Korean Job Discussion Forums

egrog1717 · Joined: 12 Mar 2008

I started working for the SMOE back in August, and was told at the time that I would have to pre-pay for my flight as a result of my late arrival (4 days late to orientation as a result of the Toronto Consulate wanting interviews will all new E2 holders)...

Being a government run organization I figured "hey, no problem, they'll pay me back in full..."

Last month I received my flight reimbursement, and noticed that it was about $100cdn short of what it should be. Upon asking about this my co-teacher had no idea, but spent the better part of two and a half weeks calling the district office to inquire about it... Excuses ranged from "We don't have the budget" to "Because he is the only person to complain about this it is not a big deal"...

Finally got a hold of the email address for the head NSET wrangler for SMOE and sent him an email. Now, I was never told this before (literally) this morning - but SMOE reimbuses flight at the exchange rate on the day of purchase, not on the day of repayment...

Cost of ticket - $1110cdn
Exchange rate on purchase day - 1050 (approx)
Exchange rate on payment day - 1116 (approx)
Payment - 1,138,000 won
Loss of $92cdn (approx)

Unlike those who had their flights paid for them upfront, I've lost money on the deal... With the new E2 regulations and the declinging Won you would think that SMOE would be doing everything it can to keep its current teachers happy...

SO - word to the wise - do not pre-pay for your flight if you are working for SMOE...

(And for the record, had the rate gone up from the time of ticket purchase I would have still only expected to be paid the CND amount of the ticket...)

Xuanzang · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Location: Sadang

I think someone else posted about this already. It is a rip off swo that`s why I just took their Korean Air flight. Expensive and prepaid the way I like it.

egrog1717 · Joined: 12 Mar 2008

Xuanzang · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Location: Sadang

Korean Air service is better. Flight attendants prettier.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

District offices are usually lead my idiots and people unfamiliar with the NSET program. Go directly to the head office.

Then, if that fails, go to the labor board.

sojourner1 · Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2008 2:35 am Post subject:

I was paid around $100 less than flight cost, because they don't pay taxes, insurance, and bag fees. They only pay the part that is itemized as flight cost in your E ticket receipt; not accessory fees if wanna call them that. I'm with EPIK; not SMOE, but both are PS.

egrog1717 · Joined: 12 Mar 2008

egrog1717 · Joined: 12 Mar 2008

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

I was once reimbursed through SMOE. I got all my money, taxes and fees included. The amount on my credit card is what I was given.

Except no less.

egrog1717 · Joined: 12 Mar 2008

Binch Lover · Joined: 25 Jul 2005

prideofidaho · Joined: 19 Mar 2008

^
I have to agree with this.

I'd be happier if the re-imbursement was expediated...I had to wait three months.

Ramen · Joined: 15 Apr 2008

egrog1717 · Joined: 12 Mar 2008

farrepatt · Joined: 27 Jan 2008

My wife had the same thing happen with GEPIK this month too. The paid us for the exchange on the date we bought the tickets (when the rate was 1210) even though the rate was 1330 the day they paid us.

Last year when we came over, GEPIK paid us the exchange rate for the date they paid us and not the ticket date (since it was to their advantage then). My wife called GEPIK and was told that they have no official policy and the school's are free to decide if they want to pay the rate based on the purchase date or the payment date.