Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Paladin Brewer]

Hello,

I have an issue here and I'm not sure what to do. I've been unemployed for a while, so I am desperate for a job, but I do not think I am this desperate. Basically, I was supposed to have a job with GEPIK at Gapyong High School. It is a rural area, but I checked it out and it looks nice, and I was fine with working there. I sent them a signed contract yesterday, that would not arrive until Tuesday.

Today I received a contract from them, signed by me and stamped by them. Except, it isn't signed by me. They forged my signature. Now, they are in a hurry, I understand that, and I would have been willing to let that pass. However, the location no longer says Gapyong High School, it says Jojong High School. I have no idea where that is and am unable to find information. This makes me think this might be a rather crappy area.

So like I said, I really need a job, but Im not sure I need one this bad.

[sesyeux]

you do not need any job this badly!
not only warning bells, but flashing lights and loud hailers should be screaming 'get out!', seriously

[Ebrown]

Wow. That's messed up. Don't go near that brand of crazy.

[Aoisagi]

Paladin Brewer -> May you indicate who is your recruiter? I got a similar offer with a Gapyong high school. If you don't want to share it publicly, do you have enough posts to PM me?

[Paladin Brewer]

It was HandS Korea

[Aoisagi]

Ah. I'm sorry to hear about that though. I guess this is a bait and switch? I'd look elsewhere.

[Paladin Brewer]

Yeah, Ive been trying to get a job in Japan for a long time, then I gave up and figured I'd try Korea. Now I think I'll just get some IT Certifications and stay in the US, nothing is worth this crap.

[tomato]

Here is the Webpage for Jojong High School, if this helps any:
http://www.jojong.hs.kr
According to the address at the bottom of the page, it's in Gyeonggi province.
It must be a small town, because the Google search brought up a Jojong Elementary School and a Jojong Middle School but no other schools in Jojong.

The next higher political unit in the address is Gapyeong-gun.
I looked that up, and it seems to be a rural area.
It's at the corner of highways 55 and 60.
All I can find is a Web page for their Farmer's Coop, a Web page for their education office, and some pretty landscape pictures.
The closest big city is Chuncheon, which is to the east.

[ttompatz]

[English Matt]

[languistic]

Gapyong is a nice area, but yes, rural. It is near a major MT spot for many universities and is quite a hopping little place (Gangchon, as was said earlier proper) on the weekends....it rivals anything in Seoul during the summer months. As for schools, again, it is in the country, so there are not a lot of schools in the area, Jojong, Gapyong...they will be pretty much the same.

Also remember that these country schools can be heaven of hell in their un-knowingness regarding certain policies; I worked in the country for 6 years (Kyonggi-do, near Gapyong) and was afforded many luxuries as a result of the isolation. It means that inspectors, etc will not be dropping in unannounced, and makes the principal more of a 'decider' on some issues that are typically cemented. I had long vacations (I initialed many days where I wasn't actually there), no 'face time' - if I had no classes, I went home - and a voice regarding policy. Now, this can also go the other way; the principal can be a tyrant and make no concessions for you. At worst, this may mean that your contract rules, and that is fine, so long as you are happy with what you signed.

I encourage anyone in the country to get the principal and vice on your team ASAP. They can do a lot for you out in the sticks. All in all, it was a great time, but then, I had a car (commuting) and was living in Chuncheon. Get some wheels...it helps to make one feel less isolated. Small school = small classes, students who appreciate you coming to their location, parents who likewise go to lengths to show you their appreciation, a small group of coworkers who are often quite familial and supportive; the country schools are often a proving ground for fresh graduates; the staff is usually quite young and fun. All in all, a great vibe, good kids, good learning and a lot of perks. Experiences may vary, but this is mine.

[toadkillerdog]

I'd go for it. Your only out a year if it sucks real bad.

[Oliver]

I'd go for it. A public school gig is good out here. You'll get paid on time and you'll probably save a fair bit too. Also, youll be able to work on your Korean in your spare time.

It's an experience.

[Paladin Brewer]

Well I was really set into Gapyong because I was told it was a nice place for hiking, skiiing etc, and I was really into the whole nature thing. This new place that I wasn't even told I was being changed to, I am unable to find much of anything. I know a previous poster said it was near 55/60, but I looked on googlemaps and still did not see it. I guess I have some concern that if I can't find any pictures or information, I'm going to be stuck in a twig shag in a 3 building 1 road town

EDIT: On top of that, what about them forging my contract? If they are so easily willing to forge my contract, what else are they going to forge my name on?

[denverdeath]