Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jlb]

So I just finished up at my hagwon today (yeah!). That was all good. For September, I found a new job at a university (a reputable one at that). I signed a contract starting on September 1st, asked them if going on my visa run (mini-vacation) from Aug. 27-30 was all good. They said yes.

I got the email of the English coordinator and have been asking them for about 2 weeks now if we could meet up so I could get books/see my office, etc. No response except my schedule but nothing else. Strange but whatever, I thought to myself, I've still got 2 weeks before classes start to get organized.

At my hagwon, I taught one of the students who is going to the university I will be working at. She said, "See you on Tuesday" because I will be her teacher there (Random!). I said, What the heck are you talking about, classes start in Sept. Uhhh...no, this Monday she says.

So I email the international coordinator that I've been dealing with and she says that people are expected to just work before their contract date. Okay for people who are just re-signing but I literally had no idea until yesterday. I'm packing/moving Monday and Tuesday and then heading to Japan next week so I literally can't do it.

I email the English department person and their response is to email me and tell me the books I can use for some classes and that I can pick my own for others. I have no idea even what classes I'm teaching! I have asked 2 times for a meeting but no time or day is ever suggested.

So I email back and say:

I had no idea that classes start on Monday, why did no one tell me? Also, that I'm literally out of the country next week. And also that I'm not so keen on working illegally before I have a visa.

Seriously, am I in the right to think this is just crazy and disorganized? Off to a bad start, that's for sure.

[MarionG]

Before I ever came here I read about how last minute everything is in Korea, and how you're never told anything until, yes, that's right, the last minute.

Sounds like you've received a baptism by fire on that "last-minuteness."

I just found out today that my hogwon considers working for another employer, with their consent, as overtime, hence I only get overtime pay. In this case, it means the hogwon makes 70% of what I'm paid, and I make 30%. Not gonna do it...

[happeningthang]

I experienced almost the same thing when I started my last job in a uni. I had no handover, no information other than what I could glean off the uni website - and was told last minute that classes actually start the week before the semester (and the contract) starts.

I mentioned this to the Head of the English Department, and he said it wasn't that big a deal since the first week is an orientation period and hardly anyone shows up for it. Basically, I didn't show up and nothing was said...

[jlb]

Yeah, that will be my plan. Just lay low for next week and I will be in Japan for the week after. I would like to do some sort of preparation though. The uni. doesn't seem so organized as to help me do this though.

[jinks]

Don't sweat it jlb, the other new teacher isn't actually turning up until the 24th, there is an ugly ANOMOLY with this university's contract start date and term time start date, and they know it. On your first year they are forgiving and accommodating of those who can't get here before the contract start date.
Like I said, don't worry. Once you're here admin and faculty just leave you alone apart from the odd dinner, teachers are left to look after ourselves! It's better that way, no "managing".
Looking forward to seeing you when you get here.