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winterfall
Joined: 21 May 2009
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 Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 1:53 pm Post subject: Can SMOE place someone outside Seoul? |
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Hey,
I already signed off on a SMOE contract. But, I'll be living outside Seoul. I got a feeling my recruiter is confused but, my recruiter let me know that all attempts will be made to place me in Ujeongbu. So I don't have to commute too long.
I thought Ujeongbu was with GEPIK? So SMOE doesn't have the power to place me in Ujeongbu right?
I won't know for sure until after orientation. But, I've already drafted my resignation letter. I signed off to work in Seoul and if I'm placed outside Seoul. Than they broke the contract and I have no obligation to honor it.
Just to double check with you guys. This is a legally valid reason to run right? I never thought I'd have a problem like this with SMOE. But, apparently I do.
Thanks for your advice. |
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alphakennyone
Joined: 01 Aug 2005
Location: city heights
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| Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 1:59 pm Post subject: |
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Uhh, what? Are you sure you ever even interviewed with SMOE and signed an SMOE contract?!
Nobody even knows their placement yet. What recruiter did you use? |
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winterfall
Joined: 21 May 2009
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| Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 2:32 pm Post subject: |
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| yup it was definitely a SMOE contract. Recruiter was Eduvisor. |
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alphakennyone
Joined: 01 Aug 2005
Location: city heights
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| Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 2:37 pm Post subject: |
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| It doesn't sound likely or feasible to me, because you're right, Uijeongbu is outside of Seoul. Maybe this is a result of over-hiring? I'm curious as to why they'd even be talking about placement to you right now as I don't think the amateurish recruiters have much or any control over that. Maybe you should try to contact SMOE directly? |
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winterfall
Joined: 21 May 2009
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| Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 3:26 pm Post subject: |
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Placement in Ujeongbu is what my recruiter told me. I have no idea what SMOE is planning.
I don't have any direct connections to SMOE, everything I did went through the recruiter first. I don't even know the full name of the guy that interviewed me. I just know him as Jon, the English coordinator. |
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DeLaRed
Joined: 16 Oct 2008
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| Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 3:53 pm Post subject: |
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| surpised they told you your location.....as someone menetioned before, you aren't usually told until after the orientation(unless they changed their policy which is unlikely) |
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kiwigirl :O)
Joined: 05 Jan 2006
Location: Bundang
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| Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 4:31 pm Post subject: |
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yes.....they can!
I worked for SMOE last year and I worked at their english village in Gapyeong "SEEC" (seoul english education center)...this was technically in Gyeonggido...
I had an in person interview in Seoul at SMOE and they offered me a choice of public school but not knowing where or going to the english village...
after 2 years in hagwons I chose going to an english village (it was a good experience but I didnt like living in the countryside)
I think that most of the time you will be within the Seoul subway system vicinity...having said that you could be at the far reaches of Seoul...
good luck...(after your first year of service you have more pulling power and could possibly request where you want to go...and have a good chance in getting your chosen area) the only thing is you find out within a week of going..
kg  
good luck.... |
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Xuanzang
Joined: 10 Apr 2007
Location: Sadang
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| Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 4:48 pm Post subject: |
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| Hope it wasnt one of those schools using fake contracts like another thread on here was saying about EPIK. |
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BabaNaja
Joined: 12 Apr 2009
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| Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 7:15 pm Post subject: |
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SMOE places people where They want, and sadly we seem to have little or no control over that. From what it sounds like, the recruiter thought you Wanted to be placed near Ujeongbu to decrease your commute time. That's why they told you "all attempts will be made to place me in Ujeongbu." They were trying to make you think you had control over your placement, because they don't want to loose the money they can make off you. If you think that your recruiter is going to try really hard to get you placed near Ujeongbu, then you better clarify what you want with them, just in case they are able to have any influence.
Because you signed a contract with SMOE, which does not specify a particular school, I believe they can place you anywhere within the "Seoul Metropolitan Department Of Education." That being said, I think it's doubtful that they would place you in a GEPIK location.
SMOE also doesn't provide letters of release, so if you think you won't want to work where they place you then I would suggest trying to get out of your contract NOW. I don't know if it's possible, but you can try. Once your visa is processed, and they have assigned you to a school (at orientation), they really won't want to let you go. |
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reactionary
Joined: 22 Oct 2006
Location: korreia
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| Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 7:18 pm Post subject: |
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| kiwigirl :O) wrote: |
yes.....they can!
I worked for SMOE last year and I worked at their english village in Gapyeong "SEEC" (seoul english education center)...this was technically in Gyeonggido...
