Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Drakoi]

Specifics would be helpful.

Sample Contract:

Training Period and Remuneration
1.0 The instructor must attend all training sessions as directed by the school beginning on the first week of November 2003 for the duration of the month. Training may include video instructions, class observations, individual or group lectures, teaching theories and methods, and training on administrative duties of an instructor.
1.1 Upon the successful completion of the training period on the part of the instructor, the school will pay the sum of 1,500,000 Korean Won to the instructor.
1.2 Instructor shall forfeit the pay stipulated in 1.1. should the instructor wish to discontinue the training at any time during the said training period in 1.0
1.3 Should the instructor decline to accept an instructor�s position at the school upon completion of the training period, the instructor shall forfeit the pay stipulated in 1.1
1.4 The instructor must make all possible efforts on his or her part to take active part in the training sessions and to adhere to the policies and regulations set within

Teaching at the School after successful completion of the training period
2.0 the terms and conditions hereafter pertains only to the instructor who have successfully completed the school�s training as outlined in 1.0 and are acknowledged by the school to begin work at the school as an instructor. Such instructors will be those being offered classes to teach at the school

Compensations
3.0 The school guarantees a minimum of 18 hours class instruction time per week. The hourly pay will be set at minimum 30,000 Korean won.
3.1 In cases where the instructor is required to substitute-teach another class, the same hourly rate as stipulated in 3.0 will be paid.
3.2 During regular Korean school examinations periods and certain Korean holidays where the school classes may unavoidably close due to lack of students, clause 3.0 is not in effect.
3.3 The monthly wage will be paid on the first of each month for the previous month

Work Hours
4.0 The work hours and class schedules are to be determined by the school, and the instructor will do his/her utmost to comply with the required schedule, barring extraordinary circumstances.
4.1 The weekday classes begin at 5:00pm with each class running for a total of three hours. The instructor may be required to work at least one day of the weekend, in which the classes begins as early as 10:00am
4.2 Special classes during regular school vacations (Sprin, Summer and Winter Vacation special classes) may require the instructor to take on extra classes that may begin as early as 10:00am

Terms of Conduct
5.0 The instructor will do his/her utmost to deliver the highest quality of education in line with the school�s policy and program.
5.1 The instructor must observe all the required student management procedures and policies set forth by the school and its directors. Reasonable request by the school�s administration staff should also be adhered to.
5.2 Either party may terminate this contract by providing a 15-day advance notice to the other party in writing. Until the end of the 15-day notice, both parties will do their utmost to honor the contract and fulfill all duties faithfully.
5.3 The instructor must refrain from bringing about any harm to the reputation and brand name of the school and its smooth operations. Any conduct unbecoming an instructor may be reviewed by the executive board, upon which the school may terminate this contract without prior notice and pursue legal means to rectify or be compensated for damages caused by the instructor.
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Some things to note: There are only two official holidays chusok and lunar new years, but there is about a week off for each exam period. (unpaid)

Housing is not provided, though may be negotiated for.

tax is 3.3% but there is no 50/50 on medical, the say because this would cause the tax to go to 12%?(higher?) and suggest getting covered by a local something or other.

I don't see where it says what amount of adminstrative time is required.

There is no mention of the 1 year pension.

There is a 5 minute break each class hour, but it's not in the contract

This is a company not a hagwon (whatever that means)

This contract is for people who are korean or already have f-4 visas, and are already in the country...

So tell me what you guys think. Is it worth it? Class sizes are around 15-25 students, I think middleschool and up who have placed high on the entrance exam.

I have about only a couple days to make a decision.

[Corporal]

Sounds terrible. Is that the best a Korean or gyopo can find? (you didn't specify which you are)

[whatthefunk]

Its very vauge in a lot of areas. Don't do it.

[Gord]

30,000 Won an hour minimum and you're a gyopo with no experience? Sign up and apologize for taking more than two seconds to think about it. You'll be making more money per hour than most people on this forum who have hagwon jobs, and they're primarily caucasian.

The "one year pension" is usually just pointed out as a bargaining bonus. If the company has more than 5 employees, you automatically get the severence pay when you leave the company after a year or more.

[BTM]

Some good some baddish there, but I'm inclined to go with Gord, although the lack of housing makes an enormous difference.

Most ethnic Koreans I've known teaching English make a LOT less than 30K per hour.

[canuckistan]

A friend of mine had a contract like that with a minimum guaranteed number of hours per week. The problem was they never worked very much past that minimum, and thus didn't make very much after paying for the apt.
Doing extra jobs was a must.

[itaewonguy]

DONT DO IT!!!
they will screw you til tomorrow!
there are too many hidden messages..

[Carldaddy]

Here's what I see. This contract was written by an American or other foreigner at a reputable law firm. There is no Konglish and the items are organized and noted to American BAR standard. If you generally agree with what it says, simply cross out words or phrases you would like more clarification on and write in the margins your suggested revision. But don't do too much of this. Going bonkers on the fine points will just cause problems. Koreans are not great fans of minutely detailed contracts and truthfully I've never seen an employment contract that can cover all the ups and downs of any job. Be happy that this one was written by a foreigner and that your employers agree with and understand it. The pay is acceptable. Once you have more experience you may come to understand how cleanly and succinctly it is written. Pay no attention to the person who says "too many hidden messages". If you like the people, think it's a decent position and are ready to work, get to it. And work out the fine points as you go.

[matthewwoodford]

[buddy bradley]

You're obviously not American.

[Derrek]

[Drakoi]