Korean Job Discussion Forums

[thebektionary]

I know it's pretty early for that (my contract ends March 2013) but I was just wondering what the chances of being renewed are. I really like my situation (I live by Yeokgok station almost in Seoul and work at a public middle school with great students and co-workers) and wouldn't want to change it besides maybe the location of my apartment.

[shostahoosier]

If you work for a wealthy school or city, the chances are pretty good as your funding will be secure.

If you play along with your school (teachers dinners, noraebang, hiking "workshops") and don't rock the boat, then your chances are even better.

Strange things happen and people will chime in with stories of how they were "randomly" cut, but I would say that most people who maintain a pleasant relationship their school are asked back.

[isitts]

Yeah, basically what shostahoosier said. As long as your school has funding and the school (namely, your coteacher, principal, and the students) like you, then you should be good to go. Schools generally don't like to play roulette hiring new teachers if they're happy with the one they have (and aren't too expensive ).

That said, though, I wouldn't necessarily get too comfortable. Things do change, even if they do recontract you. Teachers often get transferred to other schools and sometimes the principal and VP do, too.

Teachers get transferred at the end of your school year (same time as your renewal). Principals and VPs get transferred (if they're transferred) in August.

Case in point, I was also working at probably my best school which turned into a nightmare a few months after recontracting when my principal and VP were transferred and demons replaced them. I didn't even want to recontract for a third term but it didn't matter as GEPIK had lost its funding anyway.

I doubt that's the norm, but just saying. I think in most cases it's not as bad as that. But there can be a lot of moving parts. Worst case scenario, if things do go south, you're already in the country and with the D10 visa available, makes it easier apply for other GEPIK schools and have your current school transfer documents.

Hope that puts your mind at ease.

[thebektionary]

[thebektionary]

What is a D10 visa?

[TheUrbanMyth]

D-10 visa ="looking for work" visa

Allows you to stay in country beyond end of current contract to look for a new job.

[Skippy]

Up the smoozing a bit more. As mention do the dinners and volleyball games. Find any enemies and make friends.

But still "Hope for the best, prepare for the worst."

[dairyairy]

[blm]