Korean Job Discussion Forums

Hater Depot · Joined: 29 Mar 2005

My visa application has been denied because the stamp on the back of my sealed transcript does not straddle the line created by the envelope flap folding over. I am sure the conversation wherein I explain this to the registrar at my uni will be a lot of fun.

Has anybody else ever heard of this or is some guy at immigration having a good laugh?

Big Mac · Joined: 17 Sep 2005

That's stupid.

I don't recall ever having to give them a transcript in a SEALED envelope. Do they think you're going to tamper with it? I just gave them an original transcript with the university seal on it and they were happy with that. Maybe things have changed.

poet13 · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 6:56 pm Post subject:

i have heard of that being specified. when i ordered ten copies of my transcripts, they asked me if i wanted them in one envelope or separate. yes, people do alter their transcripts. some people believe it or not, even have fake degress....

Njord · Joined: 12 Jan 2006 Location: South Korea

My university uses a tamper proof seal that is built into the envelope. There is a strip of perforation close to where you glue it shut and a lable that says "Tamper Proof Seal" in large letters. In addition, the transcript is printed on special, copy-proof paper.

Korean immigration still rejected it. My university said they wouldn't break their usual procedures (put a seal on the envelope) without a letter from Korean immigration. Korean immigration didn't want to give me a letter. Eventually, my university accepted a letter from my employer and stamped a seal on the envelope.

plato's republic · Joined: 07 Dec 2004 Location: Ancient Greece

Oh the retardedness of Korean Immigration and the hoops they make us jump through in order to get a job here... Rolling Eyes

Won't be long before teachers start jumping ship for pastures new. And the Korean Government want to place a native English speaker in every school by 2007/8???? Good luck!

BigBlackEquus · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 8:04 pm Post subject:

It's already happening. I know of at least two schools in this situation. One lost an applicant due to the transcript problem (not being able to get them in time, etc.).

But Korea doesn't care.

Just more illegal opportunity for jobs for those working here on tourist visas.

Pyongshin Sangja · Joined: 20 Apr 2003 Location: I love baby!

Or Americans faking degrees.

k_shearman · Joined: 07 Feb 2006

k_shearman · Joined: 07 Feb 2006

poet13 · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 8:57 pm Post subject:

i read somewhere of a canadian outfit in toronto that was hooking people up with all kinds of degrees, uni, tefl, etc. and doing so rather blatantly. I'm not flaming canada, I am a canadian myself originally from the toronto area no less.
i think it would probably be fair to say that any nationality represented in korea has a few fakes.

plato's republic · Joined: 07 Dec 2004 Location: Ancient Greece

OK, so let's just say Americans AND Canadians then shall we...

Hater Depot · Joined: 29 Mar 2005

I knew about the business of it having to be sealed, but the location of the stamp for *beep*'s sake? Basically this joker is telling me if it had been a quarter-inch lower he would be ok'ing it. I can't think of a dumber reason to have a job in jeopardy.

k_shearman · Joined: 07 Feb 2006

poet13 · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 10:23 pm Post subject:

hater depot
i agree. its ridiculous. but just to play devils advocate.....
first, that person likely has no idea what that fancy envelope with the adhesive strip and all that represents. And.....
youre talking about a person in an office who had to beat out perhaps hundreds of other people for that clerks position. competition in korea for relatively low ranking and low paying jobs is incredibly intense, and advancement is difficult. i would point to the TOEIC cult as an example. I know people who have taken the test dozens of times, trying for a higher score, one that may make or break that coveted civil servant position. i have another student who is taking 9 months off after university ust to study for the civil service exam. He studies at least 8 hours a day.
i dont think theres a lot of reward in the lower ranks for individuality. i think the competition is relegated to who can be the best administrator which in one way means to have the fewest questions about their work. If you draw attention to yourself, something must be wrong (so to speak). in the west, it works a little differently in some ways, with self starters, critical thinking and individuality rewarded. I think we just write it off as "an asian thing".

laogaiguk · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Location: somewhere in Korea