Korean Job Discussion Forums

[realbrownbear]

Hello,
My girlfriend and I have moved to Seoul from Busan recently. We work for different companies.
When my girlfriend signed her contract it was written (and she was advised) that she would spend the first month writing materials and general editing and then would start teaching.

She has just finished her 'orientation' and found out that her first day of teaching will be tomorrow. Having lived in Korea we're heard and read our fair share of horror stories and we thought we would be savvy enough not to be in one.

Aside from the lack of editing the school seems tough; CCTV, no materials, lesson plans, parents have the ability to view a class anytime from the comfort of their home and 80min classes. Her co-workers seemed dreadfully unhappy - bar one who is leaving in four weeks.
It states in her contract that whilst editing for the first month she will be paid less (2m rather than 2.4m) and also will be working a different shift.

We're looking for a place to live and the school would be contributing 400k to it. Really we need to know contractual rights, how long it can take to rectify. Can she leave this job because of this 'editing and shift' infringement? And if so, can we get a release letter easily (obviously the company will be reluctant) down the 'legal route' if needed?

Is there anywhere we can seek legal advice or can anyone give me an idea on timescale - answers have differed on here.

If we sought new documents for the visa (as a US citizen I'm aware of the length of time for FBI checks) and we received them in three months. Then applied for a new job and was accepted three months from now. How does the E-2 work? Can we hand our notice in 30 days prior and then apply for a new job (considering they don't give the release letter)

I would appreciate the soonest reply.

Thank you

[ttompatz]

[realbrownbear]

Thanks for the advice ttompatz.
Really just unsure on some legal rights especially regarding contractual disputes. I heard that people have won legal battles for their won. You have just confirmed my suspicions.
For now my we're just going to see what happens, give it a couple of weeks and if things haven't improved we'll look at getting new docs.
Again thanks for your help and if anyone else has any different suggestions I would love to hear them.

Nice one.

[TheresaTheresa]

No different suggestions. He is right.

Only new comment I would make is: don't wait around for improvements, they will not come. Go now or start preparing to make your move.

[Epik_Teacher]

Look at China and Viet Nam, find another job and run!!!!!!!!

[Chet Wautlands]

Ttompatz, a South African friend of mine recently went to get a multiple entry visa at immigration in Seoul but was told that they are no longer required and that he was free to come and go as we wanted within lifespan of his visa. Have you heard anything about this?

[ttompatz]

[TheresaTheresa]

[Chet Wautlands]

[RMNC]

Another shining endorsement for the "NEVER WORK AT SLP" attitude.

As TheUrbanMyth said, SLP stands for Slave Labor Program. Accept no substitutes. I'd take any other chain Hagwon over SLP, with the exception of Wonderland.

[Epik_Teacher]

[bharville]

Pardon my ignorance, but what is SLP?

edit: nevermind, I did a search on it.

[curlyhoward]

People will still take jobs from such schools as SLP and Wonderland although being warned not to by people who well know the reputations of these schools and who have met victims of these schools.

Never work for SLP.

[realbrownbear]

With regard to job hunting whilst employed. For now we would obviously like to do it without the schools knowing, normally we would find work through word of mouth. Can we approach recruiters and be open about the current situation? Or would it be a case of approaching schools directly?

Is honesty the best approach in this circumstance?

Thanks

[TheUrbanMyth]