Hagwons – an Introduction

A hagwon is a private after-school daycare service. People who work in hagwons are not considered “real” teachers in the eyes of most Koreans, including your students. Most hagwons face stiff competition, so your boss will be desperate not to do anything which would piss off your students or their parents. The students understand this, and will treat you accordingly. This can make discipline a problem.

Your job is to entertain first, educate second. If you can do both at the same time, that’s great. Learn a sizeable repertoire of games and fun activities. Remember, your students have just come from spending the day at actual schools, and probably have other hagwons and tutors to meet. Cut them as much slack as you can stand.

 A hagwon will hire anyone with a degree. Have a master’s in education? Great. You still won’t be considered a “real” teacher if you’re working at a hagwon. Remember, you’re working at a daycare, so don’t complain about any lack of professionalism in your workplace. You suspect that one of your coworkers has a fake degree and might actually be a fugitive from justice? That’s possible. One of your Korean colleagues can’t hold a conversation in English and only speaks Korean in class? There’s at least one in every hagwon.

You will never, ever get fired Unless you physically or sexually assault a student or coworker, you are virtually guaranteed a job for the duration of your contract. Show up hung over, clothed in rags, stinking of cheap soju and cheaper massage parlors, and they will scold you while pushing you in front of yet another TOEIC listening class. Remember, you’re only hurting yourself.

Never, ever work in a kindergarten. Unless you really like small children. I know some people who love it, and do a wonderful job with the little ones. Personally, I felt that my 20 minute kindergarten class was infinitely more tiring than my one hour classes with 7 or 8 year olds. Most of the people I have talked to agree with this sentiment.

We sure you enjoy working Happy Time English Academy, is so very good!!!!

Ten Crack Commandements
Of Teaching English

Don't Cut Off My Privates!