Korean Job Discussion Forums

Canuckophile · Joined: 30 Jan 2003

My incompetent hogwon (nice people but too stupid to run even a hot dog stand) is terminating my contract earlier than promised for financial reasons. The job will end at the end of December (unless they change their minds AGAIN and terminate it even earlier; last month I was assured they'd honor it thru the end of Feb., when the E2 visa runs out).

I would like to stay in Korea working until mid-May if at all possible. Can I get other LEGAL work for this 5 month period?

I am thinking of WINTER and SPRING camps. I have read the older thread on legal issues - I will not work anywhere in Korea without a proper visa - just don't like taking those risks, so anyone who replies can skip over this discussion. (ONE QUESTION THOUGH: I think there's a special visa for camps? What's it called?)

What is the TIME PERIOD for winter camps? Dec or Jan? (I can leave a bit early, I'm sure - my hogwon is definitely going broke). What's the timing for spring camps? How long do the camps last? What's the typical salary range? Any bennies (like health insurance?)

And again, are there legal options for working for just a few months? I understand the K govt doesn't like to issue E2s for less than a year. Mine actually doesn't run out until March, but I can't teach in a camp with this visa anyway. (I think I'm OK staying, however-- even without a job-- until a new visa is issued. Is this correct?)

THANKS - and another question would be - if not Korea, where is a good place to go to teach for a few months without all the Korean visa crap? I'm a good teacher, take things seriously and all that--even enjoy teaching kindies! -- and as long as I could be sure of getting paid something reasonable, I'd gladly look into another country - warmer would be nice Very Happy

CANUCKOPHILE

Lost Seoul · Joined: 10 Jan 2003

As most ESL contracts in Korea are designed for a year you will find it very hard to get a five month contract.

Make sure you get a signed letter of release from your employer.

For info on winter camps check out the link below.

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=4427

Canuckophile · Joined: 30 Jan 2003

Lost Seoul -
Thanks, but I had reviewed this thread -mostly about legal issues and some of the "bad things" we all know can happen in Korea.

I still don't know what kind of visa is required? One person mentioned F4 but I think I remember that that 's the Kyopo visa (Korean-American/Cdn or whatever).

Also when will camps run this year? I saw one post for camp starting Dec 20 - but Idon't know if there is one special time or just a general time frame for winter camps.

I know it will be difficult to get a 5 month job- that's why I'm looking at the camps..... But thanks anyway, Lost Seoul... maybe others will join in now so I can get some of the information I need.

CANUCKOPHILE

Emma Clare · Joined: 24 May 2003 Location: Anseong, sung, song.

I worked a summer camp here for a month. Very good pay too (3.7, cash in hand) I had a C4 short term working visa (Valid for 3 months)

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

Its called a C-4 VISA. The university or camp will arrange them for you.

Mine was good for 3 months but only through that employer. They actually wrote the name of my summer camp university in with the passport stamp.

My contract was 4 million won for 4 weeks down in JinJu.. at a university there. They usually advertise for their camps about two months before it happens.

SUMMER CAMPS could start as soon as the of June and possibly into the first week of September.. with prime time being July/August.

WINTER CAMPS are almost always December/January. Usually start up right before New Years Eve.. (so expect to spend it in Korea) and finish near the end of January.

You should start seeing advertisements for Winter Camps at anytime now.. but moreso as they get even closer.

Regarding your plan to stay until mid-May.. there aren't any camps between wintercamp season and summercamp season.

Austin · Joined: 23 May 2003 Location: In the kitchen

Emma Clare,

We are going again and trying for ten for this winter.

Keep your ears open for me, if you do not mind.

Austin

The Lemon · Joined: 11 Jan 2003

Posting for "FUBAR":
___________

You might be thinking about the Working Holiday Visa (H1 visa).

http://www.workingholiday.com/old_workingholiday/english/wh/3-1.html#1

I think it's possible to get a 6 month contract. When I left my school they were going to hire this teacher for a 6 month gig. However, another teacher came along who was willing to work for a full year AND 300,000 won cheaper per month. Needless to say, you know who got the job.

Not sure of the dates of the winter camps. My middle school doesn't finish until December 31st. But that might just be Busan.

Canuckophile · Joined: 30 Jan 2003

For some reason I didn't get a notification when these replies came in (except the first - to which I responded).

Thanks for the tips, folks. I am applying now to the winter camps and will keep my fingers crossed.
CANUCKOPHILE