DYB RECRUIT

How can I get to work?

It depends on the location of the provided housing for each campus, but it usually takes around 10-30 minutes by walking or public transportation (bus or subway).

When will I get paid and will it arrive on time?

Your pay date will depend on the day you started. E.g. If you started work on the 11th of April, then the 11th of every month would be your payday. Teachers at DYB have never been paid late. Please note that you will receive your pay on Friday if your pay date is Saturday. If it is Sunday, it will be paid on Monday. This is due to the Korean bank system.

What will my school cover?

Your housing will be provided by DYB, or you can opt to receive the standard housing allowance instead. Internet is provided in the apartments, but utility bills are the responsibility of the teacher.
DYB will contribute 50% towards your health care and 50% towards your pension if you are required to contribute to pension.

Am I entitled to a pension?

Citizens of South Africa are not required to contribute towards pension. Contributing towards pension is required by all other citizens by law, however not all nationalities will receive their pension when they leave. Citizens of the United Kingdom, Ireland, and New Zealand will not receive their pension (due to agreements made between Korea and these countries) and, as of date of writing this, cannot opt out of paying.

What training will I receive?

Your first few days will be spent at our two training campuses in Daechi and Songpa. Here, you will meet the Elementary and Middle School Coordinators and be introduced to the respect programs at DYB. You will have the opportunity to observe and teach classes and learn about our curriculum and lesson planning. You will also spend time at your placement campus and be introduced to the team you will work with.

How should I dress for work?

Teachers should wear semi-formal outfits (trousers, button-up or collared shirts, sweaters, slacks, jeans without holes, dresses, skirt-suits, and sneakers or dress shoes). Teachers are to maintain a professional appearance and clean personal hygiene. Hair should be kept clean and orderly. Facial hair should be either shaved or neatly trimmed. Clothing should be regularly laundered. Baseball caps, shorts, and flip-flops may not be worn.

Can I see pictures of the apartments before I arrive?

Yes, however, your exact apartment will not be known until a few days prior to your arrival. Photos of similar apartments can be emailed or are posted on the website.

How are Korean students different than Western students?

In general, Korean students are normally quieter, more competitive in testing and try to stand out less so than their Western-counterparts. This of course is not an exhaustive list nor applicable to all students. Specific things would include the English ability of the students, what grade and level they are in, and their teachers. One thing to remember is that English is a second language to them, so shouting loudly or quickly will not get you anywhere.

What are some of the major challenges to teaching in Korea?

The language barrier – Allow students time to answer and try not become frustrated if students become shy to answer.
Working with a co-teacher – Our Korean teachers are our co-teachers, and they will be in the classroom with us while teaching. It may feel intimidating at first, but they are so focused on their own work while we are teaching. They often have a lot more work and stress with us, especially because they are the ones who communicate directly with the parents.
Elementary students – Trying to control over-excited students who can’t understand you is frustrating. Try to enjoy the classes with them and sometimes just go with the flow. If things get too loud, wait until you have their attention and speak in a whisper.
Middle School students – The opposite of the previous, middle school students are often unresponsive and hard to motivate. Try to work towards smaller achievements and understand that these students have a lot of work and are often embarrassed to get things wrong or talk to elders.

What are the Korean co-teachers like?

Of course, it is impossible to write a definite answer here. Co-teachers are very rarely ‘out to get you’ contrary to what many online forums may say. Try to understand they have large responsibilities and may be protective over students. Provide good teaching, take time to know them and you will see that they are great people.

What are some of the best points about DYB?

DYB is not a small, independent academy – we are a multi-campus company with a large workforce who is able to share ideas and workload. We have a large community of Native English-speaking Teachers with many years of combined experience so there is plenty support. Our curriculum requires our teachers to create lessons rather than teach straight from a textbook. Although this makes it a slightly more difficult place to work, it is far more rewarding as our teachers are given trust and more autonomy over what they teach. Understand that most full-time working practices come with side-events that may take you from your work.

I have seen negative reviews online, why is that?

Most negative reviews are on forums, and as such are prone to bias, venting, or emotional content. It is important to read all information about your future, but it is just as important to use reliable sources. Forums also suffer from negative bias, that only those looking to (anonymously) vent will do so, but those who have positive views will not feel the need. We accept that people are entitled to their views. Our advice: email some teachers who are working in your campus; we are happy to provide contact details.

Can I speak/email to employees before I arrive?

Yes. We respect that some teachers might not be comfortable giving out their email but in general we are happy to provide contacts of current workers.

What tips would you have for your first week of teaching?

Meet all your co-teachers and work on building a strong working relationship with them – ask about the students, the classroom environment, and discuss your schedule. Spend time preparing for class. The more prepared you are, the more confident you will feel. Ask co-workers during training for some good activities to engage students or if they have any advice for specific classes. Above all, a positive teacher creates a positive environment. Take time to improve your teaching styles.

How do I obtain my Residence Card (ARC)?

You will receive ample assistance from us and your campus team-leader/colleagues. After you complete a health check (testing for health and drug use), you will visit the immigration office with a DYB representative. The whole process can take between 2 – 6 weeks.

I heard that teachers can be drug tested routinely, is that true?

Routine drug tests are not carried out. However, you must complete a health check which includes a drug test before you apply for a Residence Card for the first time, or after applying for a visa transfer to a different campus or school.

How many vacation days do teachers get and is it possible to leave the country for travel during my work contract?

A teacher is permitted to travel anywhere they wish, however, if you are in the process of registering for a Residence Card, you MUST not leave the country.
Teachers are entitled to 11 days of paid vacation in their first contract based on the Labor Standards Act. One day is earned for each month worked after your first month. You are permitted to use all 11 days after working for 6 months. From your second contract, you will be entitled to 15 days of paid vacation. The annual paid leave will increase by one day every two years after your third year. In other words, you will be entitled to 16 days of paid vacation in your fourth contract and 17 days of paid vacation in your sixth contract.
In addition, teachers have all red days and substitute red days off.