Korean Job Discussion Forums

[JongnoGuru]

Grotto, is there a sticky somewhere on employment contracts that prospective teachers can refer to? Maybe with some samples of "good", "fair", "sneaky", "bad", "laughable" model contracts? I think that would be a very valuable resource. Posters could refer to that, see where their contract differs, spot potential deal-breakers, phrasing to look out for, items to negotiate, etc.

[Hater Depot]

Notice also that, in this contract, the employer has sole discretion over your vacation days, supposeduly they will provide you with a schedule in advance. Not a good thing if you like being able to make plans--Koreans are notoriously bad long-term planners.

They also have "sole discretion" whether you get days off even if there is a death in your family! As a person likely to lose my grandfather to cancer this year, I can tell you this is not a clause you want in your contract.

And personally I would never accept 17,000 won as an overtime rate. 25,000 seems fair to me.

[Grotto]

EFL law has some good advice on contracts. What is a fair contract and illegal practices.

Right now GEPIK wants to withhold 900,000 won as a deposit against possible illegal activities. They were told its illegal so they changed it to a housing deposit, and were told thats illegal too(by the ministry of labour) but they are still trying to force teachers to pay it

The ministry of labour has told several teachers that if the school or GEPIK takes any money off their checks and withholds it to contact them and they will fix it. Stupidity at its finest!

[pegpig]

Grotto's analysis is leaning towards a perfect contract which is something you will rarely get, imho. Try, by all means, but in the end realize you won't get it all.

Contrary to Gopher's advice, definitely come to Korea. It sure beats sitting in your basement wilting. Then in a few years you're wondering, what if, what if....

Experiencing a new country is worth the risk of a bad experience. My first year wasn't great by any means. I worked a double split shift, woke up at 5:30, and finished at 8:30. I averaged 130 hours a month, with 160 in January. At the time I thought it was hell, but I look back on it all rather fondly.

I'm not someone who particularly likes Korea. I definitely don't love it. But, it's an experience. Just don't plan on staying too long or you may find yourself in the ESL industry for life, whether you like it or not.

[Grotto]

I wouldnt say its leaning towards a perfect contract by any means. The fact is the contract is the only thing you have protecting you in this country. Some people say the most important thing is your relationship with your boss...that is true up to a point! The point being where they decide to screw you over due to a poorly worded contract.

If you want relative safety coming over to Korea go with a public school job, or a chain like ECC, Pagoda, YBM, etc. They dont pay the best but they are for the most part fairly reliable.

[Real Reality]

[pegpig]

I tend to look at contracts a little differently. If they're a shady school the greatest contract in the world isn't gonna stop them from trying to shaft you. My last contract was concise to the tune of 1 page. Of course, I'm here so I can actually check the school out personally (which is much more important). Also, I have an F2, and if I don't like it - goodbye. Those are 2 reasons why our situations are perhaps a little different I guess.

[Gopher]