Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Gollum]

I signed a contract with a summer camp, got the OK'd addition to my E-2, then cancelled before the "actual" start of the camp.

Basically, what happened is that I freaked out after seeing how much of a disorganized mess it was. They are very short-staffed, and I had to ride them hard just to get my E-2 addition. Had to go there myself, actually, and it was all a big pain that ruined two of my vacation days.

We had an orientation night last night, and I wasn't briefed about it, other than that it would last 1 1/2 hours. It lasted four hours. Was also told we'd be meeting for several hours each day until the camp starts next Monay, however they wouldn't tell me how many hours.

I expected some orientation, however this unpaid time was never discussed either. Basically, it sounded like we were going to be doing their overdue paperwork and creating lessons based on some materials they bought and the idea they'd sold to the parents. I was told this was prepared, and we would be given a syllabus, however it became quite obvious that nothing was ready.

The orientation night was awful, and I heard from the Koreans working at the camp many parents were distraught. I saw a few angered ones grabbing packets from us, too. I was told that 20 to 30 of them were in a circle and angry about what was presented at orientation, the materials, and the length of time it took for us to conduct "placement tests" on the students (I didn't think 1 1/2 hours for 200 students being evalutated by 3 teachers was too bad).

After this debackle, we sat down and had a meeting. We were chewed on a bit because it "took so long" to do the evaluations, and that's why the parents were angry. So this was apparently all our fault??

In short, I became worried about getting paid. After seeing this mess, I insisted that they pay me daily. They, however, would not agree to it. No way. So I promptly went back to the Immigrations office and asked them to cancel the addition on my E-2.

Now the camp is pissed at me. I already have an E-2 with a school for a year, but just cancelled this camp. Anyone see possible reprocussions?

Immigrations didn't seem to care. I asked them if I could work somewhere else for the summer, and she said as long as I got it OK'd , it would be fine.

I told the camp "no" 2 days after I signed the contract, and four days before the camp actually starts.

I won't mention the name, because to mention the name would be to slur the name of another institution that I don't hold responsible.

The camp manager said she expects some sort of compensation because I've put her in a messy situation. I told her that if she had agreed to pay me daily, I would definately be working there. She wouldn't do it, however, so I followed through with what I said I'd do, and I cancelled the work permit.

What would you have done?

[kprrok]

same thing you did. I wouldn't tolerate anything like what you were describing. I would be very alarmed at the lack of organisation. Of course, I had the same thing at my first hagwon, and that went to the crapper, so now I expect things to be organised and well-executed.

I don't think there are any ways they could get you, but you never know.

KPRROK