Korean Job Discussion Forums

[alphalfa]

I just reviewed the contents of the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education contract for teachers. Among the items of interest include:

Teacher residing in Korea: Teachers hired in country shall have the E2 visa issuance trip to the nearest country from Korea (round-trip airfare) reimbursed by the Employer What?

The Work Hours of Employee may follow the normal work schedule of civil servants of the Korean Government; however, such Work Hours may be adjusted by Director as he/she deems appropriate. What?

Employer shall decide whether to provide Employee with housing or a rent subsidy. Once decided, Employer�s decision shall not be subsequently changed during the Term of Employment. What?

In case of a damage to Employee�s residence in a natural disaster: the period Director deems necessary according to the degree of damage. W

For safety deposit, 300,000 Korean won per month will be deducted from Employee�s salary for the first 3 months of employment until it amounts to a total of 900,000 Korean won. In the case of protecting Employer from any liability or damages, Employee shall get refunded the whole amount of money secured in advance before the termination of the contract.

your thoughts, please . I was thinking about applying for public school positions with them but now I'm having some doubts. I'm a certified teacher from CANADA.

[Satin]

It's a fairly standard public school contract. There are better contracts that do not require housing deposits. They're legal if you accept it. Personally, I wouldn't.

I'm not familiar with the natural disaster clause.

Visa run - no problem, although it would seem they should also reimburse the cost of meals and lodging.

Hours - mine are 9 to 5. Teaching time can vary.

Most people receive housing. This subsidy gives the school a way for you to find a place if they don't have one available or perhaps you refuse the one they offer.

[gmat]

I work at a public school and have never heard of that 900,000 deposit clause. That is crazy

[zappadelta]

[Lydia]

Believe me, if you are an idealistic person, who views the importance of education. Do not sign with Kyungido.

It is my 2nd year, but I regret it every day. Really detest all the
compromises to my intelligence.

They also said the "extra" classes were optional. Turns out to be
mandatory at my school. The supervisor I have is on a POWER trip
to treat me like I'm a Korean worker. He never consults my camp
schedule, and ignores most of my pleads, as this is not a democratic
institution. For compensation, the "extra" classes are 20.000 per class.
What crap! For those you must show lesson plans to your supervisor.

If you do sign up, don't go for elementary schools-what a waste!!!
High schools are the way to go. But I didn't know about it, now its too late for me--until next term.

Cheers...Lydia

[Rteacher]

The "hours may be adjusted by the director or principal" part usually works to the native English teacher's favor (eg: they let you go home early - especially during exam periods and Jan.-Feb. and July-August ...)

[antoniothegreat]

just like hogwons experiences can be good or bad by the director, all that contract stuff can be good or bad by the principal.

some principals are retarded and make you come in during vacation to sit in an empty office when everyone else is home, others tell you not to come in during tests, field trips or any other day you dont have class.

i have had two principals, one was absolutely amazing, the other just really didnt care, so i have gotten by pretty well so far.

talk to the native teacher at the school you will go to, find out what it is like. some school jobs are absolute carp with all the meetings and waste of time agenda stuff, some are great, with excellent coteachers and a staff that treats you with as much respect as a korean teacher.

if you cant talk to the foreign teacher, one thing you can do is see how often that school retains its foreign teacher. if the FT was there for a long time, then the school was probabley good. if the last two did runners...

[rothkowitz]

[lover.asian]

[nobbyken]

Alphalfa,

Do you get a completion bonus after the 12 month contract?

I don't see it in the sample contract they sent me!

[aarontendo]

it's not a real completion bonus. They try to make it sound like that. It's korean law that after one year you get your severance

[luvnpeas]

[lover.asian]

[Bukowski]

Take a look at the contract for Chungam Province. It is much better.

AC