Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kmg199]

About 3 weeks ago I accepted a teaching position with a school in Seoul. After submitting my paperwork including my contract etc., they informed me that student numbers are in decline this summer and that they would like to change the terms of my employment so that I would actually begin teaching in August. I expressed concern with the fact that I needed to return to the US by July, so they went so far as to change the terms of the contract again, in effect making it an 11 month contract with all the benefits of a one year contract (including airfare reimbursement and severance pay) If I opt to be released from the contract they have also agreed to refund the monies I spent in order to provide them with my application.

From what I knew about this specific school (I don't want to mention the name at this time as I am still considering this position) they were a very reliable employer and it seems to me that they are really trying to work with me to make this a good change. My question is have anyone had a problem similiar to this and if so what did they do? Also any thoughts as to whether I continue looking for employment or if I should accept the modified contrac, would be greatly appreciated.

[hellofaniceguy]

Red flags are up. Don't sign. Common sense should be telling you don't sign! If it ain't, then you don't have it. Period.
11 month contract equals NO severance or airfare. Schools KNOW this and are banking on newbies not knowing the ropes. If you have to be out of korea by July, you need to sign quickly. Getting the Visa approved takes a few weeks also.

[Juggertha]

I wouldn't write it off entirely, but i'm a semi-trusting soul.

tread carefully.

[justagirl]

Oh! Frustrating situation!

I would also be cautious because they said their numbers are in decline. I don't know if I'd want to work in a place where that was hanging over my head. If they don't need you now, like they stated, who knows if they'll need you 5 months after you start?

If they really wanted you, they'd hire you in July. That's my opinion. I would be really nervous about losing the bonus $/plane ticket home since it's only 11 months, even with it in the contract....because of their loss of students--fewer students, less $ to pay the teachers with.

And if they lost in the summer (if they're saying that's what happens in the summers) and you're leaving in the summer and will be taking 5 million with you....perhaps that will be too much for them to pay, and they KNOW you have to be home before Aug. so you won't be able to fight for it, etc....

Sucks...you think you have something good, and then it slowly shifts into something less desirable. I've seen that a lot in Korea.

[kmg199]

Thanks for the thoughts so far I just thought of some thought I would add something to my reply and hopefully clafify the problem a little further. I am newbie and to be honest that's why I posted this question. I did have some "red flags go up" when they first proposed this change. But to fair when I requested an updated contract stating that I would in fact receive the severance pay as well as be reimbursed for the airfare both ways, they immediately met this request.

When they forwarded me the updated contract it included the following clause:

"It is hereby agreed between the school and the instructor that the instructor shall teach at the school starting from August 23rd 2004, and finishing July 15th 2005. Hereinafter referred to as ��the agreed teaching period��.

"At the conclusion of this agreed teaching period the school will pay the instructor a severance payment that reflects the actual time employed by school. Severance payment is usually the equivalent of one month��s salary and paid after 12 months employment. Therefore this teacher should receive between 10/12 and 11/12 of average monthly salary. This payment is subject to Korean tax laws."

I would assume that since they updated the contract they would be responsible for sticking to all the clauses and conditions contained in that contract. Again I am newbie and may be being naive; if this is the case definitely let me know. I also do have some level of concern in line with the most recent post stating that if numbers are in decline now what is to stop it from being a continuing problem.

Finally the main reason I am still considering this position is based on the amount of time invested and the fact that although they regrettably will not be able to agree to the initial contract terms they were able to change the contract to fit my needs, which seems like a somewhat promising sign.

So still I guess I am stuck at 50% yes 50 % no

[ghostshadow]

At this point I would request an email or contact information of a native English teacher already working there. Get an idea of the school and if the teacher has ever been paid late. If the teacher was paid late even once then I would worry about the school staying above water and keeping their word with the contract. A lot of the teachers that gets screwed over is not because the schools are out to get them, it's because the school wants to stay in business but they just don't have enough students. So try to get an idea if the school is going to stay above water and if the teacher there believes that all is well and has always been paid on time.