Korean Job Discussion Forums

been_that_done_there · Joined: 19 Jun 2009

I'M SO MAD. My school is trying to force me to write a resignation letter that says I have found my time here to be valuable and I must express my appreciation & high esteem of the EPIC program. I have to say that the officers have done their best to ensure that my stay in Korea was rewarding and memorable. I must also say that I am leaving for personal reasons and not because of any fault or oversight on the part of the program. I HAVE REFUSED & WRITTEN MY OWN LETTER.
Considering that I am in a technical school, my time here has been one big joke. Even after complaints to EPIC and asking for a transfer, nothing was done. My first experience of Korea was been met by 4 drunk education officers. My second experience was a witch for a coteacher who tried to make me buy my own TV even though my contract says that I get a TV. She also tried to con me into moving into her apartment so that she could take the 400,000 won housing allowance. She told me what a philanderer her husband is and yet she wanted me to live with them and their 2 spoilt teenagers. She has lied, manipulated and cheated (given children answers to exams) which has led to her been demoted, taken off the English program as head teacher and been moved from her private office to a communal office.
I have met some really kind Koreans, but overall my experience here as sucked big time. I'm so over this saving face crap.

redaxe · Joined: 01 Dec 2008

do a runner then

nero · Joined: 11 Mar 2009

They will probably use that letter to entice someone else into the job. So, to make things clear - have you resigned already?
If so, tell them to stick it.

been_that_done_there · Joined: 19 Jun 2009

I have already booked my ticket home as I have been here for 7 months so I don't need to do a runner.
I wrote my own letter and gave it to them. So who knows what will happen now.

Buffalo · Joined: 15 Aug 2009 Location: Ilsan

I am assuming that you are the first foreign teacher at your school.
Did you speak with your district coordinator yet? I suggest finding out who your EPIC rep is and giving them a shout. If that doesn't work, then I suggest calling up the recruiter that got you the job and give them an ear full. Don't let those sassy hooligans get away with anything. I'm sure they will find many corrupt happenings going on at your school. They are probably dipping into your foreign teacher budget.

Ramen · Joined: 15 Apr 2008

EPIC is for Chungnam, right?

A friend of mine did a runner two year ago. His experience was very similar to the OP. Razz

DWAEJIMORIGUKBAP · Joined: 28 May 2009 Location: Electron cloud

Wow. I work for EPIC.

Which school are you at? (If you don't want to give away your identity, I understand and please ignore my question Smile

been_that_done_there · Joined: 19 Jun 2009

I am in a small rural village and I don't want to give away my identity as I know my life can be made very difficult here. I only have a month to go.
I am also confused by whether I work for EPIC or not. Here's why. When I wanted to attend the orientation for new teachers at EPIC, I was told that I was hired directly from a recruiter and that I don't work for EPIC. But here's the kicker. My contract that I signed says EPIC. When I complained about the situation here and asked for a transfer, I was told that I cannot be transferred because I was hired from a recruiter. So it seems that I only work for EPIC in certain situations.
The whole technical school situation is a joke. The English levels of the 16-19 year old kids are the same as 4-8 year olds. I see them once a week for 50 minutes but I am expected to teach them to speak in English even though I have them less than 4 hours a month. Confused

I see a group of 17 kids called my interns everyday. I know for them I have made a difference but as for the hundreds of other sleeping, grooming, cell phone playing, ipod listening, disrespectful, spitting, screeching, lazy kids, I have not done one iota of good.
I have NO resources, syllabus, program or anything to work with. I have spent many hours creating wonderful visual presentations only to be faced with total disinterest. So now I just play games. I am a really good teacher, but they have just about broken my spirit.

lookingforworkinasia · Joined: 14 Dec 2007

I often look forward to writing my resignation letter. Don't let them tell you what to do. You're out of there.

DWAEJIMORIGUKBAP · Joined: 28 May 2009 Location: Electron cloud

VanIslander · Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 7:26 pm Post subject:

haven't been there, haven't done that

been_that_done_there · Joined: 19 Jun 2009

How I would love to be able to watch video clips, etc. but my witchy co-teacher has already complained that I use the computer too much in my lessons. I use the computer to show the kids visual PowerPoint presentations.
I am unfortunately not allowed to watch movies and in some classes I don't have the technology to do that. I would if I could. But thanks for the suggestion.
I don't think it's a cop out. It's more a case of been driven to it.

@VanIslander - thank your lucky stars that you haven't been there or done that.

yingwenlaoshi · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Location: ... location, location!

Draz · Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Location: Land of Morning Clam

davesucksnfl · Joined: 11 Nov 2009

there are many cases were your school is part of the epik program, but you are hired privately by the city. Some schools have apparently managed to get total control of the money allotted for a foreign teacher and hire them with no oversight, but with public funds. Based on what you've written you're in that camp. If you're a city hire there would have been city events to do AND extra hours for the city. But if you haven't done anything like that you were a direct hire from the school.

Craptastic times are all over the place, and the Korean education system leaves a hell of a lot to be desired.