Korean Job Discussion Forums

[alphabetspaghetti]

hi there,

i'm due to fly over to Seoul on the 10th of May to begin training for a teaching role. i'm completely aware in the fact that, in the event of failing said training, I wont get the job.

I pick my E-2 Visa up this coming friday from my local Korean Consulate, after receiving my code last night (going for the Multiple Entry option)

without sounding arrogant or anything; I should be able to pass. although, I have read a few horror stories here and there of folk who have not been fortunate in this situation, and having to either fly home or go to another country to sort themselves out.

basically, i've put a lot of time and effort into this move- I don't want to see it crumble, under any unforeseen circumstances.

in the event of failing the training, my 'Plan B' will be to seek out work elsewhere through other contacts I had built up during the whole process. i've saved up a fair amount of money to see me through for a good while... so, if the 'worst case scenario' was to happen- i'd like put out the feelers and look elsewhere for work.
i'm not going over for nothing!!

is this possible to do with an E-2? I don't want to get kicked out or anything...
or is it advisable to get a second Visa for backup (if it's possible), like a job seeking one for instance, as I technically wont be teaching English if was ''looking for work''?

I will be calling the Consulate on Monday, before I visit them next week, but i'm wondering if anyone has had any similar experiences or can advise me please?

just want to implement a bit of foresight really... it helps!!

many thanks in advance!

[CentralCali]

[alphabetspaghetti]

wow. how did you guess?

[ttompatz]

Because screwing newbies is a regular occurrence with CDI.

.

[CentralCali]

Exactly. In addition, those dishonest scum at CDI had to represent to their government that they are, in fact, already your employer, not your client. No doubt one or more of the CDI apologists will appear in this thread to say how peachy keen it is and how fortunate you are to have signed on with an outfit that, to name just a few:

• Lies to you
  
• Lies to their government
  
• Stiffs you on Pension
  
• Stiffs you on National Health

Your use of the emoticon seemed to me to indicate that you are already aware that CDI is fond of shafting newbies. Why, then, did you sign with them?

Well, if you're going to do it, do it. But don't be shocked when (a) you get shafted, and/or (b) when the class action suit against them is decided if you're in country and all of a sudden you have to pay a massive backpayment for pension/insurance/tax.

[alphabetspaghetti]

would be nice if my original topic was answered???

fair enough, some of you may not of passed the training/been ripped off/lied to/whatever... no offence, but i've read this all a million times now and from what I gather; it's the ones who have serious beef with CDI that tend to have a serious moan about CDI.

FYI - my friend (who i've known since we were 7 years old), worked for CDI, in Seoul, for 3 years or so, says they were sweet... luck of the draw perhaps???

anyway, what I really would like to know is: can I get a 2nd Visa (IE: a D-10 job seeking Visa) as a "backup", so it will enable me to look for work 'if the worst does happen'?

I wont be able to live and look for work on an E-2 will I?
i'm just preparing myself as I wont be coming back... as said, not going over for nothing!!

and please, I don't want to hear any more whining about CDI as it's getting quite frankly boring now... sorry!

many thanks in advance, again...

[alphabetspaghetti]

also, I read somewhere that upon failing training, CDI had the right to cancel the E-2... is this true?

i'm trying to find the correct info atm and it is proving to be difficult to obtain, hence the fact i'm seeking a plan B.

[ibeattheborg]

You can't have a 'back up' visa. You can hold only one visa at a time. If you somehow manage to fail the CDI training then you can apply for the D10 Visa but only if you receive a Letter Of Release from CDI. That will give you 6 months to find another job. But why sign a contract where the possibility of failing the training exists?

[ttompatz]

[alphabetspaghetti]

[alphabetspaghetti]

[ibeattheborg]

You will not be entering Korea on a Tourist Visa, you will have an E2 on your passport. The E2 is tied to your employer so having no employer and no LOR means you must leave Korea. If you want a tourist visa you will have to leave the country and get one on your return. This will be of no use to you in any case. You still can't get a new E2 without THE LETTER OF RELEASE. Can you find out from CDI if they routinely give LORs to people who fail the training? If they do then you have no problems except finding a new job. It would be very nasty of them to refuse such a letter after uprooting and flying thousands of miles to get here.

[alphabetspaghetti]

I did not state anything about tourist Visas...

what I meant was that it clearly says "British passport holders do not require a Visa for the entry purpose of a short term visits (e.g., tours, visiting relatives or friends, attending business meetings) up to 90 days." on the UK's Korean Consulate site

i've actually spoken to the Embassy today to follow up this matter, a British national can stay for up to 90 days in the country with no Visa.
my next point of call will be to contact immigration directly to follow up any alternatives, check the status with E-2s and the before-mentioned info... making sure a LOR is possible with CDI in case anything bad does happen, will also be a priority.
you're totally right in the sense of them being nasty in not providing any LORs in that respect however... from some of the stuff I have read, it's a scenario I completely wish to avoid!! thanks

[ibeattheborg]

[alphabetspaghetti]