Korean Job Discussion Forums

Alyallen · Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 1:15 pm Post subject: Christian Contract Question

Hi Everyone, I have a contract question of sorts to ask of you all...

I received a contract that contains the following:

f. Participate in evangelistic outreach programs on Fridays and Sabbaths (Saturday). The basic idea outlined below is simple: the Teacher is to be in evangelistic and other spiritual programs at all times as many of the Teacher's students are at vespers and Saturday programs for the first time. Also, the Teacher's presence is a factor that strengthens the integrity of such programs. For such reasons, it is most appropriate for the Teacher to be at the School Church at all times. However, as the Teacher may have friends or acquaintances in other places or simply would like to visit other neighboring churches, the following guidelines are set. The Teacher should, at the least, be at the School Church on two of the four weekends (or three, in the case of a month with five weekends). Scheduling of times and programs should be made in advance so that no weekend church and/or evangelistic activities are without any native English speakers. At least half of the native speakers are to be present at all times to lead or participate.

If either the Teacher or the School is unfaithful in doing its part of the Contract, it can make a motion to annul the Contract.

c. Possible examples of such reasons are: 1) School's unwillingness to follow up on the Contract, 2) a conduct unbecoming of the Teacher as a Christian educator--i.e. drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking etc.

What I want to know is a) if anyone else has seen a contract similar to this in nature and actually signed it and b) how can they enforce a no drinking policy?

I am not a Christian but I wouldn't mind attending church functions but annulment for drinking is more pressing for me (and no I am not a crazy alcoholic, I just like the ability to choose what I want to do). I might not work at this place but I am curious for some response...

Thanks,
Alyallen

simulated stereo · Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 1:35 pm Post subject:

Run far, far away.

Mr. Pink · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: China

If you aren't chrisitian why would they even consider you?

Also what type of Chrisitians hold the sabbath on saturdays? Isn't that the 7th day guys?

Alyallen · Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 2:30 pm Post subject:

Yep...they are Seventh -Day Adventists, Mr. Pink. I think that still makes them Christian, but I'm not up on my religious denominations trivia yet Wink

Why would they hire me is a good question. I am doing this through a recruiter and I have yet to be asked about my religious preference. We (myself and a friend) are supposed to get in contact with the director of the school soon. It's kinda funny. We didn't find out they were Seventh-Day till we stumbled onto it on the school's website. It isn't written on the english translation of the website but we found out through a video they had on the site.

Simulated Stereo...what exactly makes you think that's a good idea?

Thanks

rudyflyer · Joined: 26 Feb 2003 Location: pacing the cage

run like hell from this place. it does sound like a typical "christian" hogwon.

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Aly:

Run from this. Even if you are a devout Christian, you should run.

Most Christian schools in Korea pay less money and expect you to follow tons of rules outside of the norm. Another thing that really bugs me about it is that they hide behind the guise of being a "Christian" school, and your work should be viewed as some sort of missionary exploit -- therefore they can pay less.

Hogwash.

Many of the "Christian" hagwons come closer to owning every moment of your life than any other job in Korea.

phaedrus · Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Location: I'm comin' to get ya.

Christians here in Korea seem to be very Christian. I am Christian, but they make me uncomfortable.

The religion is newer and the fervor is greater........

Also,

peppermint · Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 4:19 pm Post subject:

Yeah- you can do better than this place. I went to Caholic school right through high school, nuns and all, but Korean Christians scare me. They tend to be extremely pushy and judgemental.

simulated stereo · Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 4:25 pm Post subject:

Mr. Pink · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: China

Well not sure if the school is christian or not, but if you are not of their faith, they will throw a LOT of pressure on you to convert and become a good moral 7th day advent.

Also they prolly are lining up chicks to introduce to you for marriage.

I agree with the person who said "run away from these guys".

Seriously, you have NO idea about the horror stories ppl post AFTER they go through this kind of crap.

Alyallen · Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 8:25 pm Post subject:

Thanks everyone for your replies....I checked the various forums but never found threads about christian hogwans so this is very informative....

What everyone posted was very levelheaded and informative and I thank you all for your time.

I will talk to my friend and show him this thread so he can figure out what he is willing to deal with in a job. Speaking for myself, I certainly won't convert to ANY denomination and the pressure to do so would make life so much harder than it would have to be.

phaedrus wrote:

"If either the Teacher or the School is unfaithful in doing its part of the Contract, it can make a motion to annul the Contract.

c. Possible examples of such reasons are: 1) School's unwillingness to follow up on the Contract, 2) a conduct unbecoming of the Teacher as a Christian educator--i.e. drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking etc.

Edit: Bold added.

This is funny. If the school feels like firing you they can. Be careful about church wine if the director is slightly pissed at you."

I didn't even realize this till it was pointed out by you phaedrus. This is why I posted this....I'm just a humble newbie trying to not get screwed by the man Confused

I suppose to elaborate, this is my first time trying to find a place and I guess the logic was that a Christian hogwan would accept me for being black and even if the pay is somewhat less(1.9 million), I'd at least get paid on time. But...people get screwed by religious scam artisits all the time. I feel the reality of this situation already...Thanks again everybody and I will keep ya'll updated on my progress(or lack thereof)...

AlyAllen

Saxiif · Joined: 15 May 2003 Location: Seongnam

Alyallen · Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 9:46 pm Post subject:

Hey Saxiif,

Thanks for the advice but I have had some experience in Korea as an exchange student and it was a positive experience. That is one contributing factor in choosing Korea instead of Japan for example. No culture shock for me since I already had that experience. But more importantly, I don't want to limit myself in terms of where I can go based on the belief I will be discriminated against. Not everyone (from my experience) is like that in Korea so I hope to find someone who is open-minded to work for.

On a more pleasant note (and slight tangent), Vermont is great and I planned to move here but this shot at Korea is too tempting to pass up. Went to Maine once for a rugby game (women's rugby for clarification) and it was cold! It was raining and the rain was as cold as ice...so whenever I experience really cold rain, I call it "Maine rain."

Thanks for the advice,
AlyAllen

Alyallen · Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 12:33 pm Post subject:

Hey,

Anyone here work for a christian hogwan? If you do, please PM me. I would like to know someone's personal take on working for such a place.

Thanks,
Alyson

sadsac · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: Gwangwang

Stay away. I'm currently working for an SDA and they don't enforce any of the crap that you have in your contract. They are dictacting your belief structure to suit their needs. The Korean staff are all good christian folk and he treats them like slaves and because of their church affiliation they put up with it. Do not sign a contract like that, it gives them all the power. Smile