Korean Job Discussion Forums

keflyn · Joined: 07 Dec 2010

This is most likely an extremely stupid question to which I apologize for in advance but I want to make sure. I tried searching but firefox just brought up a blank white page.

Do Public schools, through Gepik or Epik generally all use the same contracts? or can they differ greatly? I know you have to be careful with Hogwans to stop them ripping you off but with public schools being government based, I would think they are less risky?

Thanks in advance.

blobbo · Joined: 08 Feb 2011

I know this might be a bit too general but if the school likes you then they are negotiable and if they don't like you they aren't. You'll know if you have enough chits to negotiate a contract to your liking. Good luck!

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2011 9:08 am Post subject:

The clauses in the contract are not negociable.

How they are applied once you work there is sometimes negociable depending on you and your employer.

thegreg52 · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Location: Seoul, Korea

I agree that it's if your school likes you. If that's the case, they'll likely ignore any small parts of the contract that don't really make a difference (i.e. you can go home when the students don't have classes as opposed to sitting at your desk doing nothing all day). You won't be able to negotiate anything like pay, though. That's pretty much set in stone.

jrwhite82 · Joined: 22 May 2010

If you are dealing with GEPIK/EPIK you don't have much chance to negotiate, if at all. If you are dealing with a school directly you have a higher chance of negotiating but still not great.

If qualifed, connected, or renewing and dealing directly with a school you might be able to get an extra 100,000 a month, a better apartment, maybe negotiate on the vacation, working hours (ie, less/no deskwarming), etc...

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

fungrel · Joined: 26 Dec 2010

I do agree that if they like you, most are willing to be a little flexible.

Maybe not so much on the money side of things.

I managed to get more vacation time, and i am able to choose exactly when i can take my vacation. I've managed to book flights for summer vacation already, saving at least 800,000 on travel costs. Cool

keflyn · Joined: 07 Dec 2010

Thanks, I just wanted to make sure so when I get my contract I don't have to post it on here to be 'reviewed' or have to worry to much about any little details!

Thanks!

Vagabundo · Joined: 26 Aug 2010

no school will flat out ignore major clauses of the contract and get in trouble with the POE when the inspector comes over to inspect the books (this includes you)

If they like you then you may get stuff not specifically mentioned in the contract like getting to go home early when other Korean teachers get to go as well, more home study during school vacations, not having to sign in and out if you want to go to the bank or merely the store across the street.
etc etc etc.

But no Korean teacher or administrator or school will walk over hot coals and get itself in trouble with higherups/overseers on your account. And you can't fault them for this. Were you in their shoes, you'd act exactly the same way.

I think patrick/busan gave the best answer.