Korean Job Discussion Forums

Pericles · Joined: 12 Oct 2003

Hello,

I signed a contract with a school and sent the signed forms to the school in Korea. I am supposed to begin February 1st.

In the last few weeks the school has been impossible to contact and they have not responded to my attempts to contact them. I have not recieved a plane ticket or visa information. They scheduled an appointment to speak with me on the phone, but failed to call.

I have also not been contacted by the teacher who I am replacing, they told me she would contact me to answer my questions. Needless to say, I am concerned about this situation. Am I absolutely bound to work for this school now? If I do not accept a plane ticket can I still look elsewhere for a position?

I would like some information on my rights and obligations? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much.

Crois · Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2004 4:50 pm Post subject:

Where are you working? People might be able to help you out

Alex Buffa · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Location: South Korea

Relax, if your visa papers are not completed within 3 months of the signature date of the contract, you are free to seek employment in another work location.

My suggestion to you is to sign with another school and pre-date the contract before your last school's signature and apply to immigration.

This way if your current school tries to get papers (which I suspect they have not) they won't be enforcable.

Go get a different job..you'll be fine.

Alex

riverboy · Joined: 03 Jun 2003 Location: Incheon

Stay away, Obviously something is going on here. If you can contact them, then tell them a lie, like you got another job ar you have a sick uncle. Ask them to get your documents back and move on. Sound like a risky position. Although you are always taking a risk when signing a contract over here.

Miles · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Location: In limbo

sadsac · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: Gwangwang

Look for a new job. Did you send your required documents along with the signed contract? Even if you have, you can still sign with another school. The blue paper they send you for your E2 is the most important document you need prior to departure. If you get two, process the one for the schoolin which you wish to work, or alternately lie and say you have not received it, Immigration will not issue a replacement until after 90 days. I know this because FedEx lost one for a prospective teacher and we had to forgo hiring him because of this error.

Pericles · Joined: 12 Oct 2003

I did send information with the contract, including authorized copies of my degrees, my cv, copies of passport, photos, etc. However, I have not heard from them since I sent that package in December. I have also not recieved any visa information ("blue paper").

I have another job offer from a reputable school that I have investigated well. Should I accept? Will they be able to get a work visa for me? What if the other school applied for one, but did not send it? Would that prevent me from signing with another school?

Thank you for your help.

Miles · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Location: In limbo

Don't sweat, Pericles.
Your application and the contract you signed for the first school have probably been in the garbage for weeks already.
If you're satisfied with the school you have researched well and that has offered you a job, snap it up, sign the contract, send off your stuff and once they send you back the blue paper for your visa you're all set, no worries.
If the other school has already filed paperwork on your behalf (very unlikely), there may be a problem, but you'll know soon enough because the new school will let you know. Don't waste any more time, I wouldn't even contact those guys again, just accept any other job you're happy with and get the deal finalised ASAP.

prairieboy · Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Location: The batcave.

Look for another job.

If you find a place that wants you and they get you to sign a contract, then they will try to get a "blue paper" for you. At that point, Immigration will either issue the paper or they will say they've already issued one for you with another school.

Most likely, as the others have stated, your papers have been garbaged. The school is avoiding contact with you, so look for a new job. There's nothing wrong with shopping around instead of hanging in limbo waiting for a contact that may never come.

Cheers and goodluck.