Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kraggy]

Hi folks,

My girlfriend and I are going to Seoul in the next couple of weeks to start work with SMOE. Obviously, this is outside of the main hiring period so it looks like we won't be getting Orientation. Also, one of our jobs is because someone dropped out and they need a replacement. So...

1. Is it ever possilbe to get the contact details of the previous teacher to see what it's like to teach in the school? The agency said no as the postions are only decided a couple of days prior to our arrival in Seoul and we won't know until we arrive where we will be, but are they telling the truth?

2. If we don't have Orientation, do we organise our own medical examinations ourselves? I know you have 90 days to do it if you are working with a hagwon, but does the same apply to working with SMOE?

3. I have read on here of stories of people being picked up from the plane and brought straight to a hospital for a medical by the co-teacher. Is that possible? Surely after such a long flight we'll be jet-lagged and just in the mood for sleep.

Thanks for any help you may provide.

[Ksamsoon]

I would also like some advice on Question #1....anybody?

[Otherside]

1. She's telling the truth. Kind of. For the normal intake, SMOE won't tell you where you are going, and as she said, you only find out after you arrive. For a late start, they "should" know where you are going, as only a handful of schools don't have teachers yet. But they probably won't tell you. SMOE is very bureaucratic that way.

2. Yes, you'll be responsible for your own medical check. I'm sure your co-teacher will either take you, or tell you when and where to go.

3. I haven't heard anything like that. It may have happened, but pretty rare. If she tries that with you. Just explain that you're very tired, and you'd be happy to go tomorrow or whenever else suits her

[Ksamsoon]

Thanks Otherside

[crisdean]

I, too, was a SMOE replacement teacher for someone who left, that was about 2 years ago, and I am now in my second renewal with the school.

1. They didn't tell me where I was going to be, only that it'd be middle school.

I'd say "Otherside" is exactly correct for 2 and 3.

with 3 if you're worried about, just make sure your flight lands in the evening, the clinics that handle these tests have limited contact hours.

My school wasn't in a terribly big hurry to get it done, so I doubt yours will be, unless you get off the plane and look like you're dying, they might be concerned then.

[tigress]

Hi! I was wondering if you could tell me how you got the replacement positions? Did SMOE have you on a waiting list or did you go through a recruiter? Thanks for your help!