Korean Job Discussion Forums

[irwinpryce]

Hi,
I am using a recruiter who has been very eager to get me to Korea asap. Now I have been issued my E2 we agreed on Thursday being a good day for me to fly. I recieved an email today saying the flights are very expensive and they were wondering if I could look into cheap flights and let them know, or pay for the flights myself and when I arrive the school would reimburse me. Apparently they have done this before.

Is this common?
Is this legal?

If the answer to the 2 questions above is no, what should I do? I have been using a recruiter and have had very little dealing with the school, and therefore know little about them. I have read horror stories about schools in Korea screwing over their esl teachers. This school appears to be cutting corners from before I arrive. Can anyone give me some advice?

[tzechuk]

It's legal and it's relatively common. But I wouldn't do it.

[crazy tigger]

You say you have had little dealing with the school, have you spoken to the other foreign teachers there?

Personally I would never pay for my own flight here simply because the school have nothing to lose if they decide they don't like the look of you when you get off the plane. Some people do get their money back without problems.

[irwinpryce]

No I have not spoken to any other teachers, apparently im the first english speaking theacher they have had

[tzechuk]

I would tread very, very carefully...

[irwinpryce]

I appreciate all your help, I have been issued an E2, this is obviousy for that school. Can anyone tell me if I can contact another recruiter, explain my situation, say im ready to fly out asap and ty get another school.

[rsmm0224]

I agree, I would proceed with extreme caution. Especially as the first foreign teacher at the school. Unless you are in a desperate situation to get here I would say you don't have the money and if they can't pay then you have to find another school. That's what I did. Of course, it was also true at the time. haha

[irwinpryce]

sounds a bt strange though, the schools been going for a few years now, its unusual to hear of an esl school with no native english speakers,


appreciate all you help but can we return to the original question, as no doubt , i will be put on the spot later

[rsmm0224]

I'm sorry but I don't know very much about contract obligation vis-a-vis E-2 Visa remaining valid. I would try posting your question in the Job Related Forum under the sticky thread "Visa Questions". The people watching those seem to be fairly knowledgeable.

[Ilsanman]

And what's to stop you from taking their free flight and not showing up to work?

One person has to trust the other first. Or else no deal can ever be reached.

[Snowkr]

Actually I think there is some element of reasonability to your school's request, OP.

I suppose it could depend on where you're flying from but the price of fuel has gone through the roof over the past few months and in the U.S., flights in and out of the country have been exhorbitantly priced...

That said, I don't know why your school would presume that you could find a "better deal" from your end but I suppose in their mind, it could be worth a try.

I've never had a ticket purchased for me from my home to Korea. I've always had to pay for it myself and then been reimbursed after arrival here. I know heaps of other teachers who have done the same thing.

As for having you fly over here on your own dime and then dropping you at first sight if they decide they don't like your haircut... I suppose it's possible... but not likely, given that you already have your E-2.

[smurfetta]

Get your school to buy a ticket for you using a travel agent in your country that specializes in assisting Korean customers.

[Jessie]

I don't think it is that uncommon to have to pay for your ticket upfront (it is their way to ensure that you actually show up for work, etc.). They gave me a budget which was more than reasonable and I booked only two days before departure, so it was quite expensive (right under $1,000). My school requested me to do it and they said they would reimburse me within two weeks of my arrival. Luckily, it was not a hassle and my first day of work they asked for my plane ticket receipt and they reimbursed me two days later.

The difference though is that I spoke with other foreign teachers at my school, including the one that had already left and I was replacing. Everything had gone smoothly for them, so it gave me some much needed comfort in proceeding forward. I would definitely be a bit cautious if you do not have any testimonials from previous teachers! Good luck!

[maeil]

[moosehead]