagwon. And because it's a small rural hagwon, you have a better chance of having a good experience. I wish you the very best in Korea! Thanks for watching!
Is there anything you can really do to make sure you have a better chance of getting a good hagwon? I hear EPIK is hard to get into. I have a B.S. in biology and a teaching certificate in my state but have never taught. Jobs are hard to come by in my state, so I have been thinking of going to Korea. I love to travel and have lived in major cities previously. I'm not worried about adapting. But I am worried that I'd get a horrible place that doesn't pay and won't give me a letter of release.
@SussenRose Well, your best bet is to get in touch with the teacher you'd be replacing to make sure the place is legit. Request that contact info from your recruiter before you accept any job. That way you're not taking the recruiter's word for it. Other than that, I'm not sure what you can do. Hagwon jobs are a gamble no matter what. From what I hear, public is almost always the way to go. Thanks for watching and for the question!
I have always thought that working in kindergarten may be much easier than teaching in public/private middle/high schools, because it's not intensive and it finishes early. Plus, you never have to work on weekends.
@dufrhd5 Yes, those are very good points. I think kindergarten teachers have more fun, too. They get to go on field trips and have lots of activities. Thanks for watching!
Im a teacher in america and sorry to tell you that what your complaining about is actually just the life of a teacher. I get off work to grade paper and do lesson plans all unpaid and ofcourse on the weekends... its not much different, its all about deciding which day you decide will be your work day, I choose sunday because I like to relax saturdays.
@demoanachica I agree, unpaid work comes with the territory. That doesn't really bother me. Rather, it is the combination of all the factors (very little vacation, no sick days, constantly changing schedules and class sizes, student attitudes, dishonest grading, etc) I have a problem with.
I made this video not to complain, but to provide a realistic view of what one faces at an academy. It's not an easy ride and there are much better jobs here. That's all. Thank you for being a teacher!
@feareile No, I work for a branch of YBM, but most hagwons are pretty much the same. The really great ones are few and far between. Thanks for watching!
can you elaborate on "getting creative" in the classroom. do you all play games? do activities? also, i was wondering if you know anything about teaching at a university?
@analogbob Sure, after we've finished our lesson I like to play a few different games with them. Of course, there is the standard hangman or other board games, but I find these are boring. So the two I've developed that seem to work best get them out of their desks. Using a paper ball I made, for one, we stand in a circle and play a question/answer game. Student one says, "What is your favorite season?" They throw the ball to another and they answer, "My favorite season is fall." -continued-
@analogbob For the second, I draw columns on the board labeled who, what, where, when, why, and how. I split the students into two teams. They take turns throwing the ball at the board (great for energetic boys). They have to make a question using the word in the column where the ball hit. If they make a perfect sentence, their team gets a point. It's a lot of fun!
Sorry, I don't know any university teachers, but I've heard they work fewer hours and get more $. Most of these require a Master's.
@GreenEggsAndHamster thanks for the quick reply. I appreciate you taking some time to answer my questions. i'm in the process of getting my background check done and will be looking for ESL work in korea soon. so, this is very useful info for the future.
I am not a teacher, but this log was really informative!! And gives someone a better understanding, of what is happening in Korean school system! After all, I really think it is awesome that your are still teaching in a Hagwon! And still havin a positive view of all!! Wish you the best for your future Hagwon life! ^^
Ooh, I am really excited about the new 60sec in Seoul series!!
Thanks for posting, look forward to the new series. This video was kinda intimidating for us looking to teach in the future...but I'm glad you're being honest about it. Good to know about the vacation days...you say you won't work at a hagwon again...are they ALL as bad from what you hear from other people, or is your school just one of those "lil adolf" barnyards that make you never want to go back?
@Jovante007 Not every one is the same (I actually work at a pretty good one compared to stories I've heard), but they will all have many of the things I mentioned in common. Plus, the hagwon market is overbuilt now (they are everywhere!) so many are closing and even the big ones are feeling the pinch now that world economies aren't doing so well. Your best bet for a good experience is at a public school. Check out the Korvia Consulting site I listed in the description. Thanks again!
