Korean Job Discussion Forums

[TML1976]

@PRagic

this is the job description section of the advert put on dave's by Yonsei U. on june 13,2006.


Job Description:

Worksite: Yonsei University, Wonju Campus, Kangwon Province
One-year renewable contracts
24 class hours per week, plus one hour additional staff meeting each
week
Speaking, listening, and writing classes for freshmen and sophomores
Some schedules include Adult Hagwon classes in the morning or evening

Benefits include:
12 weeks paid vacation per year
Starting pay 1.9 million won per month (2.0 million with Master's)
Subsidized medical insurance
Pension program
Shared and single furnished housing available


I think I got a pretty good deal.

[PRagic]

That is indeed a substandard looking job. Don't know if it is for the institute of the department. All I know is that the departmental jobs for the universities I mentioned are still pretty decents.

2.5 for 18 hours? I was getting 2.5 back in 1998 for a 15 hour, three day a week schedule; good housing provided. I took 2.4 for 16 hours in desparation once, too, but I regretted taking that job as soon as I got it.

Whatever makes you happy. Granted, the pay and conditions have slid into a slippery abyss, so perhaps that is a 'good' job these days.

[TML1976]

From what I read and hear the standards at most uni have dropped significantly from the late 90's and early 00's.

Although I'm sure that there are unis out there that still have high standards those positions are either taken and highly cherished by those who have them or when a position does come up the competition for them is so high that only the highly qualified seem to get them.

Now, my academic qual. are good but I don't have the elusive uni teaching experience and that in it self keeps me form getting the top uni jobs. Trust me I've applied to over 20 unis this year and only 4 have got back to me and of those four none of them are considered top unis. more like 3rd level unis.

So, I considere this job to be only a stepping stone to bigger and better things. I figured moving into the big city, getting to know people there, making connections while getting some solid uni experience will put me in a better position to apply for better uni's in a couple of years time. I just hope that the school is a good one and just allows the teachers to come, teach and leave at the end of the day without any or minimal hassle. From what I've heard so for they seem to be ok.

[PRagic]

I think you're making the right move, then.

The one thing I do worry about, and I've posted about it extensively, is whether or not there will actually be any jobs to 'work up to' in the future. Also, like you said, even if there are, there will be so very few that only the teachers with the best educations and experience (not to mention that know everyone) will get them.

SNU and Korea University are already crap. Perhaps a bit better than your current target job, but not by much. Korea university has them working more hours for less, and SNU has upped contact hours, drastically reduced pay, and clipped overtime. Actaully, Yonsei in Seoul only pays around 2.5 to start, and doesn't give housing. However, Yonsei does provided increases based on levels and numbers of degrees, in addition to annual pay increases. Hongdae starts at around 2.5, and provides a ton of coin for 'chunsae'. They also leave you alone to do your job, although word has it they don't provide much overtime (something I'd like, actually). Same for Ewha. The pay isn't that great (2.5 base for 12 hours, I believe), but they leave you alone. Don't think they provide housing, though.

Having been here a while, I would admit that you are getting a good shake. At the same time, I'd also say that the fact that your target job is now considered 'good' is a reflection of how university employment conditions have tumbled over the years.

[TML1976]

Hey PRagic,

Considering your experience can you do me a favor and look at the contract from the uni and tell me if it ok. Its the first time I see one from a uni so I'm not sure what to expect. To be honest with you I have some concerns about certain things. I've highlighted them for you to see.

Thanks in advance.


1. EMPLOYMENT OF EMPLOYEE
Employer hereby employs Employee to teach the English language in the form and manner and under the terms and conditions set forth here in this agreement.

2. PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT
2.1 Employee will be employed to teach the English language at the address of Kyungwon University as above (hereinafter referred to as "Place of Employment").
2.2 As further provided herein below, from time to time, Employee may be required or requested to teach the English language outside and apart from the Place of Employment.

