Korean Job Discussion Forums

[.res.ipsa.loquitor]

Hello, this question is for all teachers (but especially recently arrived ones, given that things may have changed with the slowing economy). To what extent was your school willing to cover your expenses as regards postage for your application and the embassy's fee for visas, etc.?

My school wanted me to send my respective sets of papers to them, and to the Korean consulate in Montreal, via. express courier, which I did. There was a vague suggestion that the school would cover these charges, and the cost of the visa (about $50) but that came from the head office, and not the school itself.

I estimate the total cost of my application all-told being about $125-$150 Canadian.

Is it reasonable for me to expect my school to cover these costs? Please answer the poll question, and leave any comments as to what your school was willing to pay for.

Thanks so much!!

[VanIslander]

You want to ask an employer to cover the costs of applying???

How petty!

Seriously... (I'd fire you in an instant.)

Drop the idea.

[TBirdMG]

Regarding your application costs associated with transcripts/notarization/CRC/apostille/expedited shipping, it's just not going to happen. I know, initially, it makes sense for the new employer to cover it, but it just doesn't work that way in Korea. However, the employer will (or most definitely SHOULD) cover the ARC processing and health exam fees. Check the contract closely for this...

Think of it this way: over the course of your contract, the boss will make a couple of nice gestures outside the scope of the contract, like dinners out, being flexible with vacation time, helping you out with a cell phone, birthday gift, chuseok/sollal gift, etc....in the end, you can't get worked up too much by the $100-150 it cost to get in-country.

[Straphanger]

I paid for postage and apostille, etc. My employer paid for the flight to the consular interview. So effectively, it was like a 70/30 split.

Edit: Boss also paid for my health check and ARC, bought additional furnishings for my apartment, and gave me a cellphone.

[Draz]

Never had any of that paid for, never had an employer pay for the health check, 1/3 employers paid the 10,000 won fee for the ARC.

[.res.ipsa.loquitor]

Thanks for the helpful responses.

And folks, don't get the wrong idea here. I'm just trying to gauge what the custom is here, and avoid being seen as petty - if that is how submitting expenses would be interpreted.

I WAS told by head office that these costs would be covered, but not by the school itself. The reason why I've asked here first is because I have been treated pretty decently thus far, and I don't want to rock the boat. I'm quite willing to say "when in Rome" and let it go, if that's what is expected.

And VanIslander, your response was really not called for. I'd fire you for being so snappy.

[losing_touch]

My boss paid to have my degree verified by the KCUE if there is a charge. It looks like there is from their website. I paid for all of the visa costs and shipping of documents on my end. Once in Korea, they paid for my health check. I paid for my ARC.

[VanIslander]

[Straphanger]

[berrieh]

Delete... Deleting (mostly) all posts... Mods please delete

[sarbonn]

When I was first offered the job, the boss promised to cover all fees. Didn't cover any of them. Oh well.

[gazz]

The way to go about getting these expenses back to go up to your VP and DEMAND that you get your expenses back.

If he/she looks a little confused don�t back down, get in their face at this point and this time scream until you turn red. This is your right to do so, so why not do it!

If/when they smile at this point they are questioning your manhood, you must at this point pick up the nearest object and wave it about whilst re stating your demands!

If they are still holding out pause.............................. take a deep breath and point out that this wouldn�t happen in the US.

Shake a little with rage before walking out calmly (you need to think about your self respect and the good impression that you need to make with your school).

Then just as the VP is about to rest again in his/her chair slam the door so the glass rattles.

Now in all seriousness - Your school should/will give you what ever you are entitled to in your contract.

They may well give you loads on top of that depending upon what their budget is like + how much they like you!

Good luck with your first few lessons. You need to concentrate in getting these right firstly because correct me if i'm wrong but you signed up to be an English Teacher - This is what the school will expect you to be. Build bridges dont burn them!

[prideofidaho]

[toonchoon]

nothing was paid for. i guess i could've asked for the boss to pay my health check, and could've made a case for it, but whatever. i aleady get paid better then the average teacher here, and work less, so no sweat.

[.res.ipsa.loquitor]