L. P.
- 2009-09-09
Hello,
I am the current foreign teacher at OSS. I haven't had any problems since I have been there except for my air conditioner but that was fixed promptly. The school is old but is run and managed very well. All the teaching staff is great and very helpful.
There is almost no preparation for classes and if there is any it is done by the Korean teachers. Everything mentioned above is very true of the school. I have really enjoyed my time there so far and am glad I get to spend a year there.
Chris Edwards
- 2009-09-08
OSS ENGLISH CLUB SU-AM INSITITUTE,
Ulsan
I searched for information about the school that my girlfriend has been working at and we found this comment.
I am in favour of hagwon blacklists because they can give prospective teachers information about a school and allow them to make an informed decision. However, I am also of the opinion that they are written from one perspective and may not always give a full story.
OSS in Suamdong is a school that my girlfriend has worked at and to give a second opinion on OSS English Club and Mia, the recruiter, I would like to share my girlfriend's impression:
1. STAFF
Mr. Lee, the director and the three korean co-teachers have been incredibly helpful with anything we needed. Even though it wasn't their responsibilty they offered their help at any time and we could rely on them.
2. RECRUITER
Mrs. Kim has been very helpful and supporting when I had payment and visa troubles with my former school, even though she only knew my girlfriend and didn't get payed for her help.
The contact between Mia Kim and the school has been good while my girlfriend has been there and Mia has been to Ulsan to visit the school and staff. That was the first time my girlfriend met her. With her she has been courteous and helpful. We can't really comment on the personal relationship between Mia and the writer of the article above, but I don't think this should reflect on OSS, who have been wonderful.
3. BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT
Yes, the school is not new and doesn't look like its come out of an IKEA catalogue, but it is well established and everything you need to teach comfortably is provided:
You are given your own desk; there's aircon and fans in all rooms; drinks are provided (coffee, tea, water) there's a fridge and a freezer; any kind of teaching materials are provided: printers, scanners, laminating machine, computer with internet, wifi, copy machine and anything you need and ask for, they will try and get for you. They also gave my girlfriend a phone with money on it and a bus pass (mybi token).
4. ATMOSPHERE
The working atmosphere is great and really laid back. There's no schedule pressure or lesson plans or students essays to write. There's always some food or snacks on the table or sometimes Mr. Lee even buys dinner or treats for the teachers. The teachers look after you well and try to make your time in the school as comfortable as possible.
5. PAYMENT
Never had any problems with payment, it was always on time and she even got a little bonus, that wasn't in the contract, because they were satisfied with her work.
6. COMMUNICATION
It's true that the director doesn't speak English. But as the head-teacher is in charge of employees, contracts and administration in general, you can speak to her and she translates to the director. All you need to bring is a little patience, plus you might have to repeat things, but as we are in a non- English speaking country, I think that's fair enough. Never had any serious problems caused by misunderstanding or language differences.
7. KIDS AND AGE
The kid's are mostly great and if there's a problem the korean teachers take care of it.
They are Elementary to Middle School, from 8 years up to 15 years.
8. TEACHING HOURS / SCHEDULE
My teaching hours always stuck to the terms in the contract. They only changed during the summer vacation, where I had to do an extra class, but that was mentioned in the contract and even with the extra class for 3 weeks I didn't exceed the agreed number of working hours per week.
AVOID THIS AGENCY / SCHOOL AT ALL COSTS
WRC Phone: Cell: 82 10 4929 6486
Ph : 82 2 444 6684
Fax: 82 2 555 6385
Email: miakimofwanted@hotmail.com
Office: WRC (Wanted Recruiting Agency)
Location: Rm 1418 Cresyn tower 3, Guidong, Gwangjin-gu
Seoul, South Korea
OSS English Club, Su-Am Institute
723-3, Suam-Dong, Nam-gu
ULSAN, South Korea 680-840
Phone: (052) 227 7555
Owner: Mr. Lee
A lady called Mia (Kim) was the representative for the school and the teacher contact. At first she was very pleasant, but the following promises were made and not fulfilled:
1. Called constantly in home country at very early hours
2. Said the school was brand new it was 20 years old
3. That ALL the teachers, especially the Director, spoke perfect English. Director speaks no words in English, the rest are very poor.
4. The apartment was being decorated and re-furbished, including re-flooring. NO. The apartment also has many leaks, which have short- circuited electrical connections.
5. The contract was 2-8pm but 5 months later Director wants 1.30pm to 9pm.
6. That she visited the school up to twice a year and they were both great friends. FALSE. School stated they have never even met her.
7. She stated that the interview WAS with the Director. Clearly not, someone else must have spoken as he simply speaks no English not even hello.
8. Mia promised to assist in all matters for the whole year in Korea - FALSE - and many messages on important issues had to be passed to her to contact the school.
9. Then she cuts you off entirely.
10. Then Mia calls your school Director and complains about you. This causes huge problems for the teacher. Presumably to get rid of the teacher and get more business.
11. She also promises to make all arrangements for arrival. Do not expect this, nor to get school contacts.
12. Teacher also told Mia that they DID NOT WANT TO TEACH BEGINNERS OR EARLY ELEMENTARY. Nearly all the teachers classes are.
13. Has teacher fly out on an inconvenient date, on the threat that she has many other applicants.
14. Mia forbade teacher to contact the school. This should have been the warning.