Korean Job Discussion Forums

[maddog]

I recently applied for a position in Seoul, and they asked that I sent the required documents by Fed-Ex. Standard stuff - sealed transcripts, notarized copy of degree, copy of passport photo page, passport photos and the signed contract. I sent them off the very next day. I didn't get reply for a while and badgered them by email. I just got a reply saying that my transcripts and the notarized copy of my degree were unacceptable because they were over 3 months old. They were about 5 months old.

Is this for real? They told me that the school couldn't wiat any longer so they have already appointed another teacher. What? So quickly? I think they simply found another candidate already in Korea and decided they didn't need me anymore. There's no way that three month rule thing is real, is it?

I extremely pissed off to say the least. Now I have to order more transcripts and, for some reason, my uni is really anal about issuing them. They don't have a system for ordering and paying. You have email someone in person and practically beg. In any case, it's gonna take a couple of weeks, then I have to get my degree notarized again. They earlier asked that I send my original degree by Fed-Ex. I am SOOO glad I hadn't agreed to that.

Seriously p1ssed
MD

[Ya-ta Boy]

Your suspicion they found someone locally is very likely to be true. I've never heard of a 3 month thing.

Sorry.

[Hotpants]

Some teachers have already reported on this site that there IS a 'time limit' regarding the transcripts.

It sounds bad luck. Could be also that the recruiter/school found someone local who wormed their way into the position. It happened to me once, even though I was present in Seoul at the time. But, there are plenty of positions to be found here, so you could try again, if you want to repeat the hassle... Good luck.

Damn the transcripts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Has there actually been a reduction in new teachers since the transcript introduction? I can't find any statistics.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

I've never heard of that.

[maddog]

The time limit, if it exists, is bureuacratic, anal idiocy. I have heard of teachers ordering a bunch of transcripts and using them for subsequent visa applications. Like I say, I hadn't heard from them for a few days so think they found someone more convenient.

As for transcripts. Does anyone elses uni get anal when you order a new set. I've heard that US and Canadian graduates can simply order them online, rather than beg by email/phone.

[Hobophobic]

My Uni will send them to wherever I wish...just have to pay...no problems that way...you went, you learned, you paid...I don't see why they would have a problem....bizarre...

[Angelus]

To answer your question.......yes, majorly screwed. The 3 month thing is total nonsense. There isn't a time limit for sealed transcripts. Your suspicion is most likely correct. I don't know what hotpants is talking about. To verify, call immigration and ask.

[jacl]

How can there be a time limit on official documents? That's the fucking stupidest thing. They're either official or they're not.

[Porter_Goss]

[tony602]

Oh yeah, you got boned....but....if you have not accepted a teaching position abroad as of yet.....bring extra copies of those babies....only one original degree will do...but, bring multiple notarized copies from the consulate that you dealt with, 2 bucks or so a copy depending on the states vs. canada and the country you're dealing with, Korean consulate in Boston Mass charged $2 a copy for me not that long ago....get a bunch....and get a sealed transcript for every degree you get notarized....five notarized degrees, five sealed transcripts....that kind of thing.....theyll serve you for job searches after your contract....or if you get canned or quit early.....the time limit is pure B.S., if you get all those copies now, theyre good for forever.....Korean immigration checks with your university once you get here and go through the application process for your immigration card.....you got served a line of B.S. because they filled your position with someone they could screw a little easier. There may be a "year" limitation on those documents...but not in any of the literature Ive read...a legal document is a legal document is a legal document....here or back home.

[margaret]

Consider yourself lucky that you got screwed before you started working there instead of getting there and being screwed big time. They sound dishonest and unreliable and there's porbably a lot worse in store for the poor teacher who got your job.
Margaret

[Khyron]

[princess]

Officiial legal documents should be good forever. 3 months? Something isn't right.

[bestyoucanget]

another stupid thing here...............same shit different day

a transcript is a transcript.............

crazy place this

[jacl]

Did you get screwed? I don't know. Are you sore?