We haven't written an update on our jobs in a while, so I thought I (Maria) would send a little information.I really like teaching, however, the other things a teacher must do at E.Bo Young Talking Club is, well, too much. For example, I usually have about 1 or 2 hours a day ("break time") that I must, write lesson plans for 7 or 8 classes, correct their journals, listen to their on-line voice recordings and make corrections, write formal notes on ea
ch student, write in-depth evaluations on each student (once a month, but this takes about 2 weeks), make classroom decorations, etc. So, sometimes when I am actually teaching, it feels like I'm taking a break. All this work used to bother me, but at this point, I've figured out how to prioritize, so things are much smoother.
ch student, write in-depth evaluations on each student (once a month, but this takes about 2 weeks), make classroom decorations, etc. So, sometimes when I am actually teaching, it feels like I'm taking a break. All this work used to bother me, but at this point, I've figured out how to prioritize, so things are much smoother. My students aren't allowed to speak Korean at school, and if they do twice I send them up to the director who makes them write 100 times, "I will not speak Korea in class." I show no mercy, and it works! My students are, for the most part, respectful and they learn more when they are forced to use English. Some of my students bow towards me when they see me, or are saying goodbye. And most of them call me "teacher" which sounds like "teecher" or "Maria Teacher." I quite like that.
Ethan isn't so lucky. His school doesn't have adequate discipline procedures, so his students run amuck and most classes are quite disrespectful. I think they do really like him though, based on his loot he came away with on teachers' Day, and his recent portraits given to him of "Ethan Man." Also based on Ethan's never-ending pool of good ideas for games and activities.
I'd like to pack up some of my students and take them with me when we move back in two months. One of which, wrote me the above card. Her English name just happens to be "Maria" as well. I'll leave you with a hysterical presentation written by Henry. No, he couldn't read half of the words, and no, he didn't know at all what he was talking about. I'm sure he'll do better next time, but it's good for a laugh.
8 comments:
Now I think Henry was on to something about the woman chicken! Ha! Ha! That's great that you've learned to prioritize on all the stuff that goes along with the job. The part with the kids is definitely the best part! We look forward to having you back soon!! Love, Mom
Maria, I recently came across your blog in trying to find more information about E Bo-Young Talking Club. It seems you enjoyed - after learning to manage all the extra work? Any outstanding negatives about the company? Was your pay always on time? I hear so many horror stories that I'm trying to do some good research before accepting any offer!
Hi Jen,
Yes, unfortunately there are some oustanding negatives. However, all Talking Clubs are different. But the one thing that probably stays the same for all of them is the lack of vacation time. We only get vacations marked on the official E.Bo Young Calender, which doesnt amount to much...at all. 3 days off in the summer, 3 days for new years, and 3 for lunar new year. When you are working so hard in a foreign country it's crucial to have more time off to explore (in my opinion.) Especially when people who work at public schools sometimes have 3 months off. My advise-work for a public school. DON'T work for a hagwan. If you are set on a hagwan, make sure you talk to someone who works or has worked at your particular one before taking the job. Don't trust your recruiter...remember they are just trying to get you a job because they make a lot of money when they do. One more thing about E.Bo Young Talking Clubs...the curriculum is set and very repetitive. You can make up some games and things to go with it, but you end up memorizing all the books in about 2 months. Good luck on finding a good job. You are making a good choice comming to Korea...even with a lame job, this country is a lot of fun, and you can save a lot of money!
Maria
wow - thank you so much for the advice!
Dear Ethan and Maria,
My partner and I are graduating from UCSC after this year, and our plan is to teach in Korea as a couple the following year.
I stumbled across your blog while looking for job opportunities in Korea, and was wondering if you guys would mind answering any questions we had about how you both found a job, how living as a couple in Korea worked out, ect.
If you guys aren't too busy, we'd really appreciate any help/advice - most websites have been very unpersonal, and it would be nice talking to real people. Please drop us an email at gglee@ucsc.edu so we can get in contact- once again, we'd really appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Greg + Jacqi
Maria:
I was recently offered a position a E. Bo Young's Talking Club. Besides the limited vacation time offered and the repetitive curriculum is there anything else I should be concerned about? What are the positive of the company? Is the pay decent?
Jonathan:
All Talking Clubs are different, and alot of your experience will depend on your director. For example, working hours may vary. work expected or foreigners is different with every director,etc. I would say, take your time and talk with the director if at all possible before going there. The contract you sign has many areas that could me misunderstood or not followed at all. Also, if there have been any other foreigners to work at your particular branch, make sure you talk to them.
As far as the pay, it's average and in my experience you can get a job that requires a lot less and will pay more.
Hope that helps, and best of luck in Korea!!!
Maria
Hi Maria,
I know that you taught a few years back but is there only one EBY Talking Club in Gwangju? I just had an interview for one, they said the name is Toplus& EBY talking club and I'm curious if it's the same one! If I'd be working at the same one as you did, would you recommend it?
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