Korean Job Discussion Forums

Chucky · Joined: 21 Apr 2010

I'm about 8 months into my contract now. And I want to stay in Korea for one more year.

My school keeps on asking me if I want to renew with them. And I keep on saying "I don't know".

My school is very good. Good teachers, good students, no stress, great public school job all the way around.

But the location isn't exactly ideal for me. I'm in a pretty ugly location near Seoul, and I would rather move to some place out by the beach with more nature.

Also I would rather not jump through all the hoops to renew with a different school. If I stay at the same school they will probably just let me slide on some of the visa BS i'm thinking.

What do you all think. Is it worth it to take the gamble and change schools. Or would I be better off leaving well enough alone?

byrddogs · Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Location: Shanghai

What do you value more?

Ukon · Joined: 29 Jan 2008

eslville · Joined: 21 Apr 2010

Everyone I know who made the move to Busan liked it.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

Chucky · Joined: 21 Apr 2010

Yes I was thinking about going to Busan. Or maybe even a smaller town like Gangneung, Mokpo, Jeju or some other island in the south of the country.

I lived in Busan before, and yes, it is a lot better than the Seoul area. I miss nature and the ocean. And i'm not really digging the Seoul area that much.

But it would also be really easy for me to just stay at the same job, stay in the same apartment, etc. and my life here is good, although not spectacular.

As for a motorbike. No thanks. I don't wanna die or get one of my legs ripped off out here. I'll stick to public trans.

I have a couple questions.

When renewing with the same school, what do I do? Just another health check? Anything else?

Is there any difference in the process of renewing with the same school, or a different school in the district? I work for GEPIK. If I decide to move to a different school in a different town within Gyeonggi, is the process the same as renewing with the same school, as long as I stay with the GEPIK program?

Thanks for the help people.

byrddogs · Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Location: Shanghai

young_clinton · Joined: 09 Sep 2009

Keep the excellent cash flow going and renew

Chucky · Joined: 21 Apr 2010

World Traveler · Joined: 29 May 2009

Where in Gyeonggido are you? Maybe I can make recommendations.

tiger fancini · Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Location: Testicles for Eyes

I had a similar situation to the OP at the end of my first year in PS. I didn't re-sign, and I regretted it. Ended up in a much worse school but in a good location. I quit after 6 months. Still think not re-signing was a bad decision in my case.

Chucky · Joined: 21 Apr 2010

Chucky · Joined: 21 Apr 2010

Wishmaster · Joined: 06 Feb 2003

You are right to fear the BS of the E2 visa. Change jobs and you have to start all over again with your docs. Your situation sounds pretty simple. If you need to pay off debts, etc then stay at your current job. If you don't have any debts, then choose a new location.

Chucky · Joined: 21 Apr 2010

Thanks a lot for the advice people. I have 2 questions. Hopefully someone can answer them.

1. If I renew with the same school, what do I do? Just a health check? what else?

2. If I stay with GEPIK, but change schools, is it the same process as renewing with the same school?

My school is good, but i'd like a change of scenery and fresh surroundings. Also I teach elementary right now and i'd like to change to Middle or High school.

Thanks.