Korean Job Discussion Forums

[losing_touch]

Hi All! Well, it is that time of year. I think the doors at Incheon are going to need some special reinforcement for all of the English teacher that will be passing through them on their way out or on their way in at this time of year. For me, it is the end of a year in Korea that has certainly been interesting. It has been both incredibly frustrating and quite rewarding. However, it is time for me to go! I am moving to Bangkok to try my luck in the big mango.

With just 10 short days remaining, I find myself going absolutely stir crazy. I am super busy, so that is helping. I am sorting out things like pension, packing, and last minute sightseeing. I working a bunch of extra hours. Everyone wants to have dinner because it is the end. Being busy doesn't help all that much. It is frustrating! I have lost the desire to teach anything significant, but I am pulling my weight still. I am excited and nervous to begin this new chapter of my life.

How do you feel when you are about to complete a contract?

[BreakfastInBed]

A bit of anxiety when the end is about a month off, as the weeks go by I grow increasingly euphoric. The last week is all smiles, whatever they throw at me.

[grunden]

Lucky you! cant wait to leave, I might just do a runner.
My Jeep is waiting for me, my true friends, my family, korea was an experience, but I will not miss it, I can drink beer at the lake, meet hot women at the clubs, and not have to see another ajosshi suck the meat out of his teeth, or azuma pushing me at the local emart.

[retrogress]

10 days left and i am still in utter disbelief.

[bixlerscott]

Yep, I've been busy a lot recently despite taking vacation time which was beneficial to getting things done. Now I'm only down to posting a box home, paying my final electric and water bills, and buying USD with my final pay.

I think the banks main branches in Eups better be prepared for a US dollar run come Tuesday afternoon. While I wired most of it, I'm going to need $5000 work of Franklin notes.

Checklist:

Negotiate with your school 1 to 2 months ahead of time on how and when you're going to get your final pay, severance, and air money.

Buy air ticket and submit for reimbursement.

Go to embassy for extra visa pages if down to 4 or fewer as you can be refused boarding a flight. Oh, don't you just love air travel anxiety? Is my passport pretty enough for you Mr. Customs Immigration officer?

File for pension refund within 30 days of departing flight.

Post home excess things you want to keep.

Cash in that 15 kg coin collection.

Shut off your internet account. (If possible, I tried for 45 minutes yesterday and couldn't get anywhere with retarded KT despite having translator, but left em' the modem)

Get final pays on the 25th, public school payday, and go to the bank to purchase currency. I don't know if you can directly purchase Sterling or Euro without it involving USD. If no direct won to Euro or Sterling, you have to pay 2 finance fees, one for USD, and the other for the 3rd currency of your choice. I want all 3 currencies.

Teach a, "Farewell," lesson if asked to teach during your last week which is public school starting week of the Fall semester.

Pay your final bills.

Pack your bag, clean up apartment, and throw out the trash.

Arrange a time for someone from your school to meet you at your apartment next Saturday or Sunday to show them you're leaving it in good condition and to give them the key.

Get on the bus to the airport.

Sleep in airport Spa on Air.

Enjoy a Starbucks just a few paces down to the right.

Check in for your Monday morning flight.

Go enjoy some holiday time as well as your old stomping grounds.

Did I miss anything?

[DrOctagon]

I have 7 days. I can't wait to leave Korea, especially since I spent the last 9 days in a hospital with dengue fever. It was the worse 9 days of my life. All the time, effort and money I invested in gaining 15lbs all went down the drain when I was hit with dengue fever. A piece of advice: stay away from the tropics unless you want to risk the chance of dieing.

[losing_touch]