Korean Job Discussion Forums

fromtheuk · Joined: 31 Mar 2007

My co-teacher spoke with Wenise Kim today, my contract ends on May 13th. The 2 week renewal break will have to be taken in Summer. Why?

Because a 2 week break during April/May would conflict with our teaching schedule, Wenise explained my school is not being awkward, but I can't take a break during the school semester.

So, if you work at a p.s. in Gyeonggi and you renew your contract during class time, be aware you may have to take the 2 week break at a later date.

mrsquirrel · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

You posted that same thing the other day.

fromtheuk · Joined: 31 Mar 2007

Yes, but this is confirmation. Laughing

ceesgetdegrees · Joined: 12 Jul 2007

It makes sense though. If you are going to renew then just wait for the extra vacation over the summer, it's only another month and a half anyways.

Dome Vans · Guest

It depends how it's worded in the contract.

My contract is up at the end of June, I will re-sign. I have the two week clause in it that I will exercise, even though it's another four weeks to the summer vacation.

It's not my fault that I started during the school year. If it's there in writing you should be able to take it.

Atavistic · Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 10:46 pm Post subject: Re: Gyeonggi renewal

nomad-ish · Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 11:14 pm Post subject: Re: Gyeonggi renewal

fromtheuk · Joined: 31 Mar 2007

How can a foreigner enforce their contract when the likes of Wenise Kim even agree this is something the employer is allowed to do in the contract.

The bit about not being able to take a break which conflicts with school schedule is relevant to this.

I've checked, in May there are two 3-day weekends, and if I go back home in July/August, at least the weather will be good in England.

I can also check I get my severance and housing deposit on time because I will be here to irritate the admin centre at my school.

As I'm married, I cannot be bothered to make idle threats about leaving and then have to find another school to go to. If I found another job through GEPIK I believe I'd need to submit all of the documents again, which I can't be bothered to do.

Thankfully, I will still get the 2 week break, but at a later date, that's one plus, at least I know I will get the vacation time eventuallly (unlike working at a hagwon).

I am quite settled where I am and my new co-teacher is fairly pleasant.

Interestingly, I've not heard from some recruiters I've recently contacted. I remember before I came to Korea I was inundated with offers from recruiters, but nowadays they never seem to reply.

This would mean I'd have to go through GEPIK to get another job and I can't be bothered with filling in all of those forms and submitting the documents again.

laogaiguk · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Location: somewhere in Korea

This is just me, but I wouldn't care. As long as I still got it (fully), I would just take it later. But I also understand some people might have things going on at home during that time or other reasons to have it at a specific time.

Binch Lover · Joined: 25 Jul 2005

What sort of a name is Wenise? Hahahahahaha

aarontendo · Joined: 08 Feb 2006 Location: Daegu-ish

Seems a no brainer that you'd take it during school vacation time.

nomad-ish · Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 11:39 pm Post subject:

vdowd · Joined: 11 Feb 2003 Location: Iksan

I can understand the school position and that Wenise confirmed it by phone BUT I would get this in writing with the exact dates with the reason (to ensure payment for all time). Sorry but if they have left it this late to inform you of the problem, I would not trust that their thinking would not change again. GET IT IN WRITING.

fromtheuk · Joined: 31 Mar 2007

With respect nomad-ish, my Principal doesn't know his bottom from his elbow on this issue. Because all answers to this issue have come from contact with the board of education, and not my school or Principal.

I think it is melodramatic to suggest the school will do whatever they want with me. I agree, it's not an ideal situation, but I prefer to stay here because I can't be bothered to move.

My co-teacher explained which dates are available for me to take in July/August today.

This issue is already in writing, it's in my contract, about not being able to take breaks when classes are in progress.

poet13 · Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 11:56 pm Post subject:

I'm in EPIK. I renewed during the school year, September.
The school said I should take my home leave during the scholl year as the contract states (2 weeks prior to renewal). I argued that it didn't make sense and that I preferred to take it in Jan-Feb when my family was going to go to Canada to meet family for the first time.. They agreed to it. In the space of five weeks (dec-Jan), both my Grandmothers died.
Trip to Canada cancelled. I told the school and said I would reschedule for summer.
School came back and said if you dont' use it Jan-Feb, you lose it and the airfare.
It is now March. According to them, I have lost those contractually agreed items.

Yes, it may make sense to tkae it during school break, but on the other hand....you run the risk of getting boinked.
This year, as my wife will be due at about that time, I will be taking my renewal home leave during the school year. I'm not getting boinked that way again.