Korean Job Discussion Forums

[04287]

So, I had a few friends return from an orientation recently and they had an earful to tell me.

They caught wind of a rumor that GEPIK Interns would not have their VISA renewed this year. Something about not renewing anyone's VISA that didn't have a Degree. Apparently it was told to them by a coordinator.

Does anyone have any insight into this? Why would they initially allow VISA's with no BA (Intern Contract) for one year then deny them when renewing?

It seems odd...

[Reise-ohne-Ende]

I didn't know that anyone could get a position without a BA. I heard they started something new where you could go with an associate's...but I thought you had to be working on obtaining a higher degree or something.

Anyway, things like this are going to happen as more and more people see Korea as a good alternative to working in their native country's crappy economy.

[English Matt]

My school has offered to renew my coworker's contract (I guess he would be what you would term a GEPIK intern). As far as I am aware there is no problem with regards to the programme....in a sense it isn't a programme in it's own sense but just an extra pay grade added to the GEPIK NET contract. The fact that they went so far as to include the "Interns" in the standard contract would suggest that it is not a programme that they could axe separately to the main GEPIK programme.

Additionally, why would they....if they can do things cheaper they will - the interns are on a lower base salary than degree holders.

I would be interested if anybody has heard anything more concrete....I'll let my coworker know about this later today. We'll contact GEPIK and hopefully get a response back within the next couple of weeks.

[TheUrbanMyth]

[blonde researcher]

GEPIK stopped hiring any level 4 (non diploma) teachers months ago. Maybe they had too many Diploma holders (level1-3) applying.
It would make sense they would not be renewing those who are already in jobs.
Also I thought all the TALk jobs and level 4 jobs were only allowed for one year anyway and there was no extension possible.

[04287]

[Chris.Quigley]

I am a Gepik intern.

Ive tried to find information about this online. I cant find anything. The website says nothing and they haven't updated the application for 2010/2011.

I asked my co teacher to find out for me since they had asked if I wanted to stay. I'll let everyone know when she gets back to me on it.

I am a little disappointed if they say I can't stay.
I had already prepared myself mentally for it and was thinking about how I could spend the next year in Korea. I also feel a bit insulted if this turns out to be true. I feel like I am doing a fairly good job (not perfect though, some of my lessons have sucked...). I take my job seriously and I really care about the kids that I work with. I think 1 year of experience plus an associates degree is better than a degree with no experience personally. In addition, a public college in Canada thought I was doing a good job when I worked for them doing the same thing I am doing now. By the time I re-sign I'll have nearly two years of experience...

I make less money and I do just as good a job... Personally I think they should find more idiots like me that are willing to work for less. Then again this is Korea... Ability is far outweighed by whether you have a degree and whether you obtained it in Seoul or not.

[Reise-ohne-Ende]

[Chris.Quigley]

Turns out the rumor is true. They aren't renewing contracts for interns. I got my co teacher to phone them.

The reason they gave is the number of better qualified applicants who are applying.

Sorry to all you other interns who are just like me and feel like you got slapped in the face too... Hopefully this doesn't totally sour the remainder of your time here.

I have two years of experience and a school full of people who tell me they want me to stay. I get paid much less, but I am not here for the money, rather because it was a dream of mine since highschool. I guess that means utterly nothing to them. Is there anything I can do? No, just do a good job because I care about my students. I really sincerely hope that I am not replaced by one of the many losers I've met here. Mr. "I wanna burn down my ___ing school." Mr. " I _____ 4 girls a week who I meet on Koreancupid.com." Mr. "I ____ mostly on the weekends because I go to Hongdae or Itaewon to get mine and it takes me 2 hours to get back to Anyang." Ms. "I make so much _____ing money here, I hate my students though they are all little ______s." True stories, and unfortunately they represent a large number of the people I've met here.

By the way, I'll leave it up to you to fill in the blanks. Since you are English teachers... Apparently, I am not. Not sure what I've been doing here for the last 8 months...

Well, thats my rant.

Have a nice week.

[TheUrbanMyth]

[04287]

Who did your teacher call? GEPIK? Immigration?

[Chris.Quigley]

Teaching in Korea/Japan/China was my dream since highschool. I know that to many that seems crazy since they hate it here so much...

I have less than two years left at Uni.

I understand why they opened it up to a broader spectrum of applicants. But I cannot understand why they are closing it on teachers who are already here, cost less money, and are doing a good job.

[Chris.Quigley]

She called Gepik. This is the policy of Gepik. So far its unofficial, but they plan on making an announcement soon.

[04287]

Ya, its kinda driving me nuts... I love my school, life here in Korea and have had nothing but a fantastic time. I would very much like to stay!

I agree that one years worth of experience here is worth more than (in my case) one extra year of schooling back home.

Again, why boot out a solid teacher that wants to be here and is loved by their school? Apparently a piece of paper is worth more than passion and desire

[04287]