I had an in person interview in Seoul at SMOE and they offered me a choice of public school but not knowing where or going to the english village...
after 2 years in hagwons I chose going to an english village (it was a good experience but I didnt like living in the countryside)
I think that most of the time you will be within the Seoul subway system vicinity...having said that you could be at the far reaches of Seoul...
good luck...(after your first year of service you have more pulling power and could possibly request where you want to go...and have a good chance in getting your chosen area) the only thing is you find out within a week of going..
kg
good luck.... |
Your situation sounds a bit different though. You opted specifically for the "English Village," which I'm guessing you knew beforehand was outside of the city limits.
And while Uijeongbu is certainly connected to Seoul by subway...isn't Incheon also? It's hardly a Seoul position.
I think I know Gapyeong - that's where the jazz festival is right? Yeah, that's pretty far out in the boonies. |
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b-class rambler
Joined: 25 Mar 2009
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| Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 7:31 pm Post subject: Re: Can SMOE place someone outside Seoul? |
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| winterfall wrote: |
Hey,
I already signed off on a SMOE contract. But, I'll be living outside Seoul. I got a feeling my recruiter is confused but, my recruiter let me know that all attempts will be made to place me in Ujeongbu. So I don't have to commute too long.
I thought Ujeongbu was with GEPIK? So SMOE doesn't have the power to place me in Ujeongbu right?
I won't know for sure until after orientation. But, I've already drafted my resignation letter. I signed off to work in Seoul and if I'm placed outside Seoul. Than they broke the contract and I have no obligation to honor it.
Just to double check with you guys. This is a legally valid reason to run right? I never thought I'd have a problem like this with SMOE. But, apparently I do.
Thanks for your advice. |
OP, I presume that Uijeongbu is the place where you intend to be living, right?
Perhaps what the recruiter MEANT, but didn't necessarily say, is that they'll try and get you placed in a SMOE school near (but not in) Uijeongbu, like in Nowon or somewhere like that. If so, you would indeed have a pretty short commute to school. |
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winterfall
Joined: 21 May 2009
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| Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 8:56 pm Post subject: |
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| BabaNaja wrote: |
SMOE places people where They want, and sadly we seem to have little or no control over that. From what it sounds like, the recruiter thought you Wanted to be placed near Ujeongbu to decrease your commute time. That's why they told you "all attempts will be made to place me in Ujeongbu." They were trying to make you think you had control over your placement, because they don't want to loose the money they can make off you. If you think that your recruiter is going to try really hard to get you placed near Ujeongbu, then you better clarify what you want with them, just in case they are able to have any influence.
Because you signed a contract with SMOE, which does not specify a particular school, I believe they can place you anywhere within the "Seoul Metropolitan Department Of Education." That being said, I think it's doubtful that they would place you in a GEPIK location.
SMOE also doesn't provide letters of release, so if you think you won't want to work where they place you then I would suggest trying to get out of your contract NOW. I don't know if it's possible, but you can try. Once your visa is processed, and they have assigned you to a school (at orientation), they really won't want to let you go. |
I have an F-4 visa. Everything's already set to go except orientation. I'm actually living in Dongducheon, its farther north of Ujeongbu. I've already gotten my own place. I see what your saying, that my recruiter is just being nice and doesn't have the power to move me around. But in any case its still making me really nervous. Because I really don't understand how my recruiter could have 'Gotten' the message that I "Want This".
I've "Repeatedly" mentioned that I don't mind commuting for more than an hr. It's listed on my cover letter, application, mentioned it to my recruiter more than a few times, and I even mentioned it during my interview. For the last bit, even though its definitely not a smart thing to do. I got into a semi-argument with my interviewer, so I could 'Strongly Stress' that I am willing to commute for more than an hr. So even he marked it on file. So I really don't know where the hell all of this is coming from.
And my recruiter didn't say I'll be placed near Ujeongbu. I was specifically told they're try hard to place me IN Ujeongbu. But, once again this could just be my recruiter talking and not SMOE. But, I don't any direct line to SMOE so I can't confirm it. |
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alphakennyone
Joined: 01 Aug 2005
Location: city heights
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| Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 9:00 pm Post subject: |
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| winterfall wrote: |
| BabaNaja wrote: |
SMOE places people where They want, and sadly we seem to have little or no control over that. From what it sounds like, the recruiter thought you Wanted to be placed near Ujeongbu to decrease your commute time. That's why they told you "all attempts will be made to place me in Ujeongbu." They were trying to make you think you had control over your placement, because they don't want to loose the money they can make off you. If you think that your recruiter is going to try really hard to get you placed near Ujeongbu, then you better clarify what you want with them, just in case they are able to have any influence.
Because you signed a contract with SMOE, which does not specify a particular school, I believe they can place you anywhere within the "Seoul Metropolitan Department Of Education." That being said, I think it's doubtful that they would place you in a GEPIK location.
