Korean Job Discussion Forums

queencarmie · Joined: 23 Jun 2004

Off to Korea in 3 weeks, cant wait. For now I get to put off the reality of finding a 'career' instead of a job, getting married (hell will freeze over first) and starting a family. Am I the only one that thinks that moving to Korea is a way to excape the reality of home?

JacktheCat · Joined: 08 May 2004

First define "home" and "reality"

queencarmie · Joined: 23 Jun 2004

Home being
1) where your family is
2) where you went to university
3) Country of origin

reality being
1) societal expectations (boo)
2) the life that you are escaping (for lack of a better word) when moving to Korea

kiwiboy_nz_99 · Joined: 05 Jul 2003 Location: ...Enlightenment...

Doesn't sound like a very positive outlook. I veiwed it as an adventure ...

queencarmie · Joined: 23 Jun 2004

dont get me wrong, so do I! Amazing adventure I cant wait. At the same time (thanks to Mom's guilt trips) I feel that Korea is a year long (minimum) vacation/break from finding a career in my designated area.
I love it, I cant wait and I am super excited!!! Im just wondering if anyone thinks the same?

Real Reality · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: Seoul

queencarmie wrote,
"Am I the only one that thinks that moving to Korea is a way to excape the reality of home?"

You are moving to another country. You will experince the reality in Korea.

You might also meet Real Reality.

Crucial Information
1. If you come to Korea, you must have a return ticket out or cash resources to get you out should an emergency arise. This is a personal matter, but one that will prevent you much heartache and stress should you adhere to it.

2. If you employer asks you to work in breach of Labor Laws or Immigration law, you must refuse. If your employer threatens to dismiss you for refusing to follow his wrongful request, contact either the Immigration Office or the Labor Office. Under no circumstances must you work in breach of Korean laws. It is far better to be dismissed by an employer than breach Korean law.

3. If your employer asks you to work without Immigration authority (visa processing,) refuse. You can be fined heavily and given an Exit Order baring you from return for 5 years.
from EFL-LAW.com
free community site to all TEFL/EFL professionals
http://efl-law.com/crucial.html

JacktheCat · Joined: 08 May 2004

Good for you. Although there will those on here, and in Korea, who tell you that "coming to find yourself" is a lame reason, I think it is a great idea. More power to you.

As for me, I have no home. Born in Indoneasia to American parents, grewup in Africa. Family still alive scattered all over the globe. Went to 4 univeristies on two continents.

And I firmly believe "reality" is just an illusionary concept foisted upon us by one society or another.

Korea is my home and my reality for the moment.

queencarmie · Joined: 23 Jun 2004

Now I have another question...
I am leaving Canada in 3 weeks, my visa is still in the application process, it should be done soon but I might have to leave a few days before it gets here. I will be working for what I am told is a very reputable school but should I be concerned about this? What should I do?

Real Reality · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: Seoul

Aren't all schools in Korea "very reputable?"

peppermint · Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2004 7:41 pm Post subject:

The visa papers should take about a week or so here, then get the school to FedEx them to you. One you get the blue paper, take a run into your friendly neighborhood Korean consulate and hand over the money.
A day later and you're good to go.

If that's not possible, then come over on a tourist visa and your school will send you on a day trip to Japan to get the visa paperwork done there. It's pretty commonplace and there's lots of info on visa runs here.

queencarmie · Joined: 23 Jun 2004

I am sure they are all self-proclaiming reputable, but I have heard from various sources (not just my boss and co-workers, but others who know of the school) that the school is really good and the boss is a very decent/fair person.
also... he still has my degree. Im certain that I have nothing at all to worry about, just getting nervous.

queencarmie · Joined: 23 Jun 2004

hand over the money?? What money. No one told me that. How much?
Anyone from Canada? I think my friendly neighborhood Korean Consulate is 2 provinces away. What do I do then?

JacktheCat · Joined: 08 May 2004

queencarmie · Joined: 23 Jun 2004

Why you laugh at me???? Confused

JacktheCat · Joined: 08 May 2004