Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ralphie]

The Associate Director came into my office the other day and told my co-worker that I could get another visa that will enable me to work at other places. Right now, I have an E2 visa, so teaching privates or at other places is illegal. I wasn't in the office at the time, but when my co-worker translated for me, I thought how odd . I never brought this subject up nor hinted that I wanted extra $$$ work. Most of the time, K employers want foreigners teaching at one place only. I'm satisfied with my salary and besides, free time is priceless . I don't like the feeling of panic when I have to re-arrange private lessons at the last minute because dinners with co-workers come first - K jung, ya know... I was also told that teaching at other places without a change in my E2 visa status would result in a hefty fine. I work in a public gov't office (not a school), but I'm considered a "private contractor" - not a public school teacher.

So my questions are: 1) could this be an off-hand warning to follow the country's labour laws; 2) a heads up that administration will not be offering me another contract; OR 3) administration is satisfied with my work and would like to offer me extra opportunities so that I'll stay another year (I'm five months into my contract)?

Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks!

[crossmr]

If this is your first year, and you're not a foreign born Korean, then I can't see what visa they could possibly arrange for you that you would qualify for that would let you do that.

If you work for a hagwon and they really want you to teach "privates" they can arrange it so that the people are taught at the hagwon and pay the hagwon and you are paid as part of your normal pay, that is legal, but E1/2/7s are all for a single place, no privates that I'm aware of. Only if you moved to an F series would you normally have that kind of freedom which means foreign born Korean, marry a Korean, etc

[OBwannabe]

An employer sponsoring an E2 visa can arrange it so their employee can work more than one job. They actually grant the employee permission to do so.
My best guess is that they are going to ask you to teach in more than one school. This sometimes happens in rural areas. A teacher will teach some classes at one school in the morning, and then travel to another school in the pm.
Call me a pessimist...but I wonder if your employer/principal is adding some sort of after-school program with a great kickback in it for him/her. Some "hagwons" run out of public schools after hours. It's very financially beneficial for all involved...except for the NET.

Where do you live OP?
Hope it works out in your favor.

[Ralphie]

I'm in Donghai, Gangwon-do, so not really a rural place. This is my second year in SK (but not second contract at the same teaching centre). It's not a hogwan, so organizational profit is not an issue.

[alwaysbeclosing100]

Is your contract through EPIK? What government office do you work for?

I am going to take a guess that there might be a profit motive involved for someone above you.

[Ralphie]

Geez! And i thought we got on well in the office. Well, at least I'm half way through the contract. Haven't experienced any type of abuse yet.

[TheUrbanMyth]