P to R

Pacific Institute (also called Oxford American English)

Seoul

One report of lying and breaches of contract (no details). See the attached letter. 10/01

Pagoda Academy/ Foreign language Institute

This adult school as a generalization has one of the better reputations, as you can see from the relative lack of complaints. This is comparing their reputation to other big chains like BCM and LIKE. Although of course individual franchises vary a lot so check out the specific school as well. Generally though they have a reputation for been professional and well organised but with the usually negatives of the big chains like low pay and being "factory like". You have to find your own accomodation which can be a real drag and is going to cost you a chunk out of your pay to cover rent.    One thing specific to this school is that they have this rather dubious ranking system. It doesn't matter how good you are in absolute terms, if you come in the bottom 10% or whatever relative to the other teachers for three months in a row they fire you. However if you think you have what it takes in the popularity stakes this could well be the place for you.

In General

Jongro  gu

Seoul

Pusan

One complaint of lying and cheating. See the attached letter. 8/01

Somyon

Taegu

PALS World Ltd

Seoul

Pang Pang

Pusan

Phillip School

Seoul

Prime Language School

Kumi

One report of problems in getting paid. Also that he fires the teacher before the end of the contract to avoid paying severance pay but thats common. See the attached letter. 3/02

A couple of reports of serious breaches of contract and lying. 7/00

Taegu

Puktae-gu Foreign Language Institute (also goes under the name of ECC in Taegu.

Pup-yong Global Institute

Seoul?

One report that there were many lies, serious contract breaches (including not getting paid) and other noncontractual complaints. 7/00

Pusan Consulting Inc (PCCS)

A Pusan (Busan) based recruitment agency. They used to have quite a reputation but have lifted their game considerably. They still have this very dubious practice of double charging, ie charging both the employers and the teachers for their services. For part-time work they charge 5% to the teachers as well as a fee to the employers. For University jobs they charge 30% of your first months wages. Needless to say this is quite unusual since recruitment services are ususlly free to the teachers. If you're looking for Uni jobs you can try Daves Cafe or by applying to the Unis direct (just do an internet search for Korean Uni homepages). Or you can use any of a dozen other recruiters who won't charge you anything. 8/00

Pusan Foreign Language Institute (FLI) Mr Kim Sang Yeoun