Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Cherbear]

My contract is ending by the end of March and I've told my boss that I would like to stay for another year and he is happy with the idea, but we haven't gotten into any of the details yet.
For those of you who have re-signed at a school for a second year, is it common or expected for you to return home for a visit before starting your second term? And if so, would they pay for your ticket.
My only expectation for resigning for another year would be that I would be allowed to go back home for a little bit--like a week or so--before coming back for another year. And not have to pay for the ticket.
I was just wondering if this was a common expectation or if it would be considered unreasonable.
Also, maybe along the same track, does anyone know if you can extend or renew your Visa here in Korea or would you have to return home to do it?

[Ya-ta Boy]

I don't know how common it is, but it is at least somewhat common for people to get flight tickets home and back as part of resigning. After all, many contracts include the flight home at the end of the contract.

It is quite simple to extend your visa without going home. It requires a form from your boss, W30,000 for those revenue stamps and a trip to Immi. Better takes some photos just in case.

[maingman]

and possibly, actually go to immigration with the cra**y hakwon boss

[Ed Provencher]

I talked to a recruiter today. She told me that I could transfer my visa to a new school if I signed a contract that began the next day after my current visa ends. That would leave no room for returning home. She said that returning home would require me to start the process over again. The whole 9 yards.

However, if this is the case with renewing at the same academy, you could work out something with your employer where you go home for a week or two during the second contract and promise to extend an equivalent amount of time at the end.

[JJJ]

I know (many) public schools give a bonus 10 days and flight for renewing. Not sure about hogwans but I know I personally wouldn't want to go straight through without a break. If there was no information about renewing (with respect to any bonus, time off, flight) in your contract, you might be SOL. But I would still take a week off to relax before I'd start again just to recharge.

Regarding extending your Visa; I just came from immigration on Monday and from me, I needed my new contract, ARC, passport, school certificate (a note with school stamp that basically says you work there), the Visa application form with picture, and I needed a new health check certificate. Check on that in your situation.

Had all documents ready and the 30,000 won in stamps (get that BEFORE you end up in front of the officer), they took my passport, ARC, waited about 10 min. and all they wrote was the new date on the back of the card. Kinda funny actually because there was no stamp or seal, just someone using magic marker to write the new dates....jeez, I coulda done that myself Good luck