Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Easter Clark]

I was just informed that the orientation for GEPIK teachers will be the first week of July (the last day will be Friday, the 4th). I have two problems with this:

1. If I take a week to go to this orientation, I will not finish my after-school classes before summer vacation. When I asked if I will get paid for those classes, I was told "I can't give you a straight answer right now."

2. I'm nearly in my 14th month at the same school. Because of scheduling I arrived just after last year's orientation. So in this case I feel that staying at the school and teaching my classes is much more beneficial to me than being told Korean food is hot and that I should try to work together with my coteachers.

Is there any way I can get out of going? What would happen if I took my sick days that week (on paper) and showed up to work? Should I call Dain Bae and talk to her about it, or would it be better to remain under the radar?

I'd really like some advice from people who have more than a couple of years' experience in Korea.

[marlow]

You can re-schedule your after school classes. And, then call in sick for the orientation.

[IncognitoHFX]

I'm going to that orientation too. That exact week is going to be an exam week at my school, which would've meant that I had the week off. Instead, this conference conveniently appears and cancels my entire vacation. Rats.

[Cerriowen]

No body has told me anything.

As usual.

Where is it? How long is it?

[maingman]

Easter Clark


nearly in my 14 month in my THIRD school
as my Primary Teacher used to say... keep smiling

[ttompatz]

After being here (in GEPIK) and at your school for MORE THAN 1 year - your attendance is NOT required (unless your school wants to send you).

If they choose to send you then you are going.

If you don't want to go, tell your co-teacher that you don't want to go.

IF you do go, network and enjoy yourself but don't play with fire extinguishers.

.

[Easter Clark]

[ttompatz]

[IncognitoHFX]

[ttompatz]

[tselem]

[IncognitoHFX]

[tob55]

I was at my PS in my third contract before I was told I had to attend the orientation. While the rumors and circulating information varies from time to time, my co-teacher told me at the time that GEPIK is beginning to make the orientations mandatory. What this means is between you and your school to decide. For me as a professional educator coming in with more than 20 years of teaching experience, I have to say little was of significant importance. NOT that I didn't learn a few things, BUT the whole experience is more for accountability on the part of GEPIK than it is to be viewed as a "training orientation." (IMO). I went and spent 4 days and three nights among some good, and not so good participants. Sure the regular party time characters will show up and get in trouble as they regularly do, but it can be fun in some ways.

The orientations are beginning to be scheduled on the regular exam days and other convenient times when it costs the school little in terms of losing your time in the classroom. You usually spend the three nights in a room of strangers that may or may not have their own schedule of events for the orientation, and most likely there will be some infraction of "the rules" that causes Dain Bae or Wenise Kim to get up and give a speech.

You can have fun and I can tell you some good and bad, but in the end you have to decide how good or bad the experience is for yourself. Too bad it is scheduled so people lose time off or free time at work.

It is casual for most people, but some people come in business casual or dress up depending on their particular style choice.

[TheUrbanMyth]

I got asked today and said "No thanks". And that was that.

[wylies99]