Public Schools vs Hagwons: Which one is right for you?

If you’re considering teaching English in Korea, you may be wondering about the difference between working at a public school and a hagwon. Both types of schools offer opportunities for English teachers, but there are some key differences to consider. In this article, learn about Public Schools vs Hagwons and which is right for you.

Are Public Schools for you?

Public schools in Korea are funded and run by the government. They typically offer a more stable and structured teaching environment than hagwons. Here are some of the key features of teaching at a public school:

1. Set schedule: Public schools generally have set schedules and require teachers to work regular hours. This can provide a more stable and predictable work environment.
2. More holidays: Public schools typically offer more holidays than hagwons, including a summer break, winter break, and national holidays.
3. Lower pay: Public schools generally offer lower salaries than hagwons. However, they often provide other benefits like free housing, airfare reimbursement, and health insurance.
4. Structured curriculum: Public schools typically have a structured curriculum that is set by the government. This can provide more guidance and support for new teachers.
5. Larger class sizes: Public schools often have larger class sizes than hagwons. This can make it more challenging to give individual attention to each student.
6. More qualifications needed: You need to have a Bachelors Degree and majored in an Education related topic to to work at a private school in Korea. If you didn’t major in an Education related topic, you must obtain a TEFL/TESOL/CELTA etc. certificate of at least 100 hours or more in order to secure a job at a public school. To see the requirements need to work in a Public school you can review it here.

Is a Hagwon the right fit for you?

Hagwons are private language schools that offer English language classes to students of all ages. They typically offer more flexibility and higher pay than public schools. Here are some of the key features of teaching at a hagwon:

1. Flexible schedule: Hagwons offer more flexibility in terms of scheduling. Teachers may be required to work weekends or evenings, but they often have more control over their schedule.
2. Higher pay: Hagwons generally offer higher salaries than public schools. However, they may not provide as many benefits.
3. Smaller class sizes: Hagwons typically have smaller class sizes than public schools. This can make it easier to give individual attention to each student.
4. Less structured curriculum: Hagwons often have less structured curriculums than public schools. This can provide more freedom for teachers to design their own lessons.
5. Less job security: Hagwons may not offer as much job security as public schools. They may be more likely to terminate contracts or lay off teachers during slow seasons. Some are Hagwons are poorly run and tend to churn through a lot of staff as well.

Overall, the choice between working at a public school or a hagwon will depend on your individual preferences and priorities. Consider factors like pay, schedule, and job security when making your decision. Whichever type of school you choose, teaching English in Korea can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. To see learn more about the qualifications of becoming an English teacher in Korea, check out this post.