Korean Job Discussion Forums

[canukteacher]

I spoke with someone from Gepik last night. Their school wants them to stay, but no conditions have been presented.

I met with my principle a couple of weeks ago. One thing that was presented to me a couple of months ago was to extend for six months. Gepiks reasoning is that they want to bring teachers contracts into line with their budget year. I prefer six months. However, I am wondering if they would try to get away without paying the 6 months of severance, and what about end of contract airfare?

MOL will award the severence as long as you can prove that you have been employed for more than one year, and that your employment has been continuous. However, I would prefer not to have to go through the hassle of having to take the school to the labour board. (Been there, done that, with another employer)

Other than the six months nothing has been offered. I have been told it will probably be June before GEPIK will release contract conditions for September.

I have communicated to my principal that I would consider another contract if vacation conditions improve, and there is some flexibility in non-teaching time on-site, including summer and winter camps. We will see what happens.

She did give me a reference letter, and knows that I am actively look elsewhere. She is concerned about finding a new teacher. She is well aware of the fact that public schools throughout Korea are expanding their recruitment efforts for native speaking English teachers.

I'll let you all know if anything else transpires.

Grotta..............would really like to know where you received your info of less pay, and less vacation.

CT

[Grotto]

Its on the GEPIK website....which for some strange reason has been down for the last couple weeks!

gepik.ken.go.kr

On the site they have lowered the pay scale 100,000 won and the two weeks of bonus vacation you get if you renew have been listed as unpaid!

If GEPIK had half a brain they would offer 6 weeks vacation. There is no point in keeping FT's at the school if there are no students there. With 6 weeks vacation the FT could still teach the winter camp and would still only get less than half the vacation time the Korean teachers do.

[canukteacher]

Thanks Grotto,

I haven't looked at the Gepik website for awhile. However, the statement about the unpaid 2 weeks has always been there. My contract says paid, so I assumed that there is a typo on the Gepik site or my contract was translated incorrectly. My school is well aware that the 2 weeks in this contract are paid, plus the 7 days vacation.

CT