Korean Job Discussion Forums

RyuLeBeau · Joined: 03 Aug 2009

I received an email today while on my way to Seoul (through another country) saying that they have hired too many teachers and I shuold not go to Seoul.

Is that even legal? I saw some people in some threads being dropped but being warned a week or two ago, but just with less than 48 hours to arrival date?

I still have to get to Seoul as I am on my way there already but how do I go about refunds on tickets and also is it legal????

Has anyone else had this email/problem? Please reply asap as I don't know what to do, and what if I never checked my email. I would have arrived and been dropped on the spot????

iggyb · Joined: 29 Oct 2003

Who was your recruiter?

I can't give a definitive answer. Most likely illegal. Chance of doing something about it - most likely nil.

Since you're going to be in Korea anyway, why not shop for other jobs? You're in a screwed position no matter what. You'll have to go through some trouble to get the visa canceled for sure after you find a new job, but since you are in country anyway -- try getting a job in country which is easier. In this market, you'll probably not be able to talk a new school into refunding your airfare, but you stand a chance of doing what you came to Korea to do - and make some money -- especially if you broaden your search to include outside of Seoul...

RyuLeBeau · Joined: 03 Aug 2009

Thanks for your quick reply. My recruiter is worknplay.

I am not in Korea but on my way as in a different country as a connecting/stop over flight.

Anyone else have this problem?

buildbyflying · Posted: Fri Aug 21, 2009 10:13 am Post subject:

you're def not alone.
Keep posting. let us know if they even let you into the country. Since you have your visa you might not have any problems.

RyuLeBeau · Joined: 03 Aug 2009

I wonder how many of us tehre are. I have my E2 visa.. which means I can stay for a year right? Though of course I don't want to if I don't have a job.... What is with this LAST MINUTE cancellations. I can understand if it was a month ago or before i bought my ticket or even after but if it was a few weeks in advance.. but a day beforeI take my connecting flight??????

Sad

I'm really upset... Are you going to go to Seoul anyway?

iggyb · Joined: 29 Oct 2003

He's likely from a country that has a no-visa waiver for tourism running up to 90 days.

There might be a possibility that - if SMOE did the paperwork already to cancel the visa, they might not let him in even with the no-visa waiver, but my bet is that they would after explaining the situation.

I guess I've give it a 15% chance or so he'd be stopped at immigration and not allowed in.

Dharma_Blue · Joined: 11 Oct 2008

That is completely [Mod Edit] ludicrous and also a little bit scary that a "professional" organization like SMOE is this disorganized and inept.

Contrary to what other people on here, the quality of teachers in Korea will NOT improve in so long a people are continually lied and deceived to and even GOVERNMENT EDUCATION OFFICES pull crap like this.

why doesn't somebody write a letter in Korean to one of the newspapers or media organizations that demonize ESL teachers and explain this poor guy's situation?

RyuLeBeau · Joined: 03 Aug 2009

This is the thing... If I didn't even chekc my email I just happen to have a connection where I am... I would NEVER have known.... and just turn up WITHOUT a job... I don't understand this..... its making me really really angry and upset.....

I really want to know if it has happened to many more people... especially in the last minute as in today.....

Do you really think they are just trying to get rid of people if they don't come... but if they do they'll be forced to hire them because of the contract???? Sad

iggyb · Joined: 29 Oct 2003

buildbyflying · Posted: Fri Aug 21, 2009 10:30 am Post subject:

the midnight runner wants to do a podcast. perhaps reaching SMOE for comment might get some answers. if they answer.

RyuLeBeau · Joined: 03 Aug 2009

haha.................... oh to laugh at a sad time like this......................... Is this common or is this just this year?

iggyb · Joined: 29 Oct 2003

That is a question I want to know. I haven't frequented Dave's in years.

I can tell you with confidence, this kind of nonsense is just standard Korea TESOL stuff...Anybody who has taught in Korea for a year or two would have to tell you that you have to get in a mindset that is willing to accept that you have a good chance of taking a few bumps and bruises to make it work for you. And people should think hard about that before going to Korea to teach.

iggyb · Joined: 29 Oct 2003

RyuLeBeau,

How are you still posting if you are in route?

RyuLeBeau · Joined: 03 Aug 2009

It is a connecting flight so I am stopping halfway to Seoul. Taking the connecting one tomorrow. Very distressed...

arrangingpieces · Joined: 08 Aug 2009

so sorry about your situation. ugh. i feel you though--i just got my call this morning and was supposed to fly out tomorrow morning. i'm now at this airport hotel with my mom (6 hours from where my family lives as we are in the country) that we were going to stay at before i found out. ridiculous. have no idea what to do with myself, visa, plane ticket, etc.