The information below discusses the usual elements of
a contract, but keep in mind each individual institute will have its own
specific contract. Be sure that all of your concerns are addressed in the
contract and your questions answered so that both parties have the proper
expectations.
- Duration
Contracts are one year in duration. This one year length of time is primarily due to visa issuance(legal), as well as economic considerations. Contracts are between you and the institute who employs you/sponsors your visa, and are generally very similar from one institute/employer to another.
- Salary(monthly)
The standard monthly salary is 1,900,000 to 2,100,000 Korean won. You will also receive severance pay after the completion of your contract in the amount of one months salary.
- Airfare
The institute will pay for your airfare from your hometown to your workplace in Korea. At the conclusion of the contract you may receive a return ticket.
- Work Schedule and Teaching Conditions
Contracts are generally based on a 30-hour work week, but many people end up teaching only about 25 hours, and it does not affect your salary to get fewer hours. Because the Korean work week goes from Monday to Satureday, many teachers must also work a few hours on Saturday (usually 2-3 hours in the morning or early afternoon). During the week, you may work 5-6 hours a day with the hours grouped together as much as possible. You may have a split shift where you work a few hours in the morning, then a few hours in the late afternoon/early evening, for example. Every effort is made to make your work schedule convenient for you, but keep in mind you are working for a business, and classes and schedules will change, sometimes relatively frequantly. In addition, you will be expected to spend some time at the school preparing for your classes and assisting in other non-teaching activities. Preparation and record keeping is generally quicker than in a traditional western school. If your teaching hours are low, you may be asked to spend some time in developing material and researching programs for the institute.
- Medical Insurance
Comprehensive medical coverage is provided. The premiums are generally quite low compared to the US for similar coverage, and the costs may be paid entirely by your employer or split with your employer. Health care costs in Korea are much less expensive than in North America.
- Overtime Pay
If the teacher has contributed more than teaching hours contracted, he/she will be paid 16,000 won - 20,000 won for each additional hours.
- Sick days
English teachers are usually allowed 3-6 days of paid sick leave during the year. Unsused sick leave cannot be taken as vacation time, and is usually not compensated.
- Housing
Usually you will be sharing your apartment with one other person but one single roon will be provided to each teacher. The employer will pay the rent for the apartment but the teachers are responsible for the heating, electricity and water bills. All apartments come with a laundry machine, kitchen table and chairs, beds, desks, and ward robes.
- Vacations and Holidays
You will receive about 5-10 days of vacation and you will receive all other Korean national holidays off as well.
 |
 |
335-2 Sinsa-Dong,
Unpyung-Ku, Seoul, KOREA 122-082 (Phone)82-2-334-5178 (FAX)82-2-334-5179 hbsniki@hbscompany.com |