Korean Job Discussion Forums

[BigInJapan]

Here we go.

Time for another round of everyone's favorite annual guessing game: Is GEPIK finished?

Like most, I've heard that GEPIK has cancelled high school positions for the upcoming 2013/14 school year.

Recently, however, I've heard whispers that these cancellations will extend to middle and elementary schools.

I currently work at a middle school in Ansan. My school asked to rehire me and I filled out the appropriate letter of intent.

Then yesterday the head English teacher informed me that from what she understands GEPIK won't have any funding for my position next year.

She doesn't know the details and suggested I suss out all relevant facts on my own.

I contacted my GEPIK coordinator yesterday but haven't heard a peep back, so I come to you fair ELSCafe netizen.

Any other middle and elementary school teachers in Gyeonggi-do hear something similar? Will you have a job next year? Has GEPIK promised funding to your school?

This is Korea so I don't expect to have answers too far in advance, but I would like to know as quickly as possible so as to plan accordingly.

Thanks.

[BigInJapan]

Just heard back from the coordinator and this is what she had for me:

"In regards to the budget situation, and from what I have heard, a budget cut is highly possible but we were told to wait for the official notice from GPOE as I was told that the departments are still under deliberation. However, there should be an official notice soon and when it comes out, we will make sure to e-mail everyone the notice. If your school is city funded, they will have to talk to the district's city hall about their specific situation. If your school is GEPIK funded, you will have to wait for the notice to come out or contact the provincial office directly."

So...not exactly reassuring. I know this is all just part of the price of playing ball in Korea, but, geez, it'd be nice to have even a modicum of job security.

I know, I know. Let the flames begin.

[newb]

Didn't they let go most of NETs (high, middle, elementary) go and ended up recruiting new NETs to fill the vacant positions a few years ago? It was basically, their way of getting rid of seasoned NETs and hiring newbies.

[dairyairy]

[YTMND]

[Airborne9]

I dont have an original link for the email but some teachers on the GEPIK Facebook site said they received this email.
http://www.facebook.com/groups/3094780809/

Dear GEPIK Teachers,

Every year, around this time, rumors and speculations arise about the future of the GEPIK program. The deliberation on the budget for 2013 is still going on by the Provincial Assembly however we have decided to let you know about the GEPIK budget plan for next year.

Due to budget cut, it has been decided that NETs in middle and high schools on the GEPIK budget will not be able to renew their contract in 2013. This does not apply to schools that are funded by the District City Council, or by the school's private budget. Please note that while these changes apply to contracts in 2013, those currently under contract with their schools cannot be terminated due to this budget cut and schools must respect their contract.

We are sorry to give you the bad news but all of our coordinators wish you all the best of luck for your future endeavors.

Sincerely,
GEPIK Coordinators Team

I suppose it was expected. I suppose some people can try to find city funded positions or elementary schools but i imagine competition is going to be tough enough for them.

[BigInJapan]

The ax just fell here at school.

I'm officially out of a job at the end of February.

Man, not the news you want to get a week before Christmas but I reckon it's better to know sooner rather than later.

Next steps? Not sure.

The provinces are looking better and better, though.

I'm one of those guys who believes that when one door closes another opens. It'll be stressful for a while but things will work out.

Best of luck to everyone in a similar situation.

Paul

[creeper1]

I was part of the GEPIK program 2008-2011. I'm surprised it is still around. It may hobble on for a while yet.

The rumor is that rural schools will continue to get funding and if you are in the countryside you needn't worry.

I saw this posted on another site.

"Most people these days (NETs and Koreans alike) know by now that EPIK/GEPIK teachers' jobs are a joke that mostly consist of coming to school and either: A. desk-warming or B. playing games and/or struggling to control a classroom full of kids who won't listen. To think that we actually teach English is laughable and this decision has been long overdue.

Getting rid of the majority of GEPIK (and maybe EPIK later on) is probably the smartest financial decision the Korean government can make with this kind of economy. I'm sorry for anyone affected by this but it's the truth. "

For sure GEPIK didn't really get much "bang for their buck" when employing NETS considering how much unproductive desk-warming they gave us.

If EPIK go the same way as GEPIK, hagwons are going to have a freaking field day.



The whole industry in Korea will go south.

[shostahoosier]

[Snowkr]

"Getting rid of the majority of GEPIK (and maybe EPIK later on) is probably the smartest financial decision the Korean government can make with this kind of economy."


I could not agree more. I believe this is a massive step in the right direction for Korea's Ministry of Education.