@bukshotaz Hahaha! Yes, my coworker calls it my Blue's Clues sweater. I never saw the show (I haven't watched TV for years now), but, after searching it on the internet, I can understand why. Thanks for the laugh and for watching!
I have to be honest, this video kind of stressed me out. I'll explain. You provided such a perfect picture with your narration that you put me in your class. I was even making up faces of the good and bad kids. I have to hand it to you, it sounds like you are good at playing the game. I hope this leads to good things for you.
Take care, and is that a combination washer-stove in your kitchen?
@JoeCubicle! It's good to know my description was effective. I think many have unrealistic expectations about teaching abroad, so I'm striving to convey honesty here. This, in my view, is a sort of public service. Yes, I've learned to be good at the game, but I want others to know they won't simply be teaching if they take a job like mine; they will be playing the game.
And, yes, that is a combination washer/stove. It's super efficient and I love it. Hahaha! Thanks for watching!
This vid was awesome, you've just said exactly what I've been thinking recently! I'm going back home this September to do post grad teaching course, it's the equivalent of a masters. Hopefully it'll give me more options when I come back to Korea, ie a university job : )
@SeoulSean More education is sure to help you land a better job in Korea. I wish you all the best in the future. With a little hard work, I'm sure you can land the coveted university job we'd all love to have!!! Thanks for watching!
Thank you for the great video, I thought teaching was hard work, and you proved it in this video. I hope you get to move on to a better school next year, or at the end of your contract.
Thank you!..Between you & BusanKevin (+ a few others) I believe I've had fair warning about the pitfalls of hagwon life. I love the idea of working in Korea or Japan. But the more I hear about private school teaching (an honorable job) the more I'm realizing I may want to continue to keep my options open.
@roxanneworld11 You're very welcome. Check out the site I have in the description for a recruiting company called Korvia Consulting. They only work with public schools, You're not guaranteed to have a terrible time at a hagwon, but, from everyone I talk to, public schools are a much better way to get your start in Korea.
Oh my... have you considered teaching in a public school next year? I think your experience would be much, much better. Hagwons are slimy. Please check out "Korvia" online. They have a link on the left of the homepage called "Public School versus Hagwon" . Hang in there!
@GreenEggsAndHamster I think even giving the impression that you know Korean will make the kids straighten up. I've heard from some other teachers in Korea that just by knowing their Korean names (and being able to pronounce them fairly well), or allowing the kids to hear you say smth in Korean here and there (not necessarily to them, but maybe to a Korean teacher or smth) will make them think you understand Korean and they'll stop being silly.
Wow, thanks for the information. I hope I can find a job in a public school in Korea. I have 11 years teaching experience in the States.. So hopefully~ Good luck finishing up your year.. Sounds intense!
@n2882 Yes, public schools are the way to go. Or a two year college or university job would be even better, but you'll probably need a Master's or additional certification for that. Either way, your experience should help you a lot. Thanks for watching!
@GreenEggsAndHamster Thanks :) I have my professional teaching certification but sad to say.. no masters degree. I have only done half of my masters classes. :( Hope you have as good of a week as possible! :)
Hey mate. Your really look exhausted... but i kind of know your situation. I am not in korea, and i am not even a teacher, but i know what it means to do a job, that demands every single minute of year life - even when you'r not at your office, because you even think about work during your free time. Stand it! You said, only 4 months are left.... so there's a end in sight !
@starsdew Thank you! A temple stay sounds great. I love those places. They are so peaceful. Thanks for watching and for the encouragement! I wish you the best, too!
@jadeCeladon Yes, I watched your most recent video about open class (I couldn't comment because YouTube was working on the site at the time) and your situation seems SO much better. Public school!!!!!
@Aggiesgigem Sure! I have a coworker who is dating a military guy and goes to his base almost every weekend. We can definitely go to American military bases if we want. Thanks for the question!
