What should I look for in a contract?

Make sure they’re not going to overwork you. See if you’ll be working in split shifts (ie: morning from 9am to noon and then in the evening from 6pm to 9pm) or if it’s going to be more of a 9 to 5 gig. Also, see if you’ll be heavily penalized if you leave your contract early, since teachers may to want to leave their contract early due to bad working conditions or a family emergency.


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Answers (5)

  1. kwandongbrian says:
    November 11, 2009 at 8:12 pm

    I agree with the first response. Most contracts will specify a maximum number of hours they can demand, and have to ask if you want to work more. The number is usually reasonable (I think in my first hagwon contract it was 130 hours/month) but ask about February: it is a short month and can include Lunar New Year. 130 hours over 20 or 21 work days is fine. 130 hours over 15 work days is a challenge.

    Most of the time, though, the contract is only a guideline; hagwons are often family-run businesses and I’ve received great care and positive attention beyond the contract from my manager.

  2. Jo-Anna says:
    November 11, 2009 at 8:52 pm

    Look for when to expect your year bonus after you complete your contract. Korean law says 14 days. My contract says 45. When we remind them of Korean law, we always get it much sooner. If we forget to mention this, they will take their time with it…

  3. Jo-Anna says:
    November 11, 2009 at 8:53 pm

    Look for an overtime rate of pay and calculate the actual hours of work, since “teaching hours” and real hours can vary.

  4. Crystal says:
    November 16, 2009 at 7:55 am

    Check the hours to make sure you’re working hours that work for you. There are plenty of schools that have regular hours (9-6pm), and some have split shifts. Also, make sure your school is offering to pay for your flights to and from Korea. Most schools will offer this, so if your contract doesn’t, you can find another school that will offer it.
    Also, just be aware of what they’re offering you. Don’t let them “muscle” you into anything outside of your contract. You can find jobs elsewhere should they try that.

  5. Renae says:
    December 28, 2010 at 2:41 am

    Make sure you look for what is NOT in the contract as well as what is IN the contract.
    1. Where are you going to live? If you live within walking distance, that’s great. However, if you have to use the subway everyday, be prepared to spend 100-150 permonth
    2. What furniture is included in your furnished apartment?
    3. How many hours are you expected to teach in a month? Are your working hours defined in your contract?
    4. Just be careful that you READ your contract, agree to it, and can LIVE with it.