Korean Job Discussion Forums

pchi · Joined: 29 Oct 2011

Hello

I just barely got my F4 visa and was planning on teaching english in Korea.

I heard that I pretty much can't get a job teaching at a public school with DUI's on my record. Can anyone back this up?

Also, does anyone know if this applies to private schools as well.

I"m pretty sad if this is true, because I got those DUI's a long time ago, and they were misdemeanor's not felony's. I dont even drive a car anymore and I haven't touched alcohol is 4 years.

Anyways, any input or information would really help me out

World Traveler · Joined: 29 May 2009

pchi · Joined: 29 Oct 2011

That's what I thought also, that it would be ok to work in a private school.

But than I read somewhere that a new law got passed that is now requiring private schools to check criminal records.

If this is true, is a DUI grounds for not hiring someone at a private school?

jrwhite82 · Joined: 22 May 2010

It would depend on the school itself I'd imagine. Be ready to answer for why you've had two DUI's in the past in an interview.

No concrete information has been released about these new CBC regulations for F2/F4 visa holders (or if it truly even is required...to my knowledge). It is the Ministry of Education that is requiring the hagwons to have them, not the hagwons themselves or immigration. So if they follow the same rules as immigration, I'd be willing to guess you'd have a hard time.

However, if they apply the same rules that they do to Korean teachers, you might be ok. I don't think Korean teachers lose their jobs or are banned from being hired or working for having a DUI. (not sure though) It just will make it harder for you. It might just be one of those "Fit to Work with Children" checks, which a DUI should not count against you. But no one knows yet.

Good thing for you taxis are plentiful and affordable here! Cool

Just stay away from the soju in the future!

nathanrutledge · Joined: 01 May 2008 Location: Marakesh

Having a DUI or any crime on your CBC is not going to bar someone from the job. It WILL bar people from the visa.

Since you've got your F visa, it shouldn't be an issue. As Jrwhite says, it could make things harder, but you CAN work anywhere as long as they hire you. DUI's would not be a blanket denial.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

oldtrafford · Joined: 12 Jan 2011

I can't see how that would stick. Korean school teachers with a DVI still work as school teachers. An F2/F4 wouldn't have an issue. If this is the case then that's absolutely ridiculous. Nor do I see why E2 visas should deny a person with such a conviction, it aint kiddie fiddling after all!!

pchi · Joined: 29 Oct 2011

Thanