Job Discussion Forums

[new horizons]

The first school that contacted us refused to send a copy of the contract, never called only emailed, and refused to purchase our tickets. The second refused to negotiate or clarify any of the terms of the extremely ambiguous contract they sent us- one which was different than the one on their website. (Both were out of Korea.) We think that we may be in a better bargaining position if we can do it person. So, we are thinking of flying to S. Korea or Taiwan. Is there any advice on what we will need to take with us to hold us until we find work? Thanks.

[Ki]

Are you sure they were actually schools and not recruiters? Recruiters often call themselves different names such as agencies and consultants to make it more difficult to spot. Your best bet would be to go there in person and basically wander the streets knocking on every school you see. Take any necessary documentation such as your passport and degree. Don't let anyone hold onto your documents for 'safe keeping'. This is NOT for your benefit. They use this to hold against you.

I don't know about South Korea. For Taiwan, try to get a 60 day visa rather than a 30 day one. This will by you more time. You may need a trip to Hong Kong for a visa run if you don't have any formal set up before your visa runs out. If you arrive in the 2nd half of the year you'll have to pay higher tax (20%) so some people work illegally on the guise of being a student. Instead of tax you'll have to pay student fees. Take a Lonely Planet for advice on hostels and stuff. Hostels are also good for meeting other travellers and workers. You can also find this information on the internet. It might be best if you spend a week or so travelling around to decide where you want to live. Taipei and neighboring Hsinchui are probably your best bets for employment.

Take enough money for a couple of months and a credit card (just in case). You CAN negotiate contracts. Don't allow them to deduct bond money. This is unethical and illegal. If in doubt, leave. There are many more jobs out there.
Ki.

[new horizons]

Thanks. You pretty much reinforced the other information I've found. The second guy was a recruiter but, the first was with a school. The school my brother works for, oddly enough. It probably would have been fine but, when they refused to email a copy of the contract even he told us to use caution and back away.