Korean Job Discussion Forums

lovebug · Joined: 29 Apr 2009

a few questions in light of the increasing hysteria over swineage:

1. has anyone talked to their school about leaving the country for chuseok weekend?
2. has anyone talked to their school about the quarantine week for winter break?
3. would you get the soon to be released, minimally tested vaccine if they offered it?

i know according to contract, they can't forbid us to leave the country, but for some of us with good working relationships with our schools, i know mine is going to beg and plead with me not to leave bc they don't want me not able to teach the week after chuseok.

as for winter break and winter camps, i was planning on taking time right after christmas (to the UK) and was going to come back right before my winter camp started. if i have to be quarantined again, i wouldn't be able to teach half my winter camp.

summer break was one thing because the quarantine for me was during the first week back where we don't have to teach, but i know my school will freak at the prospect of losing me for half my winter camp.

i plan on refusing the vaccine....

D.D. · Joined: 29 May 2008

My friend in England is quite close to someone who works with the company that developed the vaccine and he told her he wouldn't take it himself. Just like cane toads in Australia and countless other meds you just have no idea of the effects. Chances of death from Swine Flu is very small

prideofidaho · Joined: 19 Mar 2008

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x9mh9f_swine-flu-1976-propaganda_webcam

For the OP, I would never ask my employer if I can travel abroad during vacation. Why would you give them the option to say no? I don't mean to sound combative, but what you are talking about is very hypothetical. Wait it out and then make decisions, or ask forums.

himynameishowie · Joined: 03 Mar 2009 Location: Daegu

My school gave us notice 2 weeks ago to let them know ASAP if we were leaving the country for Chuseok since there's a 7-day quarantine (unpaid) after we come back.

My husband and I are going to Japan, and then spending our quarantine time on Jeju Smile

English Matt · Joined: 12 Oct 2008

cruisemonkey · Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 12:44 pm Post subject:

himynameishowie · Joined: 03 Mar 2009 Location: Daegu

The unpaid quarantine time is a corporate policy and we were formally notified back in July about it--I don't work for a small time hagwon. If it was paid quarantine, EVERYBODY would be going on vacation. While my supervisor and I both agree it's stupid since there's just as much of a chance to get sick in Korea, there's not anything he can do since it's a corporate thing.

(Wimpy pushover, really? Was that even necessary? In any case, it's my first semi-insult on Dave's though, so it's kind of a milestone. Thanks!)

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 7:29 am Post subject:

marcbyrne · Joined: 24 Nov 2008

Just a question, but how do you propose someone fight this without losing their job outright?

I've heard enough stories and talked to a few people who have had bad experiences in Korea. So, considering what little foriegners seem to have as far as rights go here, what could be done to fight this anyway.

I really don't think its worth losing a job over and if that is just one more person contributing to the problem, so be it. Most of us are here to see a bit of the world and make some money in the process, not challenge the legal system as it applies to foreigners.

Anyway, my point is if someone were to make a big deal about this, they would more than likely just be fired. Foreign teachers are really a dime a dozen and there are plenty of smiling faces out there on the web looking for a job that is would be easy to find a replacement. Plus they would be spared paying severence and tickets home.

Also, I think that bit about going to Jeju was a joke.

ardentis · Joined: 25 Feb 2009 Location: Seoul, South Korea

I know this is old, but I just wanted to give an update from my own experience with this.

There was a lot of screaming and crying from all parties involved, but I've finally been given the go-ahead to go on vacation for Chuseok, plus the paid quarantine. Of course, I was then told that the principal could change his mind at any moment in time, so we'll see how this actually pans out.

My vice principal called the district office, then called SMOE, and SMOE's official policy is that they DO NOT want anyone to leave the country for Chuseok, they are not "permitting" it. (This statement has been passed through several translation filters, bear in mind.) The VP told them I was going for "educational purposes," so SMOE then said it was up to my school itself. My co-teacher and I filled out a form that explained these "educational purposes" in greater detail, and then my principal finally cleared it after a lot of begging from my co-teacher.

If you're planning on going away for Chuseok, I would NOT recommend telling your school. If you do want to go the honest route, best of luck, it's probably going to be a struggle. Then again, this is Korea and Every Situation Is Different!

Epicurus · Joined: 18 Jun 2009

I would agree that it's best to practice the don't ask don't tell policy.

always.

especially when it comes to one's vacations, and anything else that I consider to be of a personal nature.

My stance is that my employer doesn't have the right to know what I do and where I go when I am not at work.

very simple. very consistent.

of course I do recognize I am in a special position as a teacher, so I'm not venturing into the heart of ebola virus country in Africa, or going out to hang out with President Uribe of Colombia who's just been diagnosed with it.

I'm not even going to Mexico.

Where I am going I think has had fewer reported cases than South Korea so I'm at bigger risk catching it here, especially considering Korean shared food/eating culture and hygiene (or lack thereof)

so I don't care what Gepik says (or anyone else) and whether they "permit" it or not.

my school happens to know I'm going (and they don't (seem to)) care. I'd be shocked if I were put under quarantine when I get back too. If I were at a different school I'd say nothing and just leave.

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2009 4:01 am Post subject:

Actually vacation is not such a personal matter. Your employer does have the right to know when you take your vacation and for how long. Where you take your vacation is of course a personal choice but knowing that your choice may have consequences for you and your employer is also your responsability....

Epicurus · Joined: 18 Jun 2009

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

Several thousand Koreans now have Swine Flu, or have had it.

You can catch it on the subway.

What you do with your own free time is your own business. If you think they'll get antsy about it, then just don't tell them.

JBomb · Joined: 16 Oct 2008

I prefer the term pig death. Just thought I would point that out. I am currently on my seven days paid quarantine and having a wonderful time! I am also eating a bunch of pork this week to celebrate.