Korean Job Discussion Forums

[princess]

I wa just told that since I was hired in Korea, that I have to pay my own flight back to the states. Does this sound right? It doesn't make sense. I thought airfare was standard, whether it is in the contract or not, and whether you were hired in Korea or not.

[Ramen]

[princess]

Unfortunately, my contract says nothing about return airfare. But, they paid my way to Japan for the visa run, and that isn't in the contract either. I guess they just pick whatever they want to do with us to their liking.

[cruisemonkey]

[T-J]

This is going to sound like a flame, but it really is a legitimate question.


What the hell do they teach in college these days? Really, I'm beside myself.

[ontheway]

Airfare is not a legally mandated fringe benefit. That being said, it is more important to note that even those things that ARE legally mandated should be in your contract.

If you get a contract that does not mention health insurance, pension or taxes, it is a sure sign that the school does NOT intend to give you those things. Even when they are in the contract, teachers will often have trouble getting their correct benefits and deductions. But, whatever you think you should be getting, legally mandated or not, make sure it's in your contract.

Most of the time there is no point in trying to fix major items in a contract. You can negotiate hours, vacation, pay, overtime and other rates, but a school that has omitted major items like airfare, taxes pension, health insurance, overtime, etc., (unless the owner/managers are just new and bad at contract writing) has already showed its hand. Some schools will resist or refuse to change the contract and just look for an easier victim. Others will go along and make the changes you request, but not honor the contract. Many dishonest owners will promise you whatever you've asked for since they already intend to cheat you. They just cheat more - a bigger win. If the original contract is really bad, move on.

A good school will come with a pretty good contract from the outset. In a really good school, the contract is well written, major items are listed and guaranteed, and there is very little that the school will negotiate since what they're offering is already exceeds the competitive standard.

[princess]

[Ramen]

[ChinaBoy]