Korean Job Discussion Forums

[elliemk]

I've seen many threads on this topic and read them all. I have an idea and would like your input about it.

If we started an e-mail and letter-writing campaign to Korean immigration, Korean lawmakers and the current Korean president, it might just make a difference.

Here's the gist of my idea.

1). We post a list (make it a sticky, maybe?) of all email addresses and postal addresses for immigration offices, all current lawmakers at the national level (including the current president and the president elect). If we can't make it a sticky or post it all on Dave's, maybe someone could host it on his/her Web site.

2). We write a letter in Korean and English asking for what current E-2 visa holders want: things like having a grace period to provide criminal check, not having to constantly verify degrees, etc. (Feel free to add to the list.) The letter will be tactful and respectful, while at the same time airing our concerns, desire to contribute to Korean society by teaching, etc.)

3). We distribute information about the letter writing campaign to all known E-2 visa holders to the best of our ability (putting notices up at foreigner bars, posting on various forums around the Net, such as Pusan Web, etc.)

4). We take an hour or so to send letter (which could be cut and pasted) to all addresses. In another two hours or so, we could print the letters, stick them in an envelope and add a physical letter to the e-mails.

5). We contact all the newspapers and advise them of our letter-writing campaign.

6). We ask directors of hagwons, universities, etc. to join us. We also ask Korean friends and relatives to join us. We also ask people who have lost their jobs (as one poster in the E-2 Guidelines thread did), people who are leaving because of the expense and hassle, recruiters, etc. to join us. I know there are some who would consider doing so. Every voice adds to the possible impact.

F visa holders and those currently not in the country would not be doing this, but if they wanted to add their voices to the letter-writing campaign, all the better.

I realize this is not the United States or any other country. This is Korea, and the wheels move slowly and sometimes seem not to move at all. That's not that much different from the U.S. or other countries, really.

But maybe, just maybe, a massive campaign like this might eventually make a difference. They have our documents and verifications in the computer already, and immigration can check them (as they did when I left the country for my visa run on the 25th of November). So really, it's just utilizing the system they already have.

A lot of us have time on our hands, at least I do, and I know I'm not alone.

I would be willing to compile the list to the best of my ability, but would like someone else to help me with it. I would also be willing to write the letter in English, and someone else could translate it into Korean (unless one of the free online translation services would be okay). I would write the letter, post it for suggestions and changes, etc.

Also, I"ll be willing to head things up in terms of e-mails by having people e-mail me so I can make a master list, etc.

However, I'm not a control freak, and so if anyone wanted to do or help in the things I've said I'd do, feel free to let me know.

Obviously, the only way this could possibly work is if we all work together and make a commitment to follow through.

If we hustle, we can get it done by the end of the month! Maybe it will be a very Happy New Year as a result.

Also, if F visa holders have issues they want addressed, we can include those and them in the campaign.

So, what do you think? Is it worth it? Want to join? Please don't PM me. If you want to join, email me - elliemk at mindspring dot com. That way I can make a folder to add to as time goes on.

[diablo3]

Another idea is to tell the schools to pay for medical/background checks once the teacher arrives in Korea since salaries have not risen and processing costs have risen.

[elliemk]

Good one, will add that to the list!

[Bibbitybop]

You are on the right track, but here is something more concrete and underway:

http://metropolitician.blogs.com/scribblings_of_the_metrop/2007/12/a-realistic-pro.html

[The_Conservative]

[mj roach]

Given the 'defensive' nature of the culture, 'a massive campaign' is more likely to produce negative results than positive.

There is an 'old money/family' - ' school alumni' power elite network in Korea, as there is in most (all) countries.

There are members of the 'power elite' who are genuinely concerned about the 'inter-related set' of problems in the EFL industry, including the treatment of some (many) E-2 visa holders working for disreputable hakwan owners.

It would be more productive to work 'behind the scene' with sympathetic
Korean 'power brokers', who would then inform and influence government policy makers.

[Optimus Prime]

The only thing that will work is when there are hardly any foreigners in Korea, and they are left wondering, "Where did our white monkeys go?!?!"

Any action on your part will only invite more vilification and racism on the part of Koreans.

[Bibbitybop]