Korean Job Discussion Forums

[HighTreason]

Ok, so I signed a contract with a Hagwon. I haven't left yet and don't even have my Visa yet, although they are currently supposedly getting me a visa issuance number or something like that. I don't think the job is horrible, but now it seems like maybe there are better opportunities out there that I missed my first go-round. (I actually didn't know about this site when I started the process with this Hagwon and did my research elsewhere).

Is it too late for me to look around and maybe turn down the job I already accepted? They haven't bought me a plane ticket or anything yet, and I am not going for another month and a half. They have probably at least put in some effort on my behalf, at least with this visa issuance they are going through right now, and I would feel bad about that. The main thing, though, is that I did sign a contract and send it to them. Does that mean it's too late and backing out now would mean that I would be barred from taking another job?

Anyway, also do you think I should look around considering the job? I'll tell you the details as I know them, although I don't know the location exactly (it's a chain). They said they would tell me the location when I get the visa issuance number.

Name: Avalon School
Pay: 2.1m won per month
Overtime: 20,000 won per hour
Vacation: 10 days (5 of which have to be used at designated times) and national holidays
Hours: 2:00pm - 10:00pm M-F
Benefits: Housing paid for (must pay utilities), 50% Employer paid Health care, 30 hours per week
Other: I have heard that this school is known for paying on time and not trying to cheat their teachers. I have also heard, however, that they are rather one of the stricter schools as far as superfluous rules/policies, teaching curriculum, etc.

I have no experience teaching EFL, I have no experience teaching children, I have some experience teaching software development to adults.
Thanks for any help!

[tob55]

Have you signed a contract in person? If not then it would be hard for them to forrce you to hold up your end of the bargain.

Has the hagwon purchased your ticket yet? They can usually change the date on it to give to a different prospect.

The visa can be canncelled just as easy as it was mafe by the hagwon owner. It is at their expense and you should just tell them that your plans changed and you will not be able to work for them...They will be angry and try to tell the contract is valid, but in reality they have you sign another contract in person once you arrive in Korea, regardless of any electronic signatures you have provided...Hope this helps

[HighTreason]

[tob55]

Unfortunately, they have all of your important documents. You back out at this point and it is likely your may never see you offical degree again. Some hagwon owners have been known to act with malice if they feel they have been slighted in some way...

You have an interesting situation and one that requires some delicate maneuvering to get out of...I'll send yo a PM with some thoughts...

[wylies99]

Try to get them back but, remember, you can replace your documents. If you think the hogwan is lying to you then you should avoid the place.

[ttompatz]

if they have actually applied for your visa issuance number then you are hooped for the next 90 days.

Once the number is issued it is valid for 90 days and immigration will NOT issue a 2nd number for you within that time frame.

AFTER the number is expired you can apply again.

This does not take into consideration the fact that you have lost your degree and will probably have to either complete your year with the hakwon to get it back (they usually keep them to prevent you from doing a runner)

OR

you can order a replacement copy of your degree from your UNI.

[wylies99]

A replacement copy of my degree cost about $25 and took a couple weeks.

[HighTreason]

Thank you all very much for your responses. Now does anyone have any comments on my second question. The one that asks: does it look I'm getting a bad shake or not. I suppose especially with the money. 2.1 million won looked pretty standard when I looked around at first, now it seems toward the lower end of the spectrum. I knew when I applied that this was very little money that would be difficult to live on, but I had thought it was standard for inexperienced teachers. Was I right or wrong. There are obviously those offering more, but are those positions that require experience and so forth that I couldn't get anyway? After all, the grass always looks greener...

[ttompatz]

[spliff]

[icicle]