Incheon, S. Korea!!

[ryoneo]

I just accepted a job offer teaching English to first graders. I will be leaving at the end of March. The contract is for one year. I have done plenty of research on this city, but if anyone has more info, it would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Orsini]

Make sure they give you a round trip ticket.

 

[TyCooN]

Isn't this the place where the Marines made an amphibious AZZault?

 

[crazyquik]

Originally Posted by TyCooN

Isn't this the place where the Marines made an amphibious AZZault?

Yes. Led by an Army man, McArthur. Turning point of the war and broke a long string of North Korean victories.

 

[ryoneo]

Originally Posted by Orsini

Make sure they give you a round trip ticket.

Yep, I still have to set that up with them. But they are going to take care of it. They are also giving me free room and board.

 

[Eason]

What company are you teaching with? Private or public? How much are they paying you? Not to be prying but you will get screwed if you aren't smart. Get everything in writing, read your contract well and know your rights.

Also, have you taught 1st graders before? 1st and 2nd graders are the most physically and emotionally draining of anybody to teach. That is a job I wouldn't take. They have almost zero knowledge of English, and are not even expected to begin learning until grade 3 of elementary school, so you will have to learn Korean if you want to get through to them. Basically, you will be a babysitter, singing songs and finding ways to entertain them. Good luck.

 

[ryoneo]

Originally Posted by Eason

What company are you teaching with? Private or public? How much are they paying you? Not to be prying but you will get screwed if you aren't smart. Get everything in writing, read your contract well and know your rights.

Also, have you taught 1st graders before? 1st and 2nd graders are the most physically and emotionally draining of anybody to teach. That is a job I wouldn't take. They have almost zero knowledge of English, and are not even expected to begin learning until grade 3 of elementary school, so you will have to learn Korean if you want to get through to them. Basically, you will be a babysitter, singing songs and finding ways to entertain them. Good luck.

I am teaching through ThinkBigJobs. I will be teaching for the public school district there. They are giving me 2.2M won a month, plus bonuses. It will be for the Immersion Program there and will teach a class size of 3-12 students. I am a first grade public school teacher for Philadelphia now, so hopefully the students in Korea won't be fist fighting in the middle of my class

 

[dizzhizz]

i have nothing on incheon but for weekends i think it will be worthwhile coming into seoul.

 

[Eason]

Those class sizes sound great, I am jealous of that. 3-12 students are infinitely easier than 36.

 

[ryoneo]

Originally Posted by Eason

Those class sizes sound great, I am jealous of that. 3-12 students are infinitely easier than 36.

Yea the company pressed on me to take on a 40+ student classroom with an aide. I would be out of my mind to take that job. For my first time teaching outside of the country, that would be too overwhelming. What are you teaching and where? How do you like it?

 

[Eason]

I am teaching english in a public elementry school, and conversational english with my girlfriend in our own private institute. It's easy work that's quite rewarding, as long as you put a lot into it. You get out what you put in, and the quality of your day depends largely on the receptiveness/mood of your students.

 

[aleeboy]

Originally Posted by dizzhizz

i have nothing on incheon but for weekends i think it will be worthwhile coming into seoul.

Incheon is not the most exciting part of S.Korea when it comes to night life. I second the above to make your stay here more enjoyable.

Are you planning to get a car too?

 

[ryoneo]

Originally Posted by aleeboy

Incheon is not the most exciting part of S.Korea when it comes to night life. I second the above to make your stay here more enjoyable.

Are you planning to get a car too?

Na no car. I'm planning on taking public transportation... less head ache that way. Any places I should go? Also, any good tailors in Incheon??

 

[hossoso]

I know Eason and I can both offer good advice (current as well). Specific questions about connections/companies/suggestions can probably be pm.


edit: oops, didn't read the whole thread.

 

[Dashaansafin]

Eason:

I am a university student looking to teach English in Korea, do you have any recommendations?