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Korean Job Discussion Forums "The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!"
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TheUrbanMyth
Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired
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Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 9:01 pm Post subject: |
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isisaredead wrote: |
TheUrbanMyth wrote: |
owenthebulldog wrote: |
Thanks for the info guys, much appreciated. I am stepping carefully, and heed the warnings. The money thing isnt a huge deal for me, so that's why I might do it this way, a luxury and a hassle simultaneously. Would be cool to see Japan for a few nights too though.
In terms of the Japan run, I consulted with the employer who offered to pay for the trip to Korea(shady to begin with without a visa), in addition to the Japan run, and was assured that these trips are actually taking place. They have 3 separate schools, and just sent an American on the same exact run last month, under very similar circumstances. I dont really know what to believe. Maybe the rules arent being enforced, or maybe there is some misinformation on our side or theirs.
Any clarity you could shine on this is appreciated Thanks guys,
Owenthebulldog |
This is a typical slimy hakwon trick. They have you come over and work illegally for a few weeks to see if they like your teaching. If they do then they send you on the visa run and if not then you are shown the door. |
apart from the fact that it's illegal, i have absolutely no problem with this. with any real job in the western world, you're expected to work for the first few weeks to prove you're not useless, and that you fit in to the work environment. i think it's called a "probationary period", or something.
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That is the problem with it. It's illegal hence slimy. Add to that that after the probationary period you still will get paid for the work you did even if you are let go. At such hakwons as the above it's a less than even chance you will see a single won. |
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northway
Joined: 05 Jul 2010
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Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2011 1:45 am Post subject: |
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Not to mention that the job at home doesn't have you moving halfway around the world... |
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isisaredead
Joined: 18 May 2010
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Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2011 2:13 am Post subject: |
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true. still, it would be nice to have some sort of system of "try before you buy", for both the business and the instructor.
like, say, oh, i don't know - LET US OWN OUR VISAS?! |
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ttompatz

Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea
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Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2011 2:39 am Post subject: |
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isisaredead wrote: |
true. still, it would be nice to have some sort of system of "try before you buy", for both the business and the instructor.
like, say, oh, i don't know - LET US OWN OUR VISAS?! |
Why would they?
If you get a work visa for the states you don't own it (your employer controls you).
Same with MOST other countries on the planet.
Some of the more popular EFL destinations are also simply ARCHAIC compared to Kimmi.
The problem lies in people who think that Korean law shouldn't apply to THEM.
I'll just fly over as a tourist, start work, see if I like it and then I may apply for the proper work visa. The OP, as a self professed lawyer, should know better as should most of the other posters in this thread.
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isisaredead
Joined: 18 May 2010
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Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2011 7:08 am Post subject: |
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i understand. all my point was, was that it would make it easier for hagwon to get the class of teacher that they (often, usually) deserve, and make it easier for us to find the hagwon that are worth working for. it would be easier to let an instructor go if they weren't fulfilling the requirements of the institute, if they can simply try their luck somewhere else.
by this concept, the good instructors are kept, and the bad hagwon are avoided. we could leave them with no serious repercussions if we could find another job at a better place somewhere else.
the OP clearly had this concept in mind - unfortunately, it simply doesn't exist here.
sorry if i seemed clueless. perhaps i'm just a little idealistic. |
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owenthebulldog
Joined: 13 Jun 2011
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Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2011 8:04 am Post subject: |
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I appreciate what you're saying patz. There's actually been no discussion of working at the school prior to having an E-2, which is why I was wondering if the Japan run is indeed illegal. If you can confirm this for me, then I appreciate that. I'll poke around online and see what I can find in the meantime.
Should I choose to work elsewhere, I would simply have to get another school to cover the "entry air fare", and either pay for the visa run to Guam or whereever myself, or perhaps get another school to cover that if possible.
The initial employer knows my intentions, so I assume the school must be decent in terms of working conditions. They must be a little desperate, as it seems many schools actually are. The hours are legit, and the location is within my range in terms of acceptability, so I'll see what pans out.
Best,
Owenthebulldog |
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ttompatz

Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea
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Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2011 5:05 pm Post subject: |
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owenthebulldog wrote: |
I appreciate what you're saying patz. There's actually been no discussion of working at the school prior to having an E-2, which is why I was wondering if the Japan run is indeed illegal. If you can confirm this for me, then I appreciate that. I'll poke around online and see what I can find in the meantime.
Should I choose to work elsewhere, I would simply have to get another school to cover the "entry air fare", and either pay for the visa run to Guam or whereever myself, or perhaps get another school to cover that if possible.
The initial employer knows my intentions, so I assume the school must be decent in terms of working conditions. They must be a little desperate, as it seems many schools actually are. The hours are legit, and the location is within my range in terms of acceptability, so I'll see what pans out.
Best,
Owenthebulldog |
As an American and a first time E2 applicant who does NOT have residence outside the US you will be required to obtain your first visa in the US (Guam is the US).
You can come over and do a visa run to Guam (LEGALLY).
You can also rest assured that if your school flies you over for an ASAP position that you WILL be required to work ILLEGALLY until they find it convenient for you to do your visa run (it could be up to 2 months).
Your story is NOT uncommon and you are being warned that you will be asked to break the law.
Lastly, ANY school or hagwan who is desperate at this time, with the current flood of US economic refugees coming over to choose from, is not going to be a place that you will want to work at. CAVEAT EMPTOR.
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