Korean Job Discussion Forums

[whatajerk]

The first time I changed Hagwon jobs here, (im on a F2 visa) I demanded and received a signing bonus in lieu of the airfare since i was already in Korea. At the end of my contract, i will receive cash for the estimated return airfare even though im not leaving. This was actually suggested by my previous Hagwon boss. Is it normal to get the airfare money at a public school in a similiar fashion or does it not count since im already in Korea?

[Otherside]

I was already in korea when I signed up with my public school.
No visa run was required (which they would have paid for), so they didn't give me anything for flight out. (which was actually out of my pocket as I had to reimburse my shady Hagwon).

When I tried to get money in lieu of airfare, they pointed to the contract which was against me. (GEPIK).

I get the feeling, I could have perhaps pushed for the airfare and gotten it as I was dealing directly with the school, but I was under quite a bit of pressure to get a job and my visa situation was pretty complex (and I managed to negotiate a bunch of other benefits which made me willing to take a bath on the airfare).

Moral of the story. Officially, you won't be able to get money in lieu of airfare, but if you deal directly with the school you may be able to negotiate something.

[spliff]

Impossible.