Korean Job Discussion Forums

[flip ant]

Alright, before I start, I was stupid. I went to hogwan hell trusting that everything would be fine...and it isn't. Two months in and I know that I will be leaving. Only a portion of my first month's pay has been made. Two weeks after I got here the owner said she needed by original degree certificate so immigration could "verify something", my apartment is in such bad shape my clothes all smell like mold even though I cleaned the place from top to bottom MANY times and now have breathing problems (not severe, but annoying) and I still haven't seen any sign of a card for health insurance. You guessed it, the owner still has my degree certificate (or claims that immigration still has it), she can't be bothered about the unhealthy apartment and always says "next week" when asked about insurance.

The decision has been made. I'm leaving, doing a runner, etc. My question is: Will I still be able to come back to Korea to work in a year if I choose to and do a better job of selecting an employer or can this owner, who claims she knows people in immigration, keep me out permanently? Once I'm gone, I will let you all know the school but would really like some advice on this one. Thanks.

[ChuckECheese]

Your boss is full of *beep*!

Just pack your *beep* and go!

The longer you stay more *beep* you'll have to put-up with. Get your money and run!

[ilovebdt]

Before you go you should at least try and get your degree cert back again.
At my uni they only issue you with one degree cert and if you lose it you are buggered.

I suggest you call your uni before you leave to find out what their policy is re: degree certs. No degree cert no new job in Korea.

ilovebdt

[cuckoococoon]

OMG! you have to go.

BEFORE you do anything... wait for a few replies from the posters here. There is a number you can call to report such things. I know a guy whose school lost his diploma and they were responsible for paying for it.

If you report what's going on, you can find a new school.

If they owe you money, you should call NOW and report that they haven't paid you. Can someone hook this guy up with info about who to call for help... an link maybe?

[ilovebdt]

You could try calling the Labour Board and talking to them about your situation. Their number is 1350 and you select the option to speak to an English speaking interpreter.
Make sure you have your ARC handy as you have to punch in your alien number.

Good luck

ilovebdt

[flip ant]

OK, thanks for all the suggestions, but I still need an answer to my original question: Will I still be able to come back in a year if I go now?

Thanks to you all, I need a little reassurance right now.

[John Henry]

Sorry I can't be of more help, but...

If there isn't a way for someone to get out of a situation like this and still work at another hogwon, I will never, ever recommend to someone that they "Try Korea".

Maybe give your written notice. I think if you bail, your visa is still technically in effect, and you can't get another job until your "contract expires".

But call immigration. Don't listen to a bunch of guys on the internet.

And don't listen to your boss regarding immi. THERE IS NO MASTER "BAD TEACHER" LIST. Really. I promise. I mean, they can't even get it together enough to standardize the transcript policy. Do you think they can track a bazillion waygooks from all over the planet? If my some act of god you are on a "blacklist" in one prefecture (always wanted to use that word), just get a job in a different one.

Good luck.

[ilovebdt]

[Julius]

i had to threaten to call the police before they would give me back my degree.
I actually called a meeting with the supervisor, sat her down and showed her a big list of numbers: Police, labour board, embassy, etc etc. I then pulled out my handpone and told her i would be calling the first one unless i got my degree back immediately. Of course the wonjang caved, and she was in tears at the facial loss incurred. that was at a hogwon. had no problem with this at a public school.

[flip ant]

[Julius]

[Homer]

[wylies99]

flip ant- can you contact your college/university and get a replacement diploma? Get a couple of sealed transcripts, too, while you're in contact with your school. Do it ASAP (or have a relative friend handle it) so, at least you have another one coming, in case the hogwan creeps play hardball (count on it).

Oh, and flip ant- you're not stupid. Those who run hogwan hells lie to us from day one. They know all of the tricks and all of the angles. You were a victim of lies and theft of your hard work. Believe me, I know the feeling.

Time to plan your next steps. Make sure you have someone who knows Korean labor law helping you, and someone who knows Korean.

[cuckoococoon]

You can avoid being 'flagged' by not doing a runner.

FIRST get your diploma back (the above method sounds great)

2ND, get another job lined up (if that's what you want)

NEXT call the labor b. and let them know about your situation... you want to go, you want everything to be OK, you want to get another job, you want to get the money that they owe you.

THEN give your school the proper notice (as outlined in your contract)

maybe they will fire you, or not give you money, or threaten to report you... but you have another job and you have reported them.

[spliff]

Get your degree back and BOOGIE!