Gepik Reviews

Pros

Support from community, dynamic work environment, preparation for future work as an instructor, easy to save money

Cons

High work hours and extracurricular demands, variable work environment -- really depends on where you end up, little negotiating ability

Pros

- Fair hours, sick days, and vacation days ESPECIALLY in comparison to private academies - They seem to pay attention to an applicant's preferences as much as possible (being near a city, living close to your school) - Free housing and low living costs - Always paid on time - Coordinators and staff members really try to help new teachers adjust to the country

Cons

- Overall experience really depends on the school and/or the English co-teachers - It can be hard to get in touch with GEPIK coordinators in the event of an immediate problem - Positions are unstable with schools losing funding & adding more restrictions with each passing year (schools blocking GMail, switching from Microsoft programs to only Korean ones)

Pros

- Government job, so no issues with being paid on time, health care and pension are paid into - GEPIK schools are close typically close to Seoul for easy access - More vacation time and generally more freedoms than in private academies (early leave, more time to take vacation - Good hours 8:30a-4:30a generally

Cons

- Actually working environment all depends on what school you are placed in and the staff there. School might as well be separate entities with how principals run their schools - Desk warming - The pay scale hasn't been updated in years to reflect the rising cost of living - There is no career advancement. If you want to teach university, most won't even look at experience at these schools

Pros

Government contract, so teachers have job security during the course of the contract. More vacation days than academy teachers

Cons

Not enough opportunities for professional development Pay and benefits do not increase in line with inflation Teachers feel taken for granted