It's all good for you, I have to handwrite my phone teaching. I'm the only one so far where they haven't said 'all 80 are written messily, do it all again'/
I have 10 days vacation, 2 sets of three days, they failed to tell me the 10 days includes weekend like you hah.
Your job sounds basically identical to mine. But the joke's on you, I finish in 4 days. bwhaha.
@GreenEggsAndHamster Yeah 15 cameras in all for hours but they'll bring one up to cover the whole huge tv. Pretty horrible. Fortunately I'm loved above all so I get better treatment... But still doesn't make it right.
Well stated... "Poor guy" I sympathize and empathize... : )
213Clearview 1 week ago
The wonders of parent entitlement about their children. The U.S. education system is experiencing this now as well.
Antiks72 1 month ago
This is really irrelevant, but you and your voice remind me of Ross from Friends. Anyways, I'm rethinking of going to a hagwon now..I think I'll stick with public schools.
Iwishonedayy 3 months ago 3
You mean mean 60 or even 90 percent of hagwons are obvious scum, even if they have good staff?
Thank you captain obvious
SUpersaiyajinjerkbag 6 months ago
Just like working in a daycare. Same crap your talking about. I'm from Canada. BTW.
funnytoni 6 months ago
Wow, where do you work? CDI or something? Did you not research the hagwon enough?
CamButler 7 months ago
that's why in Korea, people don't have hakwon jobs for life. people usually work there when they're young and do Ingang (internet lectures - concept like hakwon but it's online, like Megastudy). Or people just do private tutoring. hakwons are convenient for people who are desperate for stable jobs. Even native Koreans don't stay there for that long so no wonder it also sucks for the foreigners
tokee1234567 7 months ago
Hey man, thanks for your insight on hagwon life. Coincidentally, I just had an interview with a small rural hagwon where I might be the only foreigner employed. Nothing official, but I'm really nervous since I'm only 21 and the director may believe I am easy prey for exploitation or something. I'm getting in contact with the current teacher soon though, so maybe my worries will be cleared. Best of luck to you, your videos are awesome!
furizen 8 months ago
@furizen It's great to hear you are contacting the current teacher. That's the best way to get the inside scoop on your hagwon. And because it's a small rural hagwon, you have a better chance of having a good experience. I wish you the very best in Korea! Thanks for watching!
GreenEggsAndHamster 8 months ago
Is there anything you can really do to make sure you have a better chance of getting a good hagwon? I hear EPIK is hard to get into. I have a B.S. in biology and a teaching certificate in my state but have never taught. Jobs are hard to come by in my state, so I have been thinking of going to Korea. I love to travel and have lived in major cities previously. I'm not worried about adapting. But I am worried that I'd get a horrible place that doesn't pay and won't give me a letter of release.
SussenRose 8 months ago
@SussenRose Well, your best bet is to get in touch with the teacher you'd be replacing to make sure the place is legit. Request that contact info from your recruiter before you accept any job. That way you're not taking the recruiter's word for it. Other than that, I'm not sure what you can do. Hagwon jobs are a gamble no matter what. From what I hear, public is almost always the way to go. Thanks for watching and for the question!
GreenEggsAndHamster 8 months ago
I have always thought that working in kindergarten may be much easier than teaching in public/private middle/high schools, because it's not intensive and it finishes early. Plus, you never have to work on weekends.
dufrhd5 9 months ago
@dufrhd5 Yes, those are very good points. I think kindergarten teachers have more fun, too. They get to go on field trips and have lots of activities. Thanks for watching!
GreenEggsAndHamster 9 months ago
Great video Dude, a welcome reality check and much food for thought for those of us thinking about heading East to teach.
misterchupps 10 months ago 6
@misterchupps I'm glad you found the video informative. I really appreciate you watching and commenting!