SMOE also doesn't provide letters of release, so if you think you won't want to work where they place you then I would suggest trying to get out of your contract NOW. I don't know if it's possible, but you can try. Once your visa is processed, and they have assigned you to a school (at orientation), they really won't want to let you go. |
I have an F-4 visa. Everything's already set to go except orientation. I'm actually living in Dongducheon, its farther north of Ujeongbu. I've already gotten my own place. I see what your saying, that my recruiter is just being nice and doesn't have the power to move me around. But in any case its still making me really nervous. Because I really don't understand how my recruiter could have 'Gotten' the message that I "Want This".
I've "Repeatedly" mentioned that I don't mind commuting for more than an hr. It's listed on my cover letter, application, mentioned it to my recruiter more than a few times, and I even mentioned it during my interview. For the last bit, even though its definitely not a smart thing to do. I got into a semi-argument with my interviewer, so I could 'Strongly Stress' that I am willing to commute for more than an hr. So even he marked it on file. So I really don't know where the hell all of this is coming from.
And my recruiter didn't say I'll be placed near Ujeongbu. I was specifically told they're try hard to place me IN Ujeongbu. But, once again this could just be my recruiter talking and not SMOE. But, I don't any direct line to SMOE so I can't confirm it. |
this info might've been helpful in your OP. It sounds like they are trying to "help" you by giving you a place closer to where you're currently living...rather than, say, a school south of the river. why are you so eager to work at a school in Seoul when you already live beyond Uijeongbu? |
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winterfall
Joined: 21 May 2009
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| Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 9:33 pm Post subject: |
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| BabaNaja wrote: |
this info might've been helpful in your OP. It sounds like they are trying to "help" you by giving you a place closer to where you're currently living...rather than, say, a school south of the river. why are you so eager to work at a school in Seoul when you already live beyond Uijeongbu? |
This was helpful? Sorry for not mentioning it. Other than wanting to make sure the other side will honor the agreement? I'm teaching with SMOE because I believe in it. But, I'm fully aware of its limits. Its completely different from what I studied at school and entirely unrelated to what I'll do my doctorate in besides the teaching experience.
So being in Seoul rather than outside of it would provide me with the opportunities to get the kind of experience I need. Provided of course the SMOE schedule lets me. Regardless of what opportunities I find, SMOE will always have priority. So that's my reasoning though It's probably not a great one. |
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Looney
Joined: 23 Dec 2008
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| Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 9:29 pm Post subject: |
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| alphakennyone wrote: |
| winterfall wrote: |
| BabaNaja wrote: |
SMOE places people where They want, and sadly we seem to have little or no control over that. From what it sounds like, the recruiter thought you Wanted to be placed near Ujeongbu to decrease your commute time. That's why they told you "all attempts will be made to place me in Ujeongbu." They were trying to make you think you had control over your placement, because they don't want to loose the money they can make off you. If you think that your recruiter is going to try really hard to get you placed near Ujeongbu, then you better clarify what you want with them, just in case they are able to have any influence.
Because you signed a contract with SMOE, which does not specify a particular school, I believe they can place you anywhere within the "Seoul Metropolitan Department Of Education." That being said, I think it's doubtful that they would place you in a GEPIK location.
SMOE also doesn't provide letters of release, so if you think you won't want to work where they place you then I would suggest trying to get out of your contract NOW. I don't know if it's possible, but you can try. Once your visa is processed, and they have assigned you to a school (at orientation), they really won't want to let you go. |
I have an F-4 visa. Everything's already set to go except orientation. I'm actually living in Dongducheon, its farther north of Ujeongbu. I've already gotten my own place. I see what your saying, that my recruiter is just being nice and doesn't have the power to move me around. But in any case its still making me really nervous. Because I really don't understand how my recruiter could have 'Gotten' the message that I "Want This".
I've "Repeatedly" mentioned that I don't mind commuting for more than an hr. It's listed on my cover letter, application, mentioned it to my recruiter more than a few times, and I even mentioned it during my interview. For the last bit, even though its definitely not a smart thing to do. I got into a semi-argument with my interviewer, so I could 'Strongly Stress' that I am willing to commute for more than an hr. So even he marked it on file. So I really don't know where the hell all of this is coming from.
And my recruiter didn't say I'll be placed near Ujeongbu. I was specifically told they're try hard to place me IN Ujeongbu. But, once again this could just be my recruiter talking and not SMOE. But, I don't any direct line to SMOE so I can't confirm it. |
this info might've been helpful in your OP. It sounds like they are trying to "help" you by giving you a place closer to where you're currently living...rather than, say, a school south of the river. why are you so eager to work at a school in Seoul when you already live beyond Uijeongbu? |
I did an in person interview a while back and they told me that they try to place people near a school to where people live if they had their own accommodation.
Saying that I do know 1 person who lives by Itaewon but has to commute an hour a day to her school. Not sure how true SMOE are to their word in general  |
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