Korean Job Discussion Forums

Iamronin11 · Joined: 17 May 2009

my hogwon is claiming they need to keep my diploma to show the parents in case they want to see my "credentials". Being the team player that I am, and since I was new and didn't want to rock the boat I agreed. Now I am beginning to worry that they are going to lose it , I dont think they give a rats ass if it gets lost or damaged. Is there anything I can do to force them to give it back to me without causing too much trouble?

iggyb · Joined: 29 Oct 2003

Just ask for it back. If they say no, then the trouble has already begun. A photocopy of it should be fine for any "proof" for parents or students. There is no legitimate reason for them to refuse to give it back.

If they won't, call in sick the next day and then ask for your diploma back again the following day - until they get the point.

Your diploma is a key document for you. Never let a school keep it.

For some schools, like my undergrad one, it can be hard to get a new copy of your diploma. And it can cost a fair amount.

Just ask politely for it and see what they say. If they refuse, it's a problem...

cruisemonkey · Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2009 4:17 pm Post subject:

iggyb · Joined: 29 Oct 2003

I agree. You have to be careful how hard you push, but since there is no reason for them to refuse to give you the diploma, the refusal in itself is a fairly important step that deserves some response....And if you can show them to take you seriously at the start --- without damaging the bridges too much --- it can help you with future more minor issues...

(conversely, if you just shrugged your shoulders and "endured" if they refused to give you the diploma, they can assume you are a push-over.)

martypants · Joined: 15 Feb 2009 Location: Ulsan, South Korea

oh what a bunch of crap. Let them have it. Your school will provide another if you need to work at another place. Everytime you seek a job you'll have to get one sent - from the school - not delivered by you. Grow up

cruisemonkey · Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2009 5:30 pm Post subject:

Changwon Charlie · Joined: 22 Aug 2009 Location: Changwon

Get it back quickly as chances are you won't see it again and they won't pay for a replacement (if you can get one).

Just say you need it to apply for something is a great reason....

martypants · Joined: 15 Feb 2009 Location: Ulsan, South Korea

Carla · Joined: 21 Nov 2008

I would have a problem if they had my diploma tucked away somewhere I couldn't see it. But at my school, my diploma is framed and hung in the main room WITH all the other credentials for the other teachers. If I decided to quit, it's as simple as walking to the wall, and taking my diploma. And on the offshot that it somehow disappeared, my university only charges like $40 to replace, as opposed to some schools who charge you over $150.

Now, I have heard of places keeping your diploma as insurance you won't leave, keeping it hidden somewhere. I have heard of them just keeping it (more out of laziness to find it) and them being folded and torn and just not well kept.

If I could not see the diploma, I would throw a fit. Or better yet, as another suggested, claim you need it for a reason.

louiloui · Joined: 14 Oct 2008

Ask for it back as politely as you can. If they refuse, then to avoid trouble you should ask that it be hung in plain sight. I have had friends at Hagwons whose employers "lost" their diplomas, so if you let them keep it in storage for a year that is a definite possibility.

Iamronin11 · Joined: 17 May 2009

what is the next step if they refuse? its even stated in my contract that i would get it back. what if they claim they "lost" it

CentralCali · Joined: 17 May 2007

He doesn't think every Korean is out to screw him. He knows the OP's Korean boss is screwing the OP. There is no legal reason to keep the diploma. Keeping the thing prevents, or at least delays, an employee pulling a runner.

Let's hear your advice on what to do when the boss says that he needs to hold onto the passport to prove to the parents the employee is really from one of the "Big Seven" countries. I'm a bit bored and need a good laugh now.

CentralCali · Joined: 17 May 2007

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 24 Jan 2003 Location: Middle Land

They are holding it in case you decide to run away. That's the only reason they have it.

If you are teaching in Korea, you must by law have a degree and it is strictly enforced, so the arguement doesn't hold water.

They are lying to you, plain and simple.

Konglishman · Joined: 14 Sep 2007 Location: Nanjing