GreenEggsAndHamster 10 months ago
Im a teacher in america and sorry to tell you that what your complaining about is actually just the life of a teacher. I get off work to grade paper and do lesson plans all unpaid and ofcourse on the weekends... its not much different, its all about deciding which day you decide will be your work day, I choose sunday because I like to relax saturdays.
demoanachica 10 months ago
@demoanachica I agree, unpaid work comes with the territory. That doesn't really bother me. Rather, it is the combination of all the factors (very little vacation, no sick days, constantly changing schedules and class sizes, student attitudes, dishonest grading, etc) I have a problem with.
I made this video not to complain, but to provide a realistic view of what one faces at an academy. It's not an easy ride and there are much better jobs here. That's all. Thank you for being a teacher!
GreenEggsAndHamster 10 months ago 8
@demoanachica it really is a lot different. You are guaranteed to get paid, people at hagwon's are not
Warhammer820 8 months ago
Does your hagwon's name begin with 'c' ?
feareile 11 months ago
@feareile No, I work for a branch of YBM, but most hagwons are pretty much the same. The really great ones are few and far between. Thanks for watching!
GreenEggsAndHamster 11 months ago
cool vid man I'll be in Korea in April, i have very good agent searching for a school for me.
Great Vid!
mziwewonga 11 months ago
@mziwewonga Awesome! I hope you find a great job! Feel free to contact me when you get here!
GreenEggsAndHamster 11 months ago
can you elaborate on "getting creative" in the classroom. do you all play games? do activities? also, i was wondering if you know anything about teaching at a university?
analogbob 1 year ago
@analogbob Sure, after we've finished our lesson I like to play a few different games with them. Of course, there is the standard hangman or other board games, but I find these are boring. So the two I've developed that seem to work best get them out of their desks. Using a paper ball I made, for one, we stand in a circle and play a question/answer game. Student one says, "What is your favorite season?" They throw the ball to another and they answer, "My favorite season is fall." -continued-
GreenEggsAndHamster 1 year ago
@analogbob For the second, I draw columns on the board labeled who, what, where, when, why, and how. I split the students into two teams. They take turns throwing the ball at the board (great for energetic boys). They have to make a question using the word in the column where the ball hit. If they make a perfect sentence, their team gets a point. It's a lot of fun!
Sorry, I don't know any university teachers, but I've heard they work fewer hours and get more $. Most of these require a Master's.
GreenEggsAndHamster 1 year ago
@GreenEggsAndHamster thanks for the quick reply. I appreciate you taking some time to answer my questions. i'm in the process of getting my background check done and will be looking for ESL work in korea soon. so, this is very useful info for the future.
analogbob 1 year ago
I am not a teacher, but this log was really informative!! And gives someone a better understanding, of what is happening in Korean school system! After all, I really think it is awesome that your are still teaching in a Hagwon! And still havin a positive view of all!! Wish you the best for your future Hagwon life! ^^
Ooh, I am really excited about the new 60sec in Seoul series!!
Greetings from Germany!!
chrismecking 1 year ago
@chrismecking Thanks for the support! I really appreciate it!
GreenEggsAndHamster 1 year ago
Thanks for posting, look forward to the new series. This video was kinda intimidating for us looking to teach in the future...but I'm glad you're being honest about it. Good to know about the vacation days...you say you won't work at a hagwon again...are they ALL as bad from what you hear from other people, or is your school just one of those "lil adolf" barnyards that make you never want to go back?
Jovante007 1 year ago
@Jovante007 Not every one is the same (I actually work at a pretty good one compared to stories I've heard), but they will all have many of the things I mentioned in common. Plus, the hagwon market is overbuilt now (they are everywhere!) so many are closing and even the big ones are feeling the pinch now that world economies aren't doing so well. Your best bet for a good experience is at a public school. Check out the Korvia Consulting site I listed in the description. Thanks again!
GreenEggsAndHamster 1 year ago
the whole time i was watching that i was looking for clues and that blue dog to pop out.
bukshotaz 1 year ago
@bukshotaz Hahaha! Yes, my coworker calls it my Blue's Clues sweater. I never saw the show (I haven't watched TV for years now), but, after searching it on the internet, I can understand why. Thanks for the laugh and for watching!
