Korean Job Discussion Forums

[melvaughn]

Is it standard to have to pay back the flight costs TO korea if for whatever reason you leave 'voluntarily' or are dismissed within the 11 months. Here's a sample clause from a contract:

If the Instructor is dismissed or leaves the Institute voluntarily during the first eleven months of employment,s/he will reimburse the Institute for the cost of air transportation to Korea. The Institute will provide a receipt from the travel agency from which the ticket was purchased.

And if this is illegal, can someone please direct me to a labor law link that states otherwise. I always thought the costs should be waived after six months but can't find where it says this 'specifically' in the labor laws.
I would like to have actual proof that this clause isn't accurate.

[Tommy]

Flight (and housing I believe) don't come under labour law. It's up to the employee and the employer to come to an agreement on the flight, and you're right - the standard is 6 months.

This clause stating 11 months is pure BS. It's totally legit, but no one should agree to it. I came across a contract recently that stated 8 months, and when I asked why they said it's to encourage teachers to stay the full year.

[melvaughn]

My thoughts exactly. I can see how they wouldn't want to pay airfare or severance back to the employee's home if the contract is broken, but this is the first time I've seen a contract wanting full reimbursment of flight TO Korea.

[ttompatz]

It is strictly a contractual issue.

If anyone is stupid enough to agree to it, then they have no option but to live with it.