| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Speedling
Joined: 08 Jun 2011
|
 Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 5:59 am Post subject: Arriving late, should I be worried? |
 |
|
I'm supposed to be arriving in Korea this week, but I still haven't received my passport back with the visa stamp. My recruiter/employer are starting to get stressed out over this delay, and its starting to in turn stress me out!
My recruiter asked if I'd be willing to fly to the Korean Consulate (1500 miles from my house) spend the night there, pick up my passport in person and then fly to Korea. Seems like a lot of money/effort to spend just to get me to work a day or two earlier then if I they courier'd me my passport (They have a UPS 24 hour guaranteed pre-paid return envelope).
I think the problem is my recruiter feels its their responsibility to get me to the school on time. There was no wiggle room whatsoever for delays. And now that its looking like it could be another 10 days before I get my passport back they are freaking out!
There was no way to predict these delays (Canada post strike, my UPS package to the Consulate was delayed 2 days due to bad weather, it took longer to get my visa issuance number then expected and now the person at the Consulate who process's visa applications is on vacation).
I've got enough to do getting ready to leave for a year! Should I be worried about this? The extra days are good thing for me! less rushed. But I feel bad for my employer and recruiter who are both just trying to run their business's.
Any suggestions or thoughts on how I should handle this? I kind of don't want to go to the consulate in person, even if the airfare/hotel are paid for, I would still have to pay for taxi's, food, etc.
Last edited by Speedling on Mon Jun 27, 2011 7:26 am; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Daelim
Joined: 18 Jun 2011
|
| Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 6:03 am Post subject: Re: Arriving late, should I be worried? |
|
|
| Speedling wrote: |
I'm supposed to be arriving in Korea this week, but I still haven't received my passport back with the visa stamp. My recruiter/employer are starting to get stressed out over this delay, and its starting to in turn stress me out!
My recruiter asked if I'd be willing to fly to the Korean Consulate (1500 miles from my mouse) spend the night there, pick up my passport in person and then fly to Korea. Seems like a lot of money/effort to spend just to get me to work a day or two earlier then if I they courier'd me my passport (They have a UPS 24 hour guaranteed pre-paid return envelope).
I think the problem is my recruiter feels its their responsibility to get me to the school on time. There was no wiggle room whatsoever for delays. And now that its looking like it could be another 10 days before I get my passport back they are freaking out!
There was no way to predict these delays (Canada post strike, my UPS package to the Consulate was delayed 2 days due to bad weather, it took longer to get my visa issuance number then expected and now the person at the Consulate who process's visa applications is on vacation).
I've got enough to do getting ready to leave for a year! Should I be worried about this? The extra days are good thing for me! less rushed. But I feel bad for my employer and recruiter who are both just trying to run their business's.
Any suggestions or thoughts on how I should handle this? I kind of don't want to go to the consulate in person, even if the airfare/hotel are paid for, I would still have to pay for taxi's, food, etc. |
If it were me - and in no way am I judging you - I would take their offer and do all I could to hold up the committment I made to be there on the agreed date stipulated in the contract.
However, the way it has worked out you have every right to play it the way you see fit. A warning though - do you really want to piss off your employer before you land in country? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
koreatimes
Joined: 07 Jun 2011
|
| Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 6:17 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
| 1500 miles from my mouse |
Mouse or house, doesn't matter 
I wouldn't sweat it. Wait it out. They will issue you a visa number and there isn't much you can do until then. The school can wait a week or so or go through the same hoops with another teacher. They are just pressuring you. The recruiter, more so than the school.
The recruiter for my current school wanted me to take a train up to my previous school to get paperwork for my visa so she could get her commission. I told her, "This is between you and the school, not me". Actually, they have done nothing to get my visa processed. The school is now getting paperwork ready and going to immigration. So, it wouldn't have mattered if I went or not. The recruiter just wanted their commission.
So they want you to do some extra legwork to make sure their pockets are full of money. I wouldn't worry about it. You'll get your visa, they'll get their money, and also the flight has to be paid for right? Did you pay for it or the school? If the school paid for it then you really don't have anything to worry about. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
cert43
Joined: 17 Jun 2010
|
| Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 6:36 am Post subject: |
|
|
Korea is a hard place to live if you're not well-adjusted..as much as I liked living there the first two times;I would really honestly have to think about doing it the third time. After all, there is a very good reason there are always so many jobs posted up again and again.
Just an early heads up..  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Speedling
Joined: 08 Jun 2011
|
| Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 7:25 am Post subject: Re: Arriving late, should I be worried? |
|
|
Yeah I'll go if I have to I guess!