GreenEggsAndHamster 1 year ago
Your gaining communication skills from your work experience and your youtube hobbie. Thanks also for the comment on my nature pagan vid' PL&H K
wiscokiddd 1 year ago
@wiscokiddd Yes, I have gained a lot of communication skills from this endeavor. It's great!
PL&H back at you, wisco-K!!! I really appreciate your continued support!
GreenEggsAndHamster 1 year ago
I have to be honest, this video kind of stressed me out. I'll explain. You provided such a perfect picture with your narration that you put me in your class. I was even making up faces of the good and bad kids. I have to hand it to you, it sounds like you are good at playing the game. I hope this leads to good things for you.
Take care, and is that a combination washer-stove in your kitchen?
JoeCubicle 1 year ago
@JoeCubicle! It's good to know my description was effective. I think many have unrealistic expectations about teaching abroad, so I'm striving to convey honesty here. This, in my view, is a sort of public service. Yes, I've learned to be good at the game, but I want others to know they won't simply be teaching if they take a job like mine; they will be playing the game.
And, yes, that is a combination washer/stove. It's super efficient and I love it. Hahaha! Thanks for watching!
GreenEggsAndHamster 1 year ago
This vid was awesome, you've just said exactly what I've been thinking recently! I'm going back home this September to do post grad teaching course, it's the equivalent of a masters. Hopefully it'll give me more options when I come back to Korea, ie a university job : )
SeoulSean 1 year ago
@SeoulSean More education is sure to help you land a better job in Korea. I wish you all the best in the future. With a little hard work, I'm sure you can land the coveted university job we'd all love to have!!! Thanks for watching!
GreenEggsAndHamster 1 year ago
Thank you for the great video, I thought teaching was hard work, and you proved it in this video. I hope you get to move on to a better school next year, or at the end of your contract.
Nemesis093781 1 year ago
@Nemesis093781 Thank you so much for watching! I really appreciate your comment!
GreenEggsAndHamster 1 year ago
Thank you!..Between you & BusanKevin (+ a few others) I believe I've had fair warning about the pitfalls of hagwon life. I love the idea of working in Korea or Japan. But the more I hear about private school teaching (an honorable job) the more I'm realizing I may want to continue to keep my options open.
roxanneworld11 1 year ago
@roxanneworld11 You're very welcome. Check out the site I have in the description for a recruiting company called Korvia Consulting. They only work with public schools, You're not guaranteed to have a terrible time at a hagwon, but, from everyone I talk to, public schools are a much better way to get your start in Korea.
GreenEggsAndHamster 1 year ago
I really appreciated the story! It opened some new insight, many thanks! Keep it up!
taterjoe 1 year ago
@taterjoe Awesome! Glad I could help. Thanks so much for watching!
GreenEggsAndHamster 1 year ago
Oh my... have you considered teaching in a public school next year? I think your experience would be much, much better. Hagwons are slimy. Please check out "Korvia" online. They have a link on the left of the homepage called "Public School versus Hagwon" . Hang in there!
idontknowit84 1 year ago
@idontknowit84 Yes, public school would be SO much better! Thanks for the "Korvia" suggestion. I really appreciate it!
GreenEggsAndHamster 1 year ago
@GreenEggsAndHamster You're welcome. Adventure Teaching looks alright as well. Hope your week is going good.
idontknowit84 1 year ago
Seems like it will pay off for me to learn Korean before I go, and it helps that I'm Asian haha... RESPECT!!!
destructicon500 1 year ago
@destructicon500 Hahaha!!! I laughed so hard when I read this! Great comment! Thanks for watching!
