Korean Job Discussion Forums

[CBP]

Hello:

In one week I'm leaving for my training course. I've sold everything I own, given notice to my clients, paid for the course and ticket, and hope to teach in Korea when all is said and done. But an unexpected problem cropped up, and I need your feedback and suggestions.

Because I owe my university $4,000 (and despite the fact that I have made timely and consistent payments since graduating three years ago), they won't release my transcripts. With all the planning and research I've done in preparation for moving overseas, this is one thing that completely escaped my attention.

My university says it's policy. The woman I spoke with is going to meet with her supervisor for the final verdict, but she indicated that there really isn't any hope. She asked if I could pay off the $4,000 before leaving, and I told her, "If I thought I could get $4,000 for my toenails, I'd yank them off and give them to you!"

That probably didn't help matters.

My question to you (and I fear I already know the answer) ... Are transcripts a legal requirement in Korea? The degree is, but transcripts, too? I've read another transcript thread, and it seems clear that most if not all jobs in Korea require transcripts. Could you please verify this for me?

I'm terribly frustrated and disappointed. One of the main reasons I chose Korea was the income and benefits I could expect ... so that I can pay down my debts. Silly University policy. Why don't I just give them a loaded gun so they can repeatedly shoot themselves in the foot?

Cheers.

[ttompatz]

[Roch]

[CBP]

Thanks for the information.

How long ago did you submit an official letter from your school? I'll have to check into that option, if it's still indeed an option. Gives me hope.

I don't want to teach in Taiwan, and the pay is too low in China. Japan doesn't require transcripts? You're sure? I'll have to head over to the Japan board and ask about that one.

[Roch]

Hello,

I did this in Fall, 2006. Perhaps a bribe was paid to the person who accepted the letter.

[CBP]

You're kidding about the bribe? Because I've started the process for having my Registrar's office write a letter for me, stamped and notarized. I'll contact Korean immigration next, however the heck I'm supposed to do that.

[Roch]

I do not know if a bribe was paid or not. But, I do nkow that bribes are commonplace in Korea.

I'm not trying to upset you. You should still try the letter from the Registrar's Office and I predict that it will work out for you.

Sorry for giving you the wrong idea.

[jackson7]

I was in the same situation a month ago. Look into personal loans/lines of credit. Quick to get, and just pay off the school--better for you financially anyway. Check with your normal bank, first, they're more likely to give you the loan/line and the best rate 'cause you've got a history together.

Also, check around your school's registrar/records/collections department. Sometimes (as was my case) you can get a single copy of your transcripts released, in order to get a job for example, which may be enough to get over and make enough cash to pay them off.

[CBP]

Roch, no problem. I'm not taking offense at anything that's said here. It looks like my school's going to write the letter, but I'm also appealing the decision. There's something criminal about withholding transcripts in a situation like this. Meanwhile, do I really want to work for a school that will accept a bribe from me? Or am I just being naive? And what exactly would I be paying them for ... to make a statement to immigration that they have reviewed my transcripts, when in fact they have not?

[jinju]

Without transcripts you could have George Bush, Bill Clinton, and God himself sign a letter for you and you will not be granted an E2 visa. It is immigration who will review your transcripts, not the school.

[dulouz]

You have to pay the debt or you an't get the E-2. You can't pay the debt unless you work and for that you need an E-2. Try Japan or Taiwan.