Korean Job Discussion Forums

melanie_lynn_newman · Joined: 14 Nov 2007

I'm looking to teach in Korea starting in May and I was wondering if some people could give me their experiences with getting any time off at their particular schools? I've heard that most schools give both vacation days and public holidays but I've also heard that the specific dates that can be taken are completely dictated by the school. The reason I ask is that I have plans to be in a wedding in the US over the summer and would need to return in July for a couple of days and I'd like to get a better idea if that would even be possible.

I've spoken to the people at AskNow.ca and they said that it would most likely be possible to find a school who's given days off coordinate with the days that I would need to be out of the country but I'd prefer to hear some personal experiences from those who aren't recruiters.

PLEASE HELP!!! Thank you very much.

nobbyken · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Location: Yongin ^^

Hi,

What kind of school?

Academy, Public, or Private?

melanie_lynn_newman · Joined: 14 Nov 2007

I'm not really certain which type of school I will end up working at so I'd be interested to hear experiences from all types of school. I know I won't be working at a university but otherwise I don't really know. Thanks for the reply by the way Smile

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

Public schools: More vacation allowed, but you have to take it when the schools are on regular vacation. This would be the month of January and February and the last part of July and most of August. Many people have to work camps, though so that can restrict the time off.

The biggest problem with PS vacation is that PSs and Koreans in general don't plan ahead. You have to be aggressive when requesting time off in advance.

melanie_lynn_newman · Joined: 14 Nov 2007

The wedding date is July 19th. Would you have any knowledge if this would fall into the public school holidays? As well, do you feel that if this is something I stress during my contract negotiation that my time off could be accomodated? Thanks again for the replies.

Jellypah · Joined: 27 Oct 2004 Location: ROK

As long as your clear about needing a specific time off while you're negotiating a contract, you shouldn't have a problem. The days you need might not coincide with the school's vacation schedule, but they'll manage to accomodate you. Get it in writing beforehand!

I'm working at an academy and we get a summer and winter break - whoop-dee-doo. That's either four or six vacation days a year. I ask my boss for my extra days off in advance (I get ten total a year) and it's never been a problem. I took an extra sixteen days in 2006 to go back home for a break, and they allowed that too. Unpaid, but still.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

July 19 is right around the end of the school year. Public schools may want you to work a camp (it's often in the contract) right after the school year, but like Jellypah said, it comes down to negotiation. Many schools would be ok with you working a camp later in the vacation instead of the beginning.

Make sure you get the agreement in writing, and not from a recruiter, from the school or whoever you sign the contract with.

kat2 · Joined: 25 Oct 2005 Location: Busan, South Korea

We had the same problem when looking for jobs at a public school. My husband's brother was getting married in early June and we had to be home with it. We never hid it and made it a stickin point in contract negotiations. Get it IN WRITING from your school before you sign teh contract that you can have xxx days off from July xxx -July xxx to attend a wedding. Do this before you sign any contract. Some schools will be more flexible than others.

nobbyken · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Location: Yongin ^^

Most academies only give 1 week of vacation twice a year, times are pretty fixed I believe.

Public schools are your best option, and most will be flexible and allow you to take some of your vacation, even if it is during the semester.

Good advice from kat2 about agreeing before signing.

EDIT- This year the the vacation at my school was on the 20th July.
It is usually a few days after the fixed national holiday on July 17th, but I each school or area may be different.

Snowkr · Joined: 03 Jun 2005

Definitely good to check into this before signing a contract.

I made the mistake of agreeing to be in a wedding next month back home thinking I could get the week of Christmas off at my public school. I was shocked when the principal said no. Since the time falls over a normal school week, vacation days are not allowed.

I didn't get it in writing before signing on so I had to call the bride and tell her I wouldn't be there afterall.
She was not happy...

My fault entirely!

Gamecock · Joined: 26 Nov 2003

Negotiate this up-front before signing the contract. I've had coworkers in hogwans actually have family wedding dates written into their contract. I've also known of public school teachers who arranged this ahead of time...although they were working for individual schools, and not a province (like EPIK or GEPIK) who seem to be less flexible.

If don't negotiate this before signing your contract you probably won't get it, even if you ask months ahead of time. But it can be done. You just need to ask NOW. Make sure you get it in writing.

P.S. I think that date will be too early to fall into most public school vacations.

chachee99 · Joined: 20 Oct 2004 Location: Seoul Korea

I work at a private elementary school. Basically for me it works like this. I At the end of each semester we run an English camp, which runs for a week then we get 4 weeks vacation. At the end of the school term there is a two week break which is also considered vacation time. So in total i get 10 weeks vacation a year plus holidays.