GreenEggsAndHamster 1 year ago
@GreenEggsAndHamster I think even giving the impression that you know Korean will make the kids straighten up. I've heard from some other teachers in Korea that just by knowing their Korean names (and being able to pronounce them fairly well), or allowing the kids to hear you say smth in Korean here and there (not necessarily to them, but maybe to a Korean teacher or smth) will make them think you understand Korean and they'll stop being silly.
destructicon500 1 year ago
Wow, thanks for the information. I hope I can find a job in a public school in Korea. I have 11 years teaching experience in the States.. So hopefully~ Good luck finishing up your year.. Sounds intense!
n2882 1 year ago
@n2882 Yes, public schools are the way to go. Or a two year college or university job would be even better, but you'll probably need a Master's or additional certification for that. Either way, your experience should help you a lot. Thanks for watching!
GreenEggsAndHamster 1 year ago
@GreenEggsAndHamster Thanks :) I have my professional teaching certification but sad to say.. no masters degree. I have only done half of my masters classes. :( Hope you have as good of a week as possible! :)
n2882 1 year ago
Sounds like my first job.
qiranger 1 year ago
@qiranger You survived and seem to have found something better, so that gives me hope. Thanks for watching, Steve!
GreenEggsAndHamster 1 year ago
Hey mate. Your really look exhausted... but i kind of know your situation. I am not in korea, and i am not even a teacher, but i know what it means to do a job, that demands every single minute of year life - even when you'r not at your office, because you even think about work during your free time. Stand it! You said, only 4 months are left.... so there's a end in sight !
I am really seeing forward to your new series!
Best wishes
마크
MrMawie89 1 year ago
@MrMawie89 Thanks for relating and offering some encouragement. I really appreciate it!
GreenEggsAndHamster 1 year ago
Be strong.
I know it is difficult, but it seems that you are doing a great teaching job.
Maybe you can go to a temple stay someday, and get relaxed.
I wish you the best!!
starsdew 1 year ago
@starsdew Thank you! A temple stay sounds great. I love those places. They are so peaceful. Thanks for watching and for the encouragement! I wish you the best, too!
GreenEggsAndHamster 1 year ago
Exactly why I avoid private schools. The good ones are a few and far between.
jadeCeladon 1 year ago
@jadeCeladon Yes, I watched your most recent video about open class (I couldn't comment because YouTube was working on the site at the time) and your situation seems SO much better. Public school!!!!!
GreenEggsAndHamster 1 year ago
@GreenEggsAndHamster
Public school still has it's ups and downs. But generally the structure makes for less stress.
jadeCeladon 1 year ago
Very informative
dblazer321 1 year ago
@dblazer321 Great! I'm glad I could be of assistance. Thanks for watching!
GreenEggsAndHamster 1 year ago
Can you go on US Military bases? Seems like they get the best deal when it comes to living in Korea.
Aggiesgigem 1 year ago
@Aggiesgigem Sure! I have a coworker who is dating a military guy and goes to his base almost every weekend. We can definitely go to American military bases if we want. Thanks for the question!
GreenEggsAndHamster 1 year ago
It's all good for you, I have to handwrite my phone teaching. I'm the only one so far where they haven't said 'all 80 are written messily, do it all again'/
I have 10 days vacation, 2 sets of three days, they failed to tell me the 10 days includes weekend like you hah.
Your job sounds basically identical to mine. But the joke's on you, I finish in 4 days. bwhaha.
ABombs1 1 year ago
@ABombs1 Same with the CCTV business too heh.
My boss puts a foreign teacher on screen all day if she doesn't like them - an intimidation tactic to make them quit or something, I dunno.
ABombs1 1 year ago
@ABombs1 We are all displayed simultaneously, so no one is safe from the watchful eye of the CCTV.
GreenEggsAndHamster 1 year ago
@GreenEggsAndHamster Yeah 15 cameras in all for hours but they'll bring one up to cover the whole huge tv. Pretty horrible. Fortunately I'm loved above all so I get better treatment... But still doesn't make it right.
ABombs1 1 year ago
@ABombs1 Hahaha! These next 4 months will pass quickly, and I'll be happy when it's over. Thanks for watching!
GreenEggsAndHamster 1 year ago