Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Whistleblower]

Hello all. Just wondering whether any of you know anything about this Compulsory Seminar for Teachers organised between the Korean Government and Immigration.

I received a document via email with details of this seminar and I am also curious to know who else received this and whether they are going to it.

[aphase]

they've had this every year since I first came here 4 years ago. it really sucks. Basically its introducing you to all the wonders of Korea, such as kimichi prevents a wide variety of diseases blah blah blah, and also i remember the 1 time i was forced to go, there was some lady giving a talk about how some overweight teacher came to korea and felt depressed about being fat because some korean people kept reminding her of the fact. This amazingly caused her to lose weight, and become happy. That was a really weird speech that lady gave. She made it sound like it was a positive thing that everyone was criticizing her weight, haha. They also talk about some obvious things you should not do as a teacher.

But yeah, I was supposed to go my first year, but I just signed in, ate a good lunch of bulgogi, and signed out after it was finished. The second time I was requested to go, the manager of the hakwon i was working at accompanied me.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

Gosh, how ridiculous. 'All teachers' in Korea (or even Seoul) are going to fit into one hall. I love the thinking that giving us a Korean cultural pep-rally is somehow going to improve things for anyone.

[bobranger]

Goverment's waste of tax dollars

[Whistleblower]

I am just wondering if this seminar is compulsory what are the implications if a teacher does not turn up.

Has anyone else been to this type of seminar? Is it really that bad?

[aphase]

a lot of times, hakwons just send one teacher to represent the entire school. Thats usually the case, or sometimes they don't send their teachers at all. I really also doubt that every teacher could fit in there if they did all go.

[Whistleblower]

*bumpty bump.

[ttompatz]

The seminar is put on by the "Association of Foreign Language Institutes of Korea" and NOT by immigration.

Immigration does however (at the behest of the association) send a junior counter officer to tell you about things like "not overstaying your visa" and not to do "private teachings" or other activities that are outside your permitted activities under your status of sojourn.

Attendance is NOT compulsory by anyone other than your employer and they (the association or your school) cannot legally fine you for non attendance (it is contrary to labor law) unless they do it during your regularly scheduled work day and you are paid for your attendance.

If you are new to Korea it MAY give you some insight into how your Korean owner views you (as property or a commodity to do as you are told).

At least they provide lunch (such as it is).

.

[agoodmouse]

The part about attendance being taken lends itself to being interpreted by teachers as a mandate to show up. Why should attendance be taken? It's misleading.