3. DUTIES OF EMPLOYEE
3.1 During the term of this Agreement, Employee will accept, obey and strictly comply with the instructions, supervision, training, and discipline of the Supervisor of the International Language Center (hereinafter referred to as �Supervisor�) and will carry out such duties as the Supervisor directs. These duties will include instruction in any and all phases of the instructional program, administrative duties related to the Employee's teaching duties, attendance at scheduled teaching staff meetings, and workshops, and any other duties as may be assigned by the Supervisor. The Supervisor will establish standards of performance relative to the Employee and is empowered to take reasonable steps necessary to assure those standards are met.
3.2 During the term of this Agreement, the Employee will be required to perform work assigned to him/her by the Supervisor for a minimum of five (5) days, and from twenty three (23) to twenty seven (27) campus hours including eighteen (1 lecture hours a week. Employee is required to provide consultation to students at his/her office for two hours a week when students request an appointment related to their lessons. Work days, evenings and nights, are from Monday to Friday. No regular schedule of work hours can be guaranteed to Employee unless otherwise approved by the Supervisor. Work duties will refer to eighteen (1 credit and non-credit classroom teaching hours.
3.3 In addition to the aforesaid eighteen (1 hours of classroom teaching each week, the Supervisor will have the authority to require Employee to perform any classroom duties in excess of the above mentioned eighteen (1 hours per week (hereinafter referred to as "Overtime"). Only classroom teaching hours in excess of eighteen (1 hours per week and approved by the Supervisor will be considered overtime. During the regular semesters, Employees will teach overtime on average of four (4) to six (6) hours per week when required by the Supervisor. In this case, Employer agrees to pay overtime fee unto Employee as set forth by the Kyungwon University International Language Center regulations. Attendance at scheduled teaching staff meetings and workshops and provision of consultation to students are not considered overtime.
3.4. All Employees will be required to teach eight ( weeks either during the Summer Vacation or the Winter Vacation when required by the Supervisor. During these periods, in addition to their regular salaries, Employees will be paid overtime fee as set forth by the Employer.
3.5. At all times during the term of this Agreement, Employee will directly adhere to and abide by all the rules and regulations that have been, or may hereafter be established, by Employer for the conduct of Employee at the Place of Employment.
3.6. Employee understands and agrees that at all times during the term of this Agreement, Employee will strictly adhere to and abide by all the laws, rules, regulations, provisions, instructions, and guidance of the Government of the Republic of Korea.
3.7. Employee is not permitted to work for any other places or to teach private lessons without Employer�s prior written approval. Such an action, when found, can result in immediate termination of the contract. It will be at the sole discretion of the Supervisor, after consultation with Employer, to allow or refuse the Permission of Additional Employment. If permission is given, Employee must sign the "Letter of Understanding" regarding any consequences OR responsibilities of his/her additional employment.
3.8. Any behavior (including speech) inside and within the Placement of Employment deemed unacceptable by the Supervisor will be a cause for an immediate termination of the contract. Employee must maintain dignity and grace as a faculty member. Employee should strive harmonious relationship and cooperation with the International Language Center staff and colleagues.

4. TERM OF AGREEMENT
4.1. The term of this Agreement will commence on September 1, 2006 and end on the last day of August, 2007.
4.2. Renewal of the contract
No later than three (3) months before the expiration of this contract both parties to this agreement should notify each other as to whether or not the contract will be renewed for another year. This agreement may be renewed two months prior to its expiration. Otherwise Employee will be automatically released from employment at the termination of this agreement.
4.3. Employee agrees to discontinue residence in Korea under the visa status sponsored by Employer within five (5) days of termination of employment.

5. PAYMENT
5.1 Salary
Employer will pay Employee 2,500,000 won monthly during the first contract period. This monthly salary includes 2,000,000won for basic monthly salary and 500,000 won for monthly housing allowance. Each time the annual contract is renewed Employee will receive a 100,000 Won raise in basic monthly salary. When and if Employee accepts the employment without the provision of housing by Employer 500,000 Won out of 2,500,000 Won will be paid in the form of 'housing stipend'. When and if Employee accepts the employment with the provision of housing from Employer, Employer will deduct 500,000 won from the monthly salary of 2,500,000 won and Employee will receive 50,000 won a month in the form of maintenance fee support. The Employee will pay for rent in excess of 500,000won. Korean income taxes, National Health Insurance and National Pension contribution will be withheld from the monthly salary.
5.2. Coordinator Stipend
If and when the Supervisor after consultation with Employer decides that coordinator(s) is/are necessary the Employee(s) who is/are appointed as the coordinator(s) will be paid an additional 150,000 Won a month for the duration of the appointment in the form of "coordinator stipend."
5.3. Severance Payment
Only upon the completion of the full contract period will Employee be given an additional one (1) month's salary at the rate specified above (4.1). Korea severance pay tax will be withheld when severance payment is made.

