Korean Job Discussion Forums

Philkaz · Joined: 19 Sep 2009

Hey everyone,
So I signed a contract with a school in Dongjak Seoul that is supposed to start in the end of February. I recently got an e-mail from my recruiter (appletree) asking me if I wanted to come a month early and teach at a school about 3 hours south of Seoul until my contract starts at the other school. I am wondering if this is some kind of scam to get me to be stuck 3 hours south of seoul (def not where I want to be). I am definitely interested in doing the job as long as I know I am not going to get scammed.
Please let me know what you think of this situation
thanks
pk

jlb · Joined: 18 Sep 2003

I would say with 99.9% certainty that you'll be teaching at that first job illegally. I wouldn't do it. Others might be willing to.

And that recruiter sounds kind of sketchy, actually. That's not really a normal thing to ask someone to do.

seonsengnimble · Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2010 5:06 pm Post subject:

This may be a bait and switch, but I'm guessing not. It sounds like there's another school that needs a teacher ASAP, and your recruiter is trying to get two recruiter fees out of you. If you work for the other school, you will be working illegally, and then you'll have to figure out airfare for Japan. The school you signed with probably won't pay for your trip to Korea and Japan.

Philkaz · Joined: 19 Sep 2009

Yea it sounds like someone quit or got fired from the first school and they just need someone for a while.

Philkaz · Joined: 19 Sep 2009

Philkaz · Joined: 19 Sep 2009

any other input?
thanks

Emark · Joined: 10 May 2007 Location: duh, Korea?

Go early and take the temporary position. AppleTree is not a scummy agency that will scam you. The position may be illegal, however it is probably very safe. AppleTree is not going to risk getting you disqualified from teaching at the school your E-2 is with starting in March. Reputation and placement fees are valuable things to them. I am certain that the 4 weeks at the temp job will bring some positives that you can take with you to the new school and beyond.
Go early. Do you have better things to do?

Old Gil · Joined: 26 Sep 2009 Location: Got out! olleh!

Ask for an extra 500k as a relocation fee. You have a life at home and this request, while possible, will cause you to lose income/blah blah blah. No money no honey.

Emark · Joined: 10 May 2007 Location: duh, Korea?

Philkaz · Joined: 19 Sep 2009

thanks everyone. probably wont do this. it will be too short of time

Nexus11 · Joined: 29 Nov 2006

It isn't the smartest idea in the world to broadcast on the internet that you intend to come to Korea and work illegally. While the chances of being caught are small, there are people (AES) who monitor this website looking to catch foreigners breaking the law. At the very least, you are giving them fodder for their propaganda.

I highly suggest that you DON'T break the law. However, if you do, please be more discreet than this about it.