Korean Job Discussion Forums

[AnthonyCWSox]

So here is my story, any help would be appreciated.

Came to Korea with a group of other kids from my university (University of Wisconsin) for the Gepik program. While everyone's co-teacher was there to meet them at the airport, mine was about an hour late, but of course no big deal. We got along really well driving back to Guri City, in fact she spoke flawless English which I realize is fairly lucky. She told me she had to drop me off at the apartment but to meet her the next day at the subway station in Guri to go shopping and get various things for my apartment and then left. My apartment was a mess and about the size of a closet (which is alright); the toilet was broken, the water heater didn't work, the AC unit was broken and they gave me a fan without its complete parts. They also didn't provide me with any furniture other than a bed (no sofa, desk, chair, microwave, fridge, anything). After pulling an all nighter on the fan, ac unit and scrubbing my apartment down to clean it up, I realized that it was nearing 9 am (teacher told me to meet her at 10, and she'd be there between 10-12 which is kind of an evil move in the first place). I actually waited there until 2:30 and she never showed up, and then I realized in my tired and non-having-eaten state that I have no idea where the hell my apartment actually is and how to get back there. After searching for 5 hours I gave up. Luckily I have my girlfriend here and was able to get a taxi out to where she is.

#1 How should I handle this with my co-teacher?
#2 How do I get an address or something so I can get back to my apartment, I don't have much money, change of clothes, or anything? I tried contacting the Gepik people but they have yet to respond

[Forward Observer]

Wow. You mean no one ever gave you your address in advance? You don't have anyone's phone number? That really sucks man. I hope you can get this worked out. I'd be pretty mad if someone told me they'd meet me sometime between 10-12. In fact, I'd probably yell at them if they said something like that to me. But that's just me. Time is money.

[cwaddell]

Haha!


Sorry.

[AnthonyCWSox]

I did call my girlfriend's co-teacher who is really nice and he called her but she doesn't pick up her phone apparently.

and no, never received an address.

[David Gerrington]

pwned.

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

Gotta laugh. The KT can't fully comprehend that you are from another country so it hasn't entered her mind to give you any info.

No, seriously-I'd tear her a new one.

[Forward Observer]

[AnthonyCWSox]

I thought the point was to not lose your temper and cause yourself "great embarassment," although leaving someone new to the country in a subway station for 4 hours isn't embarassing. Is there anyway to switch schools or something through Gepik?

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

[AnthonyCWSox]

well my girlfriend's apartment is pretty much a palace, so its not too terrible. Ill assert myself without being too accusatory, if it doesn't get me anywhere and this is how it will be for a year I've honestly made enough money throughout college to get my girlfriend and I out of here.

[asams]

Keep us updated on this. Seems like public schools are pulling some pretty shady stuff right now - perfect since I'm looking at getting into one next February.

[Forward Observer]

You don't have to lose your temper to show someone you're upset with them. Look at her hard, give it to her in a low growl, and make sure you don't answer any of her questions if she tries to turn it around on you. Some people are masters at trying to make it all seem like a "cultural misunderstanding". Oh, and be sure to keep her waiting next time, while not answering your phone.

[Zulethe]

[Juregen]

If you really really need help and can't find a way out, send me a pm.

I live not too far away from Guri, and can assist with various things.

[D.D.]

I would quit, if she didnt say sorry and find you a better place asap.