Korean Job Discussion Forums

jurassic82 · Joined: 21 Jun 2006 Location: Somewhere!!!!

I was looking for some advice from some of you out there that work for EPIK. I am currently job searching for a public school job in Seoul and had a few questions. The first on their advertisement they say that they reimburse the airfare. For those of you who have delt with them before is it possible to get them to pay for the airfare upfront or is this non negotiable? Also, I know it varys from Public School to Public School when it comes to the amount of vacation time you get. Is it possible to find out ahead of time if they are going to give you the whole summer or winter break off or do you kind of have to just wait and see? Anyways, I would appreciate any feedback on either of these two questions. THANKS Very Happy

chris_J2 · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Location: From Brisbane, Au.

EPIK don't look after Seoul positions. SMOE does.

Airfare Upfront: There's a separate current thread. I paid upfront & GEPIK/EPIK reimbursed me on arrival in Korea.

Your PS contract stipulutes 7 working days in winter, & 7 working days in summer. Tack it on to public holidays, to stretch it out. Any additional rec leave is at the Principals discretion.

jurassic82 · Joined: 21 Jun 2006 Location: Somewhere!!!!

I'm sorry about the confusion with EPIK. I meant SMOE but I guess for that matter EPIK and GPIK, also. Regardless, is there anyone who delt with them (SMOE) recently that were able to get there plane ticket up front? Do you think going through a recruiter would be the best way of trying to go about it? I have been in Korea two years now and have yet to pay for a plane ticket up front. I have just heard too many stories of people waiting a long time trying to get their airfare back. Again, sorry about the confusion. Confused

KYC · Joined: 11 May 2006

ernie · Joined: 05 Aug 2006 Location: asdfghjk

don't expect SMOE to negotiate AT ALL. i guess it's the korean way: they will nickel and dime a discount wherever and whenever they can, but refuse to give an inch when it's not in their interest to bargain.

mnhnhyouh · Joined: 21 Nov 2006 Location: The Middle Kingdom

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

Bottom line -

IF you are here and have some experience you have an equal bargaining position and can negotiate some minor terms (like holiday time and pay raises).

If you are here and are wanted you have a superior bargaining position and can pretty much write your own contract (within the guideline maximums).

If you are abroad and are nothing special (as in just a Bachelor's degree and no additional classroom experience or certifications) then you get the basic package. About the only wiggle space is the airfare (prepaid or reimbursed).

.