Korean Job Discussion Forums

philipjames · Joined: 03 Feb 2003

I need some information.

My teaching experience in Korea was a nightmare. However, before returning to Canada I was interviewed for another teaching job (I assumed they couldn't all be bad) and actually signed a contract.

However, after signing the contract the hogwan owner said he would get me a visa "after three months". Alarm bells began rining in my head. Here we go again. Corrupt bastards! I also found out there were no other foreign teachers at the school (although the recruiter had told me there were two other Canadians). I wasn't willing to be exploited again.

The short of it is that I returned to Canada. Unfortunately, however, I might have to return to Korea to secure work again. I'm not happy about it, but a person must make a living. Since I signed the other contract, but did not actually begin the job (again, due to the alarm bells and the dishonesty of the hogwan owner and recruiter)....have I created a situation for myself ? Will I be able to sign at a respectable school, or am I screwed because I signed the earlier contract?

Any informed opinions will be welcomed.

THanks.

Zyzyfer · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2003 6:54 pm Post subject:

If you didn't receive anything from the contract and haven't secured a visa for the workplace, I don't really think backing out of the contract will be devastating to your ability to come to Korea.

The Bobster · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

The Big Z can be trusted on this one. The contract is just a smudged peice of paper until it's been submitted and processed through immigration and comes out the other side as a visa. Have no worries about applying elsewhere. You were wise to be careful - for one thing, I'd wager you'd a have been toiling in this hagwon's fields for 15 months before being eligible for the severance bonus because none of the work is official and real until the E-2 is in your passport.

Goodluck and hope to see you here in a while.

chi-chi · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

mods you may delete

captain kirk · Joined: 29 Jan 2003

until you get over to japan to get the e-2 stamp in your passport you are not anybody's anything. without that last step of getting the e-2 stamp you are definately unattached.

philipjames · Joined: 03 Feb 2003

Thank you very much to those who offered me useful information on this visa matter. It was very helpful.

Thank you,

Philip James