Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Monkey82]

So I got screwed last time by a hagwon. Now I've got a hopefully nice public school lined up in Busan. I have a choice between two jobs with the MOE. So obviously I've been asking questions about the two - housing, location etc.

I was really happy since I was getting quick answers; the recruiter was really good about getting back to me the morning after I asked the question (time change).

But now when I'm still trying to decide and all I want to know is where the apartment is for one school and the size of it she tells me she can't ask the Busan MOE anymore questions until I'm placed there, have the visa, etc.

I sent the contact in on Monday. I feel like now that I've done that she's ignoring me. I want to accept the school for which I know nothing about the apartment - but I'm concerned it'll end up being too far away or have some other problem.

Am I being unreasonable? I felt great about this until this morning. I have asked the important questions in order to make an educated decision (location, hours, apartment size, etc) but she was really rather quite rude about it.

Should I push to know more or take a chance that the apartment will be OK?

I'm probably asking too many questions here on Dave's too. Hope you guys don't cut me off. Thank you!

[Draz]

Why'd you send the contract in before deciding where you wanted to go?

[Monkey82]

Because I'm tired of sitting around waiting to go. I figured I'm working for the Busan MOE regardless. Yeah, not my smartest move.

I should add that yes, she (my recruiter) was fast about getting back to me about questions, but she sometimes selectively answered and so I'd say "well what about this" and then she'd have to get back to them again. So that's not MY fault.

Here's basically how the chain went:

1. inteview
2. I'm offered elementary school job
3. I ask if there's a middle school available (because the interview told me there was)
4. I'm offered a middle school
5. I ask where the middle school is and about the apartment and other pertinent questions
6. I'm told where the middle school is and then all of a sudden "but you should take this other job on the Magic Bus" (see my other thread)
7. "uhh, what's Magic Bus"
8. Plays up the Magic Bus, big apartment, etc.
9. So I say, what about this Middle School, can you answer the questions I had about that in the first place?

All I know is the apartment is "kind of small and probably near the school"

I'm not happy with those answers.

Maybe I'm paranoid. I have zero trust of recruiters. I only went with them because they had postings specifically for Busan.

[cruisemonkey]

In reality, the recruiter:

- has no idea how large the apartments are, or exactly where they are located (in fact, the school probably doesn't yet know);
- is pushing the Magic Bus because he/she gets a larger commission and/or knows it will be a more difficult position to fill.

[Monkey82]

Yeah, that's what I'm starting to think. I'm just annoyed at the way she handled it. Even if she said "they haven't found an apartment yet" I would've been happy than with her snippy remark. It's clear she just doesn't want to deal with me anymore.

I'm starting to think about waiting until my spouse is available and for both of us to go out together for the start of March. But I've already sent my contract it. Do you think there's anyway they can hold on to everything and just process it in another month or so for a March job or would I have to reapply?

[The_Source]

Once you sign the contract, the recruiter gets her commission.

Then, she no longer has an incentive to do anything for you.

[Monkey82]

Really? I heard they don't get their commission until I arrive in Korea.

[teacha]

If your public school was anything like mine, they didn't finding housing until after I'd signed on to work at their school. Public schools aren't like Hogwans were they'll necessarily put you in the apartment of the person you're replacing.

Are you the first Westerner 'native' teacher at that public school? If so, then there won't be one available until they know for sure you're coming. Likely no one has any idea what kind of apartment you get, and you won't find out until you get there.

[Monkey82]

I'm not sure if I'm the first native teacher. But I was told that someone else was supposed to go and then canceled at the last minute.

Can I turn down this job at this point and try to get a March EPIK position? Or do I have to reapply?

[nobbyken]

Many accomodation leases are also 12-month, same as the work contracts.
They may not have the keys until the day you start. It is difficult for them to secure a 12-month lease before your contract start date, as it will run out before your contract is up.

Schools don't know when and which teacher they will have, and they may need larger accommodation for a married teacher, etc..

[Monkey82]

That's my big problem. I'm married and the interviewer with the Busan MOE says that their policy (even though it's not in the contract) is to provide married teachers with larger accommodations even if only one person is teaching.

BUT I'm going at the end of this month, and my spouse can't make it until January, or early Feb at the latest. So first they said they'd try to get me a couple's apartment anyway (I offered to pay the difference until my spouse showed up). Now they can't...

So I'm thinking of waiting now and have both of us try to get jobs together for the start of March.

But I've already sent them my contract... so I guess I'm screwed.

[teachergirltoo]

If you had an interview with the school you must have their email address or telephone number. Call them direct and ask them about the apartment. They will tell you the situation. Mine happily sent me pics of the apartment and told me as much as they could.

[Monkey82]

I didn't talk to the school, I just talked to a woman at the Busan MOE. I was given choices of schools and the apartment thing is a factor in my decision.

I guess I just need to relax.

[blackjack]

[cruisemonkey]