Again, my apologies.

The split shifts do last a long time. Some longer than others. I was on them for seven months. Again, it is NOT EASY. It is a job. It is not a vacation. That doesn't mean, however, that everyone has a terrible time at Pagoda. Numerous people work for them for years. Numerous people do not.

If people show me they deserve to be spoken and written to in a certain way, that is how I write and speak. I'm sure I wouldn't like working with you either. Complaining is natural. The way in which we complain demonstrates something about us. You, and most people who complain about Pagoda, seem to be unable to accept any responsibility for what happens to you. Attacking someone like Ian is totally unfair. You read and signed a contract. The contract specifically mentions that split shifts happen and that you have the right to find your own housing. If you didn't read it, that's not Ian's fault or Rocky's (again, Rocky doesn't work for Pagoda anymore). If you want to be lead by the hand like a child, then people will speak to you like you are a child.

In any case, this is becoming tedious. I hope that anyone who reads this will realize that not every negative post about a school is well-founded. If anyone else has any specific questions, please post them and I will try to reply.

Sorry for that. I guess I should have been more clear.

I am on my one month yearly vacation provided by Pagoda. I am in Chiang Mai at ECC getting my CELTA. I want to improve as a teacher. This seemed like a good way to do it.

When the CELTA program is over, I will go back to Pagoda in Korea. I live and work in Gangnam. Do you notice how I used the simple perfect to denote that it is where I normally live? I am getting my CELTA. Do you notice how I used the present progressive to denote that this is happening now, but that this is not necessarily where I live?

In any case, I hope this clears things up for you. If you still have trouble reading, you might want to check out a few books on the subject and get some practice.

I'm not saying that your experience wasn't terrible. I'm just saying that attacking people whom I consider to be doing the best with what they have isn't constructive. People should be warned that Korea is a hard place to work. However, a great number of people have worked in Korea for a long time and quite enjoy it. If you want relaxing, go somewhere else. If you like to stay busy (like I do), then you should try it.

I currently work for Pagoda at the Gangnam branch. I am about to begin my third year. I have no doubt that some of the complaints here are valid. I have seen some questionable things.

However,

its the best place I've worked so far. The pay is fair. The schedule eventually turns into a block. They drove me to the hospital when I was sick. They let me take time off when I needed an operation. Ian Windsor is not an a*hole. I like how laid back he is. That guy Rocky doesn't work there anymore. Jody moved on to a job at a University and seems to be doing well. Most of the staff are great to work with and very knowledgeable. A few people do sometimes get too drunk, or can't handle the workload. They either quit or get fired. Korea is a hard place to work at first. If you are looking for something easier, I suggest Thailand. I am in Chiang Mai right now getting my CELTA. The pay is less here, but its more relaxing.

I want to go back to Korea, though. I miss Pagoda. I miss the challenge and I miss the students. And, for the most part, if you don't treat the students like sh*t, then they won't complain. Part of being a teacher is being a likable person. Not everyone is.

When students have complained about me, the managers have backed me up. They know that I am organized and they see how hard I work. If I were showing up late all the time or yelling things like "You can't tell me how to teach! You've never even been a teacher!" at some sweet manager who is just trying to cover her a** by passing along the complaints she has received, then I think I should be fired. I always prefer to work at a place that will fire those who consistently make trouble and challenge the rules. There is a way to make a system better, and being a d**k is not it.

In any case, if you are qualified to teach and actually like being around people, then you should apply to Pagoda. If you are generally grumpy and want to be treated like you are special just because you used to be some kind of professional doctor or lawyer or rodeo clown or whatever, you should consider doing something else.