Your right I wouldnt want to piss off my new boss |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Speedling
Joined: 08 Jun 2011
|
| Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 10:15 am Post subject: |
|
|
| koreatimes wrote: |
| Quote: |
| 1500 miles from my mouse |
Mouse or house, doesn't matter
I wouldn't sweat it. Wait it out. They will issue you a visa number and there isn't much you can do until then. The school can wait a week or so or go through the same hoops with another teacher. They are just pressuring you. The recruiter, more so than the school.
The recruiter for my current school wanted me to take a train up to my previous school to get paperwork for my visa so she could get her commission. I told her, "This is between you and the school, not me". Actually, they have done nothing to get my visa processed. The school is now getting paperwork ready and going to immigration. So, it wouldn't have mattered if I went or not. The recruiter just wanted their commission.
So they want you to do some extra legwork to make sure their pockets are full of money. I wouldn't worry about it. You'll get your visa, they'll get their money, and also the flight has to be paid for right? Did you pay for it or the school? If the school paid for it then you really don't have anything to worry about. |
Thanks for the re-assurance.
The flight hasn't been booked yet because they want me there literally the day I get my visa. I've already got the visa issuance number, right now i'm just waiting to get my stamped passport back. My bags are packed, I sold my car (it was a clunker).
I haven't really spoken much with the director at my school his english is kind of bad. I've spoken to teachers at the school who assure me he's a great guy to work for, and have gotten glowing recommendations from 2 teachers (a couple) who both worked there for a year and re-signed for a second year.
My recruiter feels responsible for getting me there on time, she's actually really been very pleasant to deal with. She even mentioned paying for my flight to Montreal with her recruiting fee. I would feel kind of bad doing that! especially if it only gets me there a day or 2 earlier!
I also just realized that Friday is a holiday in Canada. This is not good news.
I guess I should try to relax and comply with their requests. I really want to make a good first impression! I'm looking forward to arriving! I wish it was today!
And to the guy who said living in Korea can be difficult, thanks for the heads up!  I think I'll be OK! I am a very adaptable and independent person. You took the plunge twice so it can't be THAT bad |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
koreatimes
Joined: 07 Jun 2011
|
| Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 12:37 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Stop feeling bad for the recruiter. They are pressuring you. Stand firm. Tell them when the visa comes you will let them know so they can arrange a flight.
Make sure they pay for it. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mollayo
Joined: 11 Oct 2010
Location: At the my house
|
| Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 7:18 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Korea Lesson #1 - Don't worry about your employers. Worry about yourself. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
isitts
Joined: 25 Dec 2008
Location: Korea
|
| Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 7:34 pm Post subject: Re: Arriving late, should I be worried? |
|
|
| Speedling wrote: |
I'm supposed to be arriving in Korea this week, but I still haven't received my passport back with the visa stamp. My recruiter/employer are starting to get stressed out over this delay, and its starting to in turn stress me out!
My recruiter asked if I'd be willing to fly to the Korean Consulate (1500 miles from my house) spend the night there, pick up my passport in person and then fly to Korea. Seems like a lot of money/effort to spend just to get me to work a day or two earlier then if I they courier'd me my passport (They have a UPS 24 hour guaranteed pre-paid return envelope).
I think the problem is my recruiter feels its their responsibility to get me to the school on time. There was no wiggle room whatsoever for delays. And now that its looking like it could be another 10 days before I get my passport back they are freaking out!
There was no way to predict these delays (Canada post strike, my UPS package to the Consulate was delayed 2 days due to bad weather, it took longer to get my visa issuance number then expected and now the person at the Consulate who process's visa applications is on vacation).
I've got enough to do getting ready to leave for a year! Should I be worried about this? The extra days are good thing for me! less rushed. But I feel bad for my employer and recruiter who are both just trying to run their business's.
Any suggestions or thoughts on how I should handle this? I kind of don't want to go to the consulate in person, even if the airfare/hotel are paid for, I would still have to pay for taxi's, food, etc. |
I arrived almost three weeks after my school wanted me to be there. You can�t rush the visa process. If the school and recruiter want to stress over it, that�s their problem. There�s nothing you can do about it. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
young_clinton
Joined: 09 Sep 2009
|
| Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2011 1:26 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Is the job for a Hogwan? I wouldn't spend any extra money getting to a Hogwan job period. If the recruiter doesn't like you anymore, find another one. The recruiters are all over the place. If its for a public school, it might be a good idea to spend the money to hurry up and get your passport. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Speedling
Joined: 08 Jun 2011
|
| Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2011 8:20 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Yeah its for a Hagwon.
Should have my passport back tomorrow some time so the situation seems to have worked itself out.
I expect to be in Korea in time to start work next monday!
I better start packing
Thanks guys/gals |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
