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Korean Job Discussion Forums
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nyla54
Joined: 17 Jun 2009
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 Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 12:40 pm Post subject: SMOE Housing |
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Can anyone, in particular SMOE veterans, shed light on housing for SMOE teachers?
I know that we will not know our housing assignments until the end of orientation. However, I was wondering if SMOE/schools participating in SMOE had any housing patterns, e.g. assigning a large group of teachers to a particular officetel building.
Also, the contract states we will be assigned single housing. I just wanted to make sure there were no instances in which I would be placed in an apartment with someone else. |
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Bucky
Joined: 19 Jul 2009
Location: Vancouver (formerly Yongsan-gu, Seoul)
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| Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 12:56 pm Post subject: |
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Also, is Dongdaemun the only co-op housing used by SMOE? Or are there other ones to be concerned about?
I'm having nightmares about ending up in a place like the Dongdaemun co-op. |
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climber159
Joined: 02 Sep 2007
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| Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 1:39 pm Post subject: |
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Of all things to be concerned about when coming to Korea, where you will be living when working with SMOE shouldn't be very high on the list. You have no say in where you will be living unless you opt for the housing allowance. Yes, you may get placed in the Co-op. But, it's not the end of the world. At least it's not a mold-infested shoebox like some get from GEPIK or their hagwon.
Look, it's a year. A lot of people end up staying in Korea for longer than one year. If you stay a second year, you'll be able to negotiate with you school or new employer when it comes to housing. At this point, all you can hope for is good luck. |
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nyla54
Joined: 17 Jun 2009
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| Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 2:12 pm Post subject: |
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| climber159 wrote: |
Of all things to be concerned about when coming to Korea, where you will be living when working with SMOE shouldn't be very high on the list. You have no say in where you will be living unless you opt for the housing allowance. Yes, you may get placed in the Co-op. But, it's not the end of the world. At least it's not a mold-infested shoebox like some get from GEPIK or their hagwon.
Look, it's a year. A lot of people end up staying in Korea for longer than one year. If you stay a second year, you'll be able to negotiate with you school or new employer when it comes to housing. At this point, all you can hope for is good luck. |
I think you have a valid point. However, if you apply that same reasoning to the rest of the posts by incoming NETs, you'll find that most of the posts are similar in the supposed frivolousness you point to here.
I am by no means complaining about the SMOE housing. I am extremely proud and downright giddy to have been selected by SMOE; they were my first choice, and I think it's a wonderful program.
That being said, there are certain gray areas in the contract. And, I think to be worried and want to do more than hope for luck, especially with the horror stories found on the forum, is an honest and human reaction.
I can only speak for myself, but my original intent in the first post was to invite any advice/support/experiences to help allay my uneasiness. I wouldn't say that housing was on the top of my list of concerns, but it is a relatively large source of worry. Other factors--the school, the kids, etc--I'm not as worried about because, to a certain degree, there is somewhat of a guarantee that it will not be extremely horrific. I really doubt that I will have students who are hazardous to my health, e.g. they carry pocket knives and threaten when faced with homework assignments. However, as you mentioned, the possibility of a mold-infested apartment is hazardous to my health.
Only SMOE knows what I will be designated with, and I know that 150 responses wields no influence over my assignment. However, I am looking to mitigate my worries, and you have actually done that. You said that the mold-infested shoeboxes tend to be doled out to those in GEPIK or with hagwons. It makes me feel better that you believe SMOE upholds a standard on housing.
So, thank you. I appreciate you taking out the time to not only respond to my post, but also honestly give your opinion. |
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climber159
Joined: 02 Sep 2007
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| Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 3:14 pm Post subject: |
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| I really doubt that I will have students who are hazardous to my health |
Don't be so sure. You'll often find sick students in your class not covering their mouths when they sneeze or cough. And, hand washing...hahahahahaha. You're lucky if there's even soap in the bathroom; not that students would bother to use it. |
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nyla54
Joined: 17 Jun 2009
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| Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 3:20 pm Post subject: |
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| climber159 wrote: |
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| I really doubt that I will have students who are hazardous to my health |
Don't be so sure. You'll often find sick students in your class not covering their mouths when they sneeze or cough. And, hand washing...hahahahahaha. You're lucky if there's even soap in the bathroom; not that students would bother to use it. |
Agreed, but I don't consider that extremely horrific. Maybe I'm a bit of a daredevil? In any event, I have worked with kids before so I'm definitely planning to pack Airborne/Vitamin C/etc. |
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