Korean Job Discussion Forums

kak2106 · Joined: 22 Jan 2009

When I started looking for a job, I specifically told my recruiter that I couldn't start until the end of March. I was offered a job at a PS and sent all of my paperwork in, got my visa, and bought my ticket. I also made plans to move my stuff from NY to my parents' house in NC to save on storage and spend a little time at home before I left. However, when I informed the school of my plans, they told me that they expected me to be there by mid-March and if I couldn't be there by the 15th, they'd start looking for someone else. Apparently, the recruiting office in Seoul told the school that that's when I would be available. This was a bit over a week ago. Obviously, they didn't follow through with their threat to find someone else, because anyone who started the visa process then probably wouldn't have been able to get there by the 15th anyway.

Later in the week, I got an email from my co-teacher telling me that I needed to be there before the 24th, so I could start working that week. My ticket was for the 26th on Korean Air, so I tried to change my flight, but there weren't any economy tickets available before that, and I wasn't willing to pay a cancellation fee to get a ticket on another airline. I tried to be accommodating, even though it wasn't my fault, but they're still really pissed at me.

I'm a nice, friendly person, and I work hard. If there hadn't been this start date issue, I'm sure I would have gotten along well with everyone. I've apologized multiple times and made it clear that I'm looking forward to teaching there, but it doesn't seem to have made much of a difference. Does anyone have any suggestions for how I can smooth this over? I was nervous enough about moving to Korea and teaching for the first time, but now I'm nearly panic-stricken about working in such a different environment with people who are holding this against me.

asams · Joined: 17 Nov 2008

Don't sweat it. Buy a few nice, small gifts and give them to everyone, with your apologies. Then just get to work and forget about it, this isn't something that should make your time here difficult.

This was more the recruiters fault than anything, so maybe you should call him/her and make them apologize to the school.

cruisemonkey · Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2009 3:30 pm Post subject:

Doesn't your contract have a start date on it?

Perceptioncheck · Joined: 13 Oct 2008

If I were you, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Just be firm about what you cannot do and tell your recruiter they can like it or lump it. (Although I don't know if it's a good sign that the school is getting pissy at you and you're not even there yet).

I was in a similar position last year; my contract started a few weeks after the beginning of term but I didn't make it to Korea until a week after that. It wasn't a problem in the slightest; when I arrived at the school, I was greeted with open arms and and all I had to do was change the starting date on my contract.

Good luck.

refikaM · Joined: 06 May 2006 Location: Gangwondo

You'll be fine! Koreans have a tendency to blow things up a bit out of proportion. I've known PS teachers who have come after the official school start dates due to extenuating circumstances. It was accepted and that was that! Good luck!

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

Not your problem. They're having real problems recruiting enough teachers now (low pay, visa regs). So just come, teach and enjoy.
Good luck.

Goku · Joined: 10 Dec 2008

I think the important thing is to remember you are dealing with teachers,

They don't want repeatable offenses so they nip it in the bud.

1) It's NOT ok to show up late
2) Not to disregard their authority.
3) Not to let this happen again

We do the same to our students so it's a natural formed habit.

I don't think they are personally angry with you.