Korean Job Discussion Forums

[EmGen]

So here's the deal:

I've gotten a chance to go to the U.S. for a trip early next month, I would be taking about 10-14 days off. I work at a public elementary school, GEPIK school, and this isn't during my vacation time.

Is there any chance of them letting me take this time off? I haven't asked yet, but I have a pretty good relationship with them.

Does anyone have any experience with this? Maybe I could give up some of my paid vacation time during the winter break, or tell them they don't have to pay me for this time, or tell them I will cover some extra classes when I return.

I absolutely have to take this time off, and I am just looking for anything I can do to make this work. I know that public schools really don't allow time off so easily, so I'm looking for any advice.

Thanks so much

[schwa]

[Setaro]

[northway]

Korea aside, it's kind of a crazy request as a teacher, regardless of where you are. Did your teachers ever take off for two weeks in the middle of the school year?

[whatisinmyhead]

woah, the above posters are way off. i took a week long vacation in May that was obviously not during my set vacation period(s) (i also work at a public school). it was no problem. i simply asked the co-teacher who is "in charge" of me about 2 months before, and got it ok-ed by the principle a few days later. no problem. i was told that i would have to make up the days during summer break time (ie extra summer camp classes), but it never happened. the vacation was to meet with my family, who were going on a vacation themselves (i met them at their destination). obviously family time is big in korea, so perhaps this helped. regardless, they had no way of knowing if i was telling them the truth, so perhaps you could say something to this effect. i realize my case might not be the norm, but the above posters who are saying things like "zero chance" are definitely wrong. give it a try.

[ThingsComeAround]

Depends who you ask and how.

Also, the reason you are leaving better be damn good.
I'd say if you have been at this school longer than a year already, that could help your chances. If you were hired in September, forget about it.

[oldtrafford]

woah, the above posters are way off. i took a week long vacation in May that was obviously not during my set vacation period(s) (i also work at a public school). it was no problem. i simply asked the co-teacher who is "in charge" of me about 2 months before, and got it ok-ed by the principle a few days later. no problem. i was told that i would have to make up the days during summer break time (ie extra summer camp classes), but it never happened. the vacation was to meet with my family, who were going on a vacation themselves (i met them at their destination). obviously family time is big in korea, so perhaps this helped. regardless, they had no way of knowing if i was telling them the truth, so perhaps you could say something to this effect. i realize my case might not be the norm, but the above posters who are saying things like "zero chance" are definitely wrong. give it a try.

I'd say you are totally unprofessional. School teachers take holidays out of term time, whether you're teaching in Korea, England or anywhere else for that matter!!

[cincynate]

oldtrafford:

Learn to quote. Not bold,

[whatisinmyhead]

[jvalmer]

It's rare, but it could happen. Usually the only time you get time off during the semester is if you get married or somebody dies. It doesn't hurt to ask though, but expect a negative answer.

[shifter2009]

[oldtrafford]

unprofessional? "teaching" in korea is itself unprofessional. i guess by the transitive property i am also unprofessional, yes. hey, i asked and received. the school could have easily said no. perhaps they enjoy and appreciate my unprofessionalism...


Then leave you pratt, you're doing the profession harm. Do a job you like, leave teaching to professionals like me!!!

[whatisinmyhead]

i love teaching! but that doesn't have anything to do with whether or not it's a very professional job... also, i don't know very many "professionals" who go to online discussion boards to pick fights, use outrageous amounts of eye rolling emoticons to prove their points, and to proclaim their own professionalism to a bunch of strangers. you are a very interesting "professional"!

[koreatimes]

[oldtrafford]

Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2011 9:00 pm Post subject:
i love teaching! but that doesn't have anything to do with whether or not it's a very professional job... also, i don't know very many "professionals" who go to online discussion boards to pick fights, use outrageous amounts of eye rolling emoticons to prove their points, and to proclaim their own professionalism to a bunch of strangers. you are a very interesting "professional"!

it's an on line annoymous board. you bloody pratt. It has nothing to do with my bloody work, now stop defending your bloody unprofessional actions you fool!!!