Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Zach with a Z]

Hey if the last day of school is Dec 22nd, and "mandatory," winter camps don't start until Jan 4rth... then is that time in between automatically count as some of our 18 vacation days? And what about the spring break in feb? I don't know how the vacation works but thats 18 right there... what then about summer?

Do we just not get paid for days we don't work that there is no school, IF we do not declare it as a vacation?

[thoreau]

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[Morgen]

Yeah, your school has the right to require you to sit at your desk during school vacation periods, and your contract vacation days are the time you don't have to do that. If they don't make you deskwarm you're still paid your normal salary.

[Zach with a Z]

they told me I can choose what winter camps I want, that they are all over the city and that my school does not do them in early Jan. Are there camps that start later than others?

I am trying to figure out the bet way to maximize my vacation days... any advice?

[yeremy]

EPIK teachers get a little more vacation in the winter break. The best way, i think, to maximize your vacation is to do your best to schedule your vacation all at once and then hope you are allowed to "work" at home instead of deskwarming or doing camps.

Traveling is okay on your official vacation days, but I wouldn't advise it even if you stay within a day away from home. You could get caught. The vacation police were out this summer. This past summer break, the POE sent a team of inspectors around to each school checking to see if all the teachers (Korean and foreign) were where they were supposed to be and doing what they were supposed to be doing. When these inspectors came to my base school, they initially thought I was "illegally" on vacation, because I wasn't there, when i was officially away working at a POE English camp. Ironically, the superintendent himself, whom I casually know, made an unexpected visit to that camp one week, yet the inspectors did not know. My administrative co-teacher came to my rescue by showing the inspectors the form where both my principal and vice-principal had signed off plus the official memo from the POE tasking me to work at that camp.
If you want more vacation, then you should try to transfer to the Gangwon EPIK group, or change to Gunpo City (FEPIK) where the foreign teachers there routinely get 3 weeks official vacation twice a year. There may be other places where they offer more vacation, too. Good luck.

[D.D.]

It is always best to leave on the first available vacation day. Once you come back if your school is nice you will do some camps and then maybe get some more time off.

If you don't leave right away they will load you up with more camps. After your vacation if you leave right away they are less gung ho about camps.

If they want you to warm your desk look them in the eye and stare them down. Go quiet for weeks and keep muttering no work and sit at desk with strange sounds, while throwing hands up in the air. If that doesn't work ask them to sign you off as home leave. If that doesn't work quit your job as what friggin teacher wants all the public school crap to have 14 days holiday a year.

I had 19 days in summer and 42 days in winter with the above plan. Also remember swine flu gives 7 days bonus so make sure you leave the country.

Never take your holidays at the end of winter holidays as you will miss out on the extra 10 days in Feb? March. In other words if you take your vacation early you will get another 10 days in Feb? March as schools come back for grad week then take more time off.


Desk warming is for suckers.

[DrugstoreCowgirl]

So when should I ask about vacation days? I really want to start talking about it soon so I can sign up for an excursion I want to take, and spaces are limited. Is now too early to start asking, or should I wait until October?

[Zach with a Z]

I am a bit confused...

I should take my vacation days as soon as the break starts...circa Dec 22nd? or should I assume 22nd-Jan 3rd (day before camps start) is going to be 'oncall' vacation?

Should I then just book 2 solid weeks (10 days) in Feb? I don't mind doing a few weeks of camps.... arnt they extra pay? could always use more fun tickets...

I would just ask my school... but they are "the man," in the situation and probably not thinking in my best fun intrest.

[ekul]

[D.D.]