Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Looking East]

In Gwanuk-Gu, Seoul (I haven't left yet... three weeks and counting so forgive the spelling if it's wrong) Anyone heard of it? I spoke with an American and a Brit that work there who are friends and they seem to like the place. No problems to relate with housing/pay/kids/other teachers and such. Of course, the director could've had a gun to their head. The revised contract looks fine and I'm good to go, but I thought I'd make one last check with the ESL watchdogs.

[garykasparov]

It sounds like you visited the teachers on site, obtained good information, that will help you. Please provide more information so forum members can give you feedback. If not, then I will respect your decision.

Working Hours

( 1 ) What are your working hours?
( 2 ) When do you prepare for your classes?
( 3 ) How long do you prepare for your classes?
( 4 ) How long are your breaks?
( 5 ) Does your employer allow you to use your breaks freely?
( 6 ) How many classes do you teach per day?
( 7 ) How much time do you spend teaching per class?
( 8 ) What hours do you work during the summer vacation, winter vacation, and weekends?

Job Duties

( 1 ) What job duties do you perform that are not written in your contract?
( 2 ) How often do you perform the above duties?

Wages & Overtime Wages

( 1 ) Does your employer always pay overtime wages?
( 2 ) Does your employer pay your wages in cash or deposit your wages into your Korean bank account?
( 3 ) How does your employer calculate overtime wages?

Pay receipt

( 1 ) Does your employer provide pay receipts that clearly state the date of pay, pay period dates, overtime wages earned, monthly salary including deductions from your monthly salary for ( 1 ) pension, ( 2 ) income tax and ( 3 ) health insurance?

Health Insurance

( 1 ) Has your employer provided you with a health insurance card?
( 2 ) Does your employer pay contributions for both parties to the National Health Insurance Corporation?
( 3 ) Does your employer respect your right to medical privacy?

Pension

( 1 ) Does your employer pay into the Korean Pension Plan?

Income Taxes

( 1 ) Does your employer always deduct the correct amount for income taxes from your monthly salary?
( 2 ) Does your employer pay deductions from your monthly salary for income taxes to the tax office?

Severance Pay

( 1 ) Does your employer always pay severance pay upon completion of the contract?

Living Conditions

( 1 ) Was your apartment clean upon arrival?
( 2 ) Were you provided with all the furnishings as stated in your contract?
( 3 ) Were all the furnishings/appliances in working order when you moved into your apartment?
( 4 ) Are the bills in your name or your employer's name?
( 5 ) If the bills are in your employer's name, does your employer deduct the correct amount from your monthly salary for utilities?
( 6 ) Does your employer respect your right to privacy?

Paid Annual Leave

( 1 ) When and how do you use your paid annual leave?

Dismissal

( 1 ) Does your employer have a reputation of dismissing teachers for the sole purpose of not paying them last month�s wages, airfare and severance pay?

Financial

( 1 ) Is the school in financial trouble?

Discipline Methods

( 1 ) Is your employer abusive towards students?
( 2 ) Is your employer abusive towards teachers?

Paid Sick Leave

( 1 ) Have you used a paid sick leave day?
( 2 ) If yes to ( 1 ), how did your employer react?
( 3 ) If teachers use a day of paid sick leave, does your employer require them to work another day to make up for the hours missed?

Students/Teachers

( 1 ) How many students attend the school?
( 2 ) How many foreign teachers and Korean teachers work at the school?

[Looking East]

I have taught in Spain at several language schools and never had to go through such a process as this before the first day. Though, it has been worth it and the people here have been so helpful, which, I know, is what you are trying to do now. However, I went over all of this in the 'Contract thread post sticky whatever' and got a new revised contract that is above par for a first year teacher in Korea... and seeing as I haven't left for Seoul yet, I certainly can't answer questions like:


( 1 ) Have you used a paid sick leave day?
( 2 ) If yes to ( 1 ), how did your employer react?


I do appreciate your help but I am almost 100% with this place, I just want to see if anyone has ANY information about it.

Thanks,

East

[Big4Jerm3]

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[Looking East]

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