Korean Job Discussion Forums

b-rank · Joined: 09 Sep 2007

Hi, I just got to South Korea. I was offered a contract to teach at a school in Gumi City. The name of the school is ECC (English Centre for Children). So here's the deal...everything was in order for me to come, the flight was arranged and such, but I was brought here on short notice as another teacher's contract had expired and they needed the position filled as soon as possible, so originally, I was going to make a VISA run to Osaka in October to get everything taken care of and such. The school told me to bring all of my necessary documents with me and that we would worry about everything over here and such.

I got to Korea and met with the school administrators and that is when they told me that I was not a suitable candidate to teach at their school because they claimed to have concerns over my mobility (I hurt my leg playing soccer a few years back, but it's not so bad to the point where I absolutely can't walk). In the meantime, I'm trying to find another position and sent out a resume to a few different schools today but I'm a bit apprehensive as to whether I am going to face the same discrimination elsewhere (wouldn't surprise me if that did occur) but I'm so lost now because I don't even have money to pay for a ticket to go home and pretty well near broke too, so I'm really in a rut about a lot of things right now. I need a job, I need food and a bed to sleep in. I just want to work. So right now, I am here on a tourist VISA because again, I was supposed to go to Japan to take care of the VISA business next month.

I am feeling so jaded right now and very lost and I have next to no money left to survive right now. I doubt the Labour Board will do anything to help me, so in a big sense, I'm screwed in a big way. My recruiter meanwhile is trying to find another position for me so hopefully something turns up so I can get down to business. I came here to make money and save money and really do something positive for myself and my life but now everything is just painted black. If anyone has any advice for me, let me know or send me a personal message. I don't want to be on the street, but it looks as though that is about to happen, and part of me just really wants out of here and to just go home...

KarenWest1984 · Joined: 11 Sep 2007 Location: USA

That is terrible, how can they do such a thing? Why doesn't your recruitment agency do something about it? Surely, there's govt. departments in place to deal with such an awful academy...ECC is certainly not the place to work, & your recruiter should be shot!

hubba bubba · Joined: 24 Oct 2006

Korea, Sparkle.

I feel for ya. All I can really suggest is to use as many recruiters as you can. There are a ton of jobs, and SOMEONE SOMEWHERE really needs a white face ASAP. The fact that you are already here should work in your favor.

b-rank · Joined: 09 Sep 2007

can someone maybe suggest a few reputable schools in the seoul area that i might be able to consider? i'm in bucheon city right now but not sure for how much longer...

@karen...actually, my recruiter hasn't been all that bad, he's really trying to figure out a solution for me and hopefully does so soon...i need food and i need a job...having a close to zero bank account is kinda crappy to say the least so hopefully someone out there can put me to work, and i'm sure it's possible, which makes me think that possibly working at a public school would be better for me in comparison to a private one...

blondieLass · Joined: 30 Apr 2007 Location: Yongin, South Korea

How did you get in on a tourist visa without a return ticket home?
Sounds like things are giong bad for you and hope it all gets sorted out, but if things are really bad then there really is no place like home.

b-rank · Joined: 09 Sep 2007

as i said before, they told me i would enter on a tourist visa, and then go to japan in october to get everything for my e-2 sorted out...i came here under the impression that i had a contract and a job and so i just went with it...now i have this mess to deal with and no idea how to go about fixing it...i was flown out here on rush notice because a teacher at the school had her contract expire, so they needed her position filled asap and told me everything in terms of the legal side of things would be taken care of when i got here...

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

The joys of coming over on your own ticket AND without the protection of an E2 in your passport first.

Employer blinks and you are screwed. No cash for your ticket and not likely to be reimbursed by anyone else later for it either.

No job, no money, no prospects and no way home.

Take note newbies... this is NOT a good thing.

Now for the OP.

You are here and qualified.

Send your stuff to EVERY recruiter you can find. You should be able to land something within a week.

Follow through with a thorough follow-up (so your next school doesn't screw you too).

Get into their housing. Have them get your documents to immigration (4-7 days for processing) and make your visa run.

In between now and a new job you can look for a goshiwan (go she won) to stay in. They are cheap, and usually available by the week or month (payable in advance but no deposit - often for 100k per week or 300k per month). Often they include rice or instant noodles as snacks.

Good luck to you.

hubba bubba · Joined: 24 Oct 2006

If it were me, I'd be parking my ass in the ECC housing until I find something, maybe be working under the table for a bit. They've royally screwed you, and in most civilized countries, there would be laws to protect you (I think we call them anti-discrimination laws).

bejarano-korea · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

Sorry to hear about that mate - I wish I could be of some practical help but I do hope you get it sorted out soon. Take it easy and good luck with finding a goog gig.

Lonewolf · Joined: 02 Feb 2003

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

If things get really grim, call your embassy and ask for an emergency loan.

b-rank · Joined: 09 Sep 2007

@ya-ta boy...thankfully at the moment my head is still on straight and i have taken that possibility into consideration so i'm sure they could swing something for me to that effect i would like to hope...i just want to work people, all i ask...to all, thank you for your concerns and support, at this time it means a great deal, thanks again...

spliff · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand

Goes to show you shouldn't come here w/out a contract and visa already. Tough luck, but.....

mytime · Joined: 15 Oct 2006

Where are u staying now?
I mean sleeping, not which city

MarionG · Joined: 14 Sep 2006

Please keep coming on the board and letting us know how things are going. WHen you are talking to someone, on the phone, I'd say "By the way, I have an old sports injury that makes me limp, but I get around fine, is that a problem?"

That way, they won't 1) be surprised, or 2) use it as an excuse.