Korean Job Discussion Forums

[crabstix]

I've just looked at the 'English Teachers in Seoul' contract for SMOE. It looks a fair bit different to the GEPIK one in terms of what u are entitled to for housing. It says 'the employer MAY provide furniture such as a bed and table'
The GEPIK one says you MUST be provided with these essentials and even includes a washing machine.

Has anyone employed by SMOE ever NOT had a bed in their apartment. This is starting to worry me. I haven't signed it yet.

[Bibbitybop]

SMOE gives furnished apartments. Or hotel rooms if you get the crappy Co-op.

But you will have a bed. The only thing you may have to buy is dishes, towels, etc. Everyone gets the big stuff.

[bogey666]

I'll bet you I can guess wherer that comes from.

gepik hired "coordinators" with decent to good English skills to go over the contract (Dain Bae does this for sure).

I'd bet SMOE does/did not and I am willing to bet that they don't understand the full meaning and subtlety of "may".

for e.g. my vp at school often uses 'may' in cases where it goes beyond and above giving permission or allowing something. ( or in the Korean mind it's not about giving permission, it's merely an acceptance or indication of something)

so in their mind, you may get the furniture doesn't fully display the uncetainty aspect)

[Bibbitybop]

bogey, SMOE does an awful job of making the contract and handbook procedures clear. 4+ years of the SMOE ETIS program and every semester principals, co-teachers and foreign teachers are running around like chickens chasing answers and interpretations.