6. OTHER TREATMENT OF EMPLOYEE
6.1. Holidays (During each semester - Spring & Fall): Employee will observe holidays as scheduled by Employer and detailed in a yearly Korean calendar before the commencement of each semester.
6.2. Holidays (At the end of each semester): All Employees will have no longer than four (4) weeks of overseas holiday at the end of each semester. It will be at the discretion of the Supervisor, after consultation with Employer, to allow a longer holiday when deemed necessary.
6.3. Holidays for Coordinators (At the end of each semester): Coordinator(s) will have no longer than three (3) weeks of overseas holiday at the end of each semester. It will be at the discretion of the Supervisor, after consultation with Employer, to allow a longer holiday when deemed necessary.
6.4. Sick and Emergency Leave: If due to sickness or incapacitation Employee is unable to work more than 7 (seven) days, Employ must produce a medical certificate. If and when Employer find substitute instructors for his/her classes and Employee will reimburse the payment for them.
6.5. Employee will be eligible to receive emergency leave in the event of death or serious illness in Employee's immediate family. The immediate family of Employee will include only parents, spouse, children, and siblings. Such Emergency Leave will be granted at the sole discretion of Employer after close consultation with the Supervisor and limited to six(6) days for the full contract period. The Employee will bear the cost of transportation in the event of a need for emergency leave.

7. DISMISSAL
Employer will have the right to dismiss Employee for neglect of duties or for unwillingness or inability to meet conditions of employment as set out under this Agreement. When appropriate, prior to any such dismissal, Employee will be warned of dissatisfaction with performance and will be afforded ten (10) working days in which to remedy the same. Criminal or some other conduct inside or outside the Place of Employment that would, in the opinion of the Supervisor and Employer, seriously jeopardize any student or staff person, or the reputation of the Employer, will be cause for immediate dismissal and no warning nor time for remedy will be given.

8. TERMINATION BY EMPLOYEE
8.1. If Employee wishes to terminate the employment contract before the agreed expiration date, Employee will give a minimum of sixty days written notice of such to the Supervisor. Such period shall include the day on which the notice was given.
8.2. IF Employee wishes to terminate the employment contract because of his/her personal reasons before the agreed expiration date, s/he agrees to pay the amount equal to one month salary to the employer for the inconvenience to both students and the University caused by the employee.

9. COVENANTS
Unless otherwise agreed to in writing, the Employee understands and accepts the rights to use, sale, distribution, or publication of all original material produced by the Employee during the course of Employee's employment, and for which the Employee is compensated as either regular pay, as overtime, or in an agreed-upon lump sum, remain the sole property of Employer.

10. INDEMNIFICATION CLAUSE
Employee will indemnify Employer for any damages which Employee may cause through his/her own negligence or misconduct. Also, Employer will hold Employer harmless for any damages that are caused by employee�s misconduct or negligence.

11. WAIVER
The failure of either party hereto at any time to enforce the terms, provisions, or conditions of this Agreement will not be construed as a waiver of the same or of the right of such party to enforce the same.

12. GOVERNING LANGUAGE & LAW
This Agreement has been drawn up and has been executed in the English language; and the English language text of this Agreement will govern and prevail over any translation thereof. This Agreement will be interpreted according to the internal (domestic) laws of the Republic of Korea. A competent court in the Republic to Korea will have jurisdiction in regard to any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with this Agreement.

[TML1976]

the happy faces are supposed to 8's

[PRagic]

Wow, it'd been years since I'd last read a contract. After 10 years, you pretty much just sign the ass wipe as it is worthless. Still, if you want to be specific...

1. All of the phrasing takes choice out of your hands, and leaves you vulnerable to the dictates of your boss. I would be wary of that and reword it to include an 'upon agreement of instructor' clause.

2) Make sure they know UP FRONT that they WILL be paying your severance BASED ON ALL OVERTIME, HOUSING, AND Salaries paid. Many schools are still mistakenly under the impression that they only pay severance based on your base salary. NOT TRUE. Maybe they'll think twice about loading you up if they know they'll be paying for it. OR you could just keep quiet and then LOAD UP YOUR LAST THREE MONTHS with EVERYTHING YOU CAN GET! This way, they'll have to pay you a load of severance. They'll lose if they try to skate it.

3) I don't like the fact that you'll be teaching institute and for-credit classes. Why should they double dip their foreign instructors?

4) I don't like the fact that they are trying to control your vacations even in the contract. This could mean that they have had bad exeriences with people running during a vacation previously. Could be a red flag. Could also mean they are friggin control freaks. Nother red flag.

I would talk to someone that has worked there at least 3 years..more is possible, and get the scoop.

Good luck to you. Seems like another pretty standard screw over for substandard pay if you ask me.