Korean Job Discussion Forums

[BigJ]

Hello,

Does anyone have any info about LCI Academy - Dobong Campus? I can't seem to find any mention of this school but I have been informed by my recruiter that the school has an excellent reputation. It mentions that the school pays 50% medical insurance but the posting doesn't describe the national pension plan so I will have to dig deeper about that. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[BigJ]

Bumping this up.

I found out that they do not pay towards the national pension... Is this a typical LCI Academy thing to do? Anyways, if anyone has information on this campus in particular or any general insight they would like to share about LCI I would appreciate it.

So far I have been informed with LCI that I should "Enter at Own Risk," "take negative comments with a grain of salt" as well as "every location is different." So I am torn...

Thanks

[tua111111]

From what I know, LCI is a franchise. The one I work for doesn't pay into the national pension and gives you an option to get private health insurance that starts about 3 months into your contract. If you don't take the health insurance you get extra money when you contract is finished.

My co-workers and I work long hours and don't get significant breaks. Not for everyone. (This is a common trend with hagwons lately, from what I understand.) Curriculum is set and there is an expected pace, so no preparation.

All that said, I get paid on time and receiving the severance payment hasn't been much of issue at my franchise.

If you're thinking about accepting make sure you talk to someone that is currently working at Dobong Campus so they can answer any questions you have.

[danpaesan]

BigJ, I'm leaving my academy at the end of April. It's a good place to work in Bundong, close to Seoul. If you are interested I could put you in touch with the owner.

[BigJ]

Thanks for the replies guys. I am looking for something in June or later, sorry danpaesan.

Question for tua111111 or anyone else who can help me. If the school doesn't pay into the national pension, does that mean that the teacher is responsible for paying the full 9%? How does that work? I thought it was illegal not to pay into the national pension... Any trouble at your franchise getting paid on time?

I like the set curriculum, as this would be my first time in Korea, although I have taught before. Now when you say that it's long hours, are you talking 8 hour work days or the 10.5 hour work days that I have seen some schools listing?

Thanks for all the help!

[BigJ]

Okay, did the interview...

Found out they don't pay pension (obviously) and they use AIG insurance, which the director said is cheaper but I suspect less coverage than national health plan.

Also, the recruiter wants us to send the following:

- What's your full name in the passport?
- What's your passport number?
- What's your address?

This seems like a huge red flag to me! Why would I send this information for the recruiter to put on the contract?! Why wouldn't I fill that in myself. Anyways can someone please tell me if this is normal?

Thanks

[misspigeon]

I'm really curious about this also - I just had an interview with the LCI branch near Singil in Seoul (or should I say, they asked if I liked kids and then went into contract and teaching details).

From what I was told, it sounds like you just have one class to look after for a couple hours then "a ten minute break" and then afternoon classes "until 6:05 and then you have 20 minutes for preparation and then can go home." Is this correct? The recruiter said it'd be 30 teaching hours a week but it seems like it's way more than that.

The monthly performance reviews and the accompanying "bonuses" seem a little sketch to me. It just sounds like an easy way to fire someone in the 11th hour to get out of paying severance.

Any other thoughts? Is this being overly paranoid?

[SeoulNate]

[BigJ]

Thanks for the replies.

I passed on this position once I saw the contract. It was horrible! I would say stay far away from LCI. The other contracts I've reviewed since then are 10 times better but the tax rates on all of them are still at 3.3%, some include mandatory overtime, fewer than 10 vacation days and most are pre-selected for you. I wish the operations of these schools could be strictly enforced somehow.

While we're on the subject, how would one recommend asking for changes to the current contract. I am asking from experience. Also what is the likelihood that the school is going to listen to reason. Currently my main issues with the jobs I am looking at are the tax rate (not listed or 3.3%), the wording of the pension scheme and health insurance in the contract, and the fact that some only list 7 days vacation.

[SeoulNate]

It really depends on a lot of different things:

1. Does the school need someone now? or can they wait for someone who will take any contract

2. Do they have foreign teachers now? What are their contracts like?

3. Does the person in charge speak English? Or are you talking to someone who will be your equal at the school and have no power over the contract?

All that you can really do is:

1. Talk to current employees. Do not rely on what they say 100%, but if they are resigning and they say pension and taxes are taken care of, then it should be on the up and up.

2. Talk to whoever makes the monetary decisions at the school. It is worthless to talk to a sub-manager who has no power to change the contract.

3. Do not sign something upon the thinking that you will be able to change it once you get here.

4. Bring backup copies of everything with you, just in case.

[RMNC]

Guys:

E-2 visa holders are required to have the national insurance and the pension. The only way they don't get it is if you're being registered as a contractor. They still must give you health insurance, but the NHIC insurance is linked to the pension

DO NOT LET THEM REGISTER YOU AS A CONTRACTOR. You're being screwed out of hundreds of dollars per year if they do.

If your contract says 3.3% tax rate, you're being screwed.

If your contract says "employee" and not "contractor" then they are breaking the law.

Don't deal with shady schools that try to bend the rules to dupe foreigners into working there for chump change.

misspigeon and BigJ: You're not being overly paranoid. Most LCI contracts are train wrecks and I would never work for one.

[SeoulNate]

[Chimie]

I was just offered this position as well. I'm debating between an Avalon job and this. It seems like every private school has negative reviews. It's quite frustrating to say the least. Did the OP take the position? If so: how is it? If not: why not?

[jeremysums]

Do you have the owners contact info? Can you pm me thanks

[liv16]

Chimie- I got offered with this position as well. Was wondering if anyone know more info at this campus?