Korean Job Discussion Forums

T-dot · Joined: 16 May 2004 Location: bundang

I know agencies like SMOE and Epik offer a settlement allowance. I just have a few questions.

1. Does the allowance ever have to be paid back?
2. Do you get it every time you sign a contract (incl. renewals).
3. Can u use it at your own discretion or do you need receipts to justify the allowance?

nomad-ish · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 7:21 pm Post subject:

1. usually it states in the contract that if you leave before the 6 month mark, you have to pay back the settlement allowance
2. not if you're renewing... usually it states it's a one-time payment in the contract (after all, it's for dishes, household stuff, so you shouldn't need to purchase the same things again after a short home leave)
3. yes, from what i've been told. although i've heard of one school (from dave's) that purchased things for the teacher using his/her allowance without consent... also, i'm sure it wouldn't be a stretch for a bad/controlling school to make a stink about the native teacher providing receipts

jvalmer · Joined: 06 Jun 2003

When first start with epik, a few years ago, they gave me an evelop with 300k cash. So, yes, you can spend it on anything you want.

poet13 · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 10:20 pm Post subject:

And DON'T let your school spend it for you. I have heard of people showing up, and the co-teacher has spent it all buying crap that he or she thought the foreigner would need. It's yours to do with as you please.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

poet13 · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 11:40 pm Post subject:

"its yours to use to "resettle" your house as you see fit."

That means hookers too!