Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Modernist]

OP, it sounds like you have a controlling PITA for a CT. You do NOT need an ARC to be paid. It's ridiculous. Koreans transfer money with just the bankbooks all the time. The school admins can do it easily. And, count me among those who got their settlement in cash, within 2 days of arrival. The paper trail excuse is BS.

It really sounds to me like your CT WANTS to 'loan' you money. Probably so they can come off as 'helping' you and therefore hold some kind of leverage on you in the future. As in, 'remember when you needed money, and I didn't have to, but I loaned to you because I wanted to help you?' Now you are on the hook to them for God knows what down the line. Whether vacation times, or extra unpaid classes, or private tutoring of their cousin's sister's middle daughter. Whatever. Something.

Perhaps instead of going to the CT, go straight to the admin office? There is one person there who is responsible for the money. Walk in, bow a little, have your bankbook and ARC [if you finally have it anyway] and hand it to someone with both hands. They'll know what you are trying to do. Also sometimes at least one of them speaks a little English so that can help. If you have to talk to the CT again, don't ask for your money. TELL them you expect to see this money by the end of the day and if you don't you'll be contacting your program coordinator. Personally I would do that today anyway, mentioning the settlement you STILL have not received. A call from the POE should set them straight.

Your CT sounds like a jerk to me. I had a super-controlling, anal CT before, with many issues, but she at least didn't muck with my pay. You'd better set down some boundaries with this person soon or things may get worse over time.

[premiummince]

Loaning money is pretty normal for some people who don't bring enough at the start. I wouldn't worry and just take that. When you get your ARC, they should pay you immediately.

[K1020]

I feel for you, OP. That's tough I can't believe how often I read about this, funny, my school handed me an envelope of cash on my second day.
What's the point of a "settlement allowance" if you're already settled by the time you get it?

[oppa637]

Pretty sure you need ARC for Korea's tax purposes.

Then when you do get the ARC, you'll have to go to bank and ask them to change it to your ARC number instead of your passport number or it won't work.

At least that was my experience.

In the end though, you really should have brought more money or just use an American Credit card if you have one.

It really makes me wonder why people are so quick to assume everyone is out there to screw you over here. Sure you have to jump through hoops to get certain things but thats the system.

Also, I paid for the 1000 to use my ARC immediately also. It does not work till you get the card. You do have the number but its not really registered in circulation so that piece of paper is useless.

[jamasian]

I can't help but laugh as I read. You signed a paper saying you got the settlement when you didn't? ok.

Anywho, I think it's illegal to pay without the ARC as that is how they track that you've been paid and taxed. Of course you can open an account with a passport but it's not helpful in this case. No one likes anyone in the U.S. to be paid under the table...

I'm sure your co-teacher was trying to help you out by loaning you money. The co is not an institution asking for interest or putting on strings right? Paperwork takes time. It's "cool" that some schools will just pay you in cash, but not everyone likes not dotting "i"s and crossing "t"s.

[tausha12]

I did not sign a paper saying I received my settlement money. I said I would have been more than happy to have signed the paper if it meant I could have gotten the money faster.

The school didn't pay my settlement money until after the 30 days. In fact they paid me a lump sum for my first paycheck + my settlement bonus. Luckily they paid me my ticket money last week so I had some money. I've just been so sick the past 3 weeks that I needed money for the doctor, medicine and food.

thanks all.