Korean Job Discussion Forums

[whatshisname]

Hi All,
My friend is from the States, and she has been working full time at her position in Korea, since the end of Feb 2004. She was informed a month back that a family member is terminally ill, and she has made the decision to go home for their final days. The employer has enforced the 2 month notice policy, and my friend has done all it all by the book. She is free to leave by Sept 1 and they have now mentioned that she owes them for BOTH flights. She and I have been under the impression that she is only liable for the return portion of the ticket. I must mention that this hogwon is brand new and money is not a worry for them. Just wondering if they are possibly misinformed, or is there a real problem here?

[ajstew]

My guess is that she could be responsible for both portions of the airline ticket, but the contract itself might clarify that more. Regardless though, if she pays for the second portion of the ticket or has it already, I'd suggest she just go and leave the employer hanging. I'm sure it would be difficult for anyone to enforce her to pay for her ticket, even if she did decide to return later. Lastly, because the school is brand new, I would actually tend to believe that money 'is' more of an issue for a new school as they might not have many students.

[justagirl]

What does the contract say?

[whatshisname]

Thanks for the quick responses guys. This girl has given her notice and is in the final stages of the wait before being on her way home. She has tried to do it all by the numbers just so there is no problems at the end. The contract is very vague in respect that it says that the teacher is responsible for expenses incurred during the time of employment in case they leave early. I have been told by numerous sources that she is safe from buying the ticket to korea ( but would happily purchase the return ticket home) because she has fulfilled at least 6 months of her contract. If anyone knows of this clause, I would be very interested in seeing it.

Cheers!

[lush72]

typical els trachee problems eh dalton?

NEVER TELL THE TRUTH HERE- unless- of course- you like that feeling!

[Dalton]