Korean Job Discussion Forums

[unc tarheel]

I wanted to know if its true with most public school contracts if you have to pay your own airfare upfront. And if the school takes out a deposit for your apartment.

The benefits seem nice but I seem to be putting alot of money out up
front.

Tell me what you know or think!

[xCustomx]

I'm sure the reason they may make you pay upfront is to insure that you actually teach at the school, rather than run off after you've got your free ticket to Korea. One gripe I have with my school is that they wouldn't pay for my visa extension, even though I saved them a bunch of money by not having to make a visa run to Japan.

As far as the deposit, if you elect to live in the housing supplied by the school then everything should be taken care of, including rent and deposit.

[Bibbitybop]

SMOE pays for the tickets themselves, though if a person buys their own, they will get money later.

Teachers going home after contract can reserve flights with Korean Air and SMOE pays for it. If another company is used, the teacher buys the ticket and is reimbursed in August.

Teachers also pay 500,000 out of their first paycheck for a housing/utility deposit.

[ttompatz]

[cbclark4]

I paid no deposit. I was re-imbursed for my ticket in two weeks.

cbc

[ilovebdt]

[Jizzo T. Clown]

You're going to need money to live on the first month anyway, so there's no real disadvantage to them only reimbursing you for your ticket. It's a matter of which pocket you want the money to go in.

I received my 300k won settlement allowance the day after I arrived and my airfare within two weeks. I only brought about 300k won with me, so now I have more than enough to make it until my first paycheck.

It does kind of suck having 300k taken out of your first three checks, but I plan to bank some coin, and when I do start getting that extra 300k /month I'm just going to send it home since I'll be used to living without it anyway.

Plus, it'll be nice getting 900k won at the end of the contract, in addition to severance and pension, looking at around $5-6,000 in one fell swoop!

[Colorado]

I was reimbursed for my plane ticket within a week, given an additional 300,000 won, and paid no deposit.
The only place I've heard about these deposits is here on Dave's. My city doesn't require them yet. My second contract expires in March and I'll sign another if there is no deposit included in the contract. Why should I pay a deposit for a place I've been living in for 2 years? Thanks but no thanks.

[Jizzo T. Clown]

I believe the deposit is only for the first three months of a new contract, i.e. a new teacher, new to the country.

I could be wrong, though.

[Scouse Mouse]

300K settlement is provided immediately. I forgot to collect mine on the day I landed so recieved it on the first day of school.

My airfare was refunded during the 2nd week, and was refunded in cash.

The housing deposit is now standard fare. 300K per month taken from the first 3 months pay. Not a problem as you get it back at the end unless you are a gobshite.

[cbclark4]

[Satin]

Well - I'm south of Seoul (way south). No housing deposit and airfare was paid upfront. The settlement allowance was paid within a few days.

I know in the area of Korea I'm in, that it depended on what recruiter you used. I suspect some agencies pay the airfare and then are reimbursed by the school agency.

In any event, you will get your money back. Personally, I avoid housing deposits.

[mrsquirrel]

You could always fly business class if you wanted and claim that back.

[Jizzo T. Clown]

[spliff]

Do you get the 300K for re-signing w/ the same school?