Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kriswithak]

Hello, Ive just started teaching in Korea, I basically was in my final semester and met someone who got me the job, i have kind of made a few rookie mistakes unfortunately (well maybe all of them). I also only discovered this site after arriving in Korea so yeah... hindsight..
So to those much wiser than me please give me some advice
Questions:
1. Where is my degree?
I gave my original degree and transcript (apostill'd which cost almost $200), to my hagwon director (duh duh duh) i was told the laws have changed and they need all originals for immigration. Now after learning that the last years teacher changed schools after some months and they threw their degree into the bin I'am quite concerned, I'm going to ask for it but i want to be sure where it is. I want to know if they are going to lie to me.
2. I'am exhausted! What can i do?
I feel misled, (duh duh duh) the only thing in my very incomplete contract that is correct, is my working hours(based on the ones Ive seen here), i was told "Kindergarten you have to prepare some things but the school has all the materials and things there for you to use", I keep getting work piled on, Its getting ridiculous. It almost seems that the school is more concerned with having lots of stuff to show the parents rather than actually teaching the kids.

Now based on the horror stories i have read here i don't have it that bad but I'm afraid im going to burn out in a couple months, im only early into my contract and I want to stay teaching and enjoying Korea. I was also told that if i break my contract and go to another school I will be "reported to the government".

Thank you for your time.

Kris

[West Coast Tatterdemalion]

Well Kris, don't ask for the degree...Effing DEMAND that they give it to you. Don't teach another class until you get the degree back. Since you are new to Korea, they are taking advantage of this fact. Yes, the hagwon business is a scam. Smoke and mirrors. The goal is not education, the goal is about appearances and pleasing mommy and daddy. Education, if such it can be called, is on the low end of the totem pole here.

"Reported to the government." Boy, that's a good one. Did they also threaten you with Interpol in the case that you did a runner? These people are only trying to intimidate you. They need you, but they'll never let you know it. They will always act like they don't, but you are their bread and butter and you hold the cards. It is very hard to get a teacher quickly these days due to all the lovely, new visa rules, so YOU ultimately have the power. You are a newbie and they are doing everything that they can to control you and that is what Koreans try their best to do to foreigners here...control. The first step is to get your degree back. That should be accomplished tomorrow. Then you've got to have a pow wow with the director about the unacceptable extra work. Ugh, Kingergarten...what a draining age level. Good luck.