Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Satin]

All the public school contracts I've read, say that if housing isn't provided, the teacher will be given "X" amount of money as a subsidy.

For those of you already teaching in public schools, how often do teachers have to "find" their own place? Do you choose a place from a list the school provides? If not, who pays the huge deposit for leasing?

Also noticed that the contracts don't mention air conditioning. Ouch!
Is air conditioning normally provided? Wouldn't think the settlement fee would cover this cost and whatever else is needed to make a place livable.

With about a month to go, it would be nice to know what to expect. Really haven't read much about this on the forum. There's plenty about size, maintenance, problems and the good/bad; just, not much from public school teachers.

[Hotpants]

And how much is this subsidy - 300,000? If it's anything like that, then at least in Seoul, the only places you're going to get for that amount are either a small room in Itaewon, or a 2 metre by 2 metre goshiwon/gosh-it-el student room.

I would ask the school a bit more about the non-housing part, because honestly it is not going to be easy if you end up in a goshiwon for an entire 12 months (I've been there!). Ask the school exactly how much you are going to get and whether they will offer you any assistance in finding a place. Ask them how much they predict the housing will cost.

If the housing looks like it's going to be exhorbitant, then probably you'll do a lot better to say no to this job and find a position which comes with housing. The non-housing issue for newbies to Korea is a tricky one.

[Ya-ta Boy]

[dam_on]

I don't work at a public school but had the same situation come up with my contract about aircon...I simply asked them to put it in the contract that my housing would have it. Although since you will be renting your own, it may be up to you to find one that has an aircon already installed. Yes...it's Konglish and Japlish (if that's even a word), but it saves space when typing. Doh!!

[dam_on]

[Satin]

[Hyeon Een]

[dogshed]

Don't try to find housing on your own in a rural area unless you speak the language fluently.

[fusionbarnone]

Normally the school provides accomodation. Sometimes aircon is included if you'r lucky and depends on the apartment having an installed system. If a deposit was made it is merely money in circulation. The school/POE will get it back.

Sometimes POEs'/ school are able to wrangle a "rent only" 12 month lease(get a copy from your co-worker). If you don't like your digs you can usually strike an arrangement with the landlord getting someone new to take over the lease remainder and simply find someplace else. You will pay a real estate agent a finders fee if you use one. The school wil assume the new agreement.

Paying the asking price is not that simple as an apartment owner "may" decide to "try" a deposit sum on you by claiming the depo is 10mil whereas other homemakers are quoted half that figure. Best to take a Korean co-worker with you who knows the area.

If the rent is 450,000 for a one-room(for example) then the school will pay this. Imagine if you had to pay the rent, let alone factoring a deposit into the equation(50mil depo and pay no rent or pay rent with a deposit of 5/10mil.) Savings can be made here. The school must pay the agreed rent even if it's way above 300,000won as most are anyway.

If you are a couple and you get a 2/3 bedroom pad the POE via the school will pay 300,000 on top of the agreed wage to one and you'll both get a furnished apartment . That's definately a bonus. Provided they don't try to shove you into a one-room apart. to save on budget costs.

To prevent problems try to communicate your requirements to the supervising person before you arrive so they are clear about your requests. If the person at the POE is avoidant via email than call. A cheaper option may have been found to which they are hoping you'll accept provided they can get you here first.

[nzerinkorea]

Hi guys, I work for a public school in Yongin. I live in an one bedroom apartment near the school which is rent free. However I want to move in with my girlfriend, so is it possible to ask the school for the 300,000 rent subsidy?

Cheers
Marty

[lover.asian]

[thebum]