Korean Job Discussion Forums

drcrazy

Have any of you ever been in such a situation? After teaching for several years at the same University, last semester I was asked to do something I had never been asked to do before. But, first, let me tell you that I have always tried to live up to my reference from my PhD advisor who said I went above and beyond the call of duty for my students. I have done that any times. I have had students who could not make my classes because of jobs or other reasons that I accepted as a "good excuse". Those students did independent study, did things by email (especially composition students with jobs) or some type of final project.

But last semester at final grade time, for the first time in my seven years in Korea, I was given a list of students who I had never seen in my life. They were on my class lists, but had 0 attendence and never arranged to do any work at all. I was ordered to pass them. I did, but only because I knew the students had been told this would happen. So, it would not be fair to them. But, I also said that I can not do this again in the future. It is breaking the law, and is a sin. I said that students who can not come to class must stilll do someting to pass. If not, I will give them an "F". I was told ok.

Well, I was just told to hit the road. They will not renew my contract. And, I know that is the biggest reason why. They have mentioned a few stupid little things that don't mount to a pile poo, but I know the real reason. Evil or Very Mad

And to add insult to injury, no one will write me a reference letter to help me get a new job. I mean, what a bunch of %(((^$%. They are worse than traitors. They are EVIL. But then, I already knew one evil fact about my school. They have fired foreigners for reading storybooks at an orphanage. I really wanted to read storybooks at the orphanage like I did the two years at my first job on Koje Island. But was warned not to. So, I have given cash donations to help the kids. I mean, I just had to do something. My father was a missionary during the Korean war and helped to get orphans from North Korea to South Korea. In the process he got a piece of shrapnel (sp?) in his brain that could never be removed.
Becasue of the brain injury, he was a very abusive father who one day just up and left. I know it was not his fault he was that way. The brain injury was a few years before I was born, so I never got to see the real him. Crying or Very sad

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Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

Man that's a rough story, upside and down. Not much I can do to help you, but I hope something works out. Keep your chin up.

Mr. Pink · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: China

I wonder if the OP is on drugs.

So you had a faculty advisor, which means you are educated right? Then you should know all about going OFF TOPIC in your writing. Which you seem to do brilliantly. Where the hell does the orphanage thing connect to you getting booted?

You work asked you to play ball and you basically said no. This is Korea, either you play by their rules or you find another place to work. I can't believe you worked at a place so long and didn't realize how the system works.

margaret · Joined: 14 Oct 2003

seoulsista · Joined: 31 Aug 2005

I think that's an aweful situation that the school put you in but in future interviews if the subject were to be brought up then just tell the truth. If you know that you didn't do anything wrong then there's nothing you more you can do.

Would it be possible for you to get a letter from someone else in the office, a sympathetic higher-up, who would be willing to do it secretly?

Barking Mad Lord Snapcase · Joined: 04 Nov 2003

Wrench · Joined: 07 Apr 2005

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

Demophobe · Joined: 17 May 2004

Satori · Joined: 09 Dec 2005 Location: Above it all

rapier · Joined: 16 Feb 2003

That was an interesting and heartfelt post. your family seems to have a habit of getting involved in Korea?

"i did 2 years in Korea'-wonder if this statement is more impressive coming from a Korean war vet, or an esl teacher? Laughing

periwinkle · Joined: 08 Feb 2003

I had that happen when I worked at a uni. The badminton team was exempt from attending English, but we still had to give them a passing score. They were termed the "elite athletes", so they received special favors. Badminton. Elite. Te he he he~ Not fair to the other students, especially their fellow PE majors, but that's the way the cookie crumbled at that univ.

7 years, though~ Man, I'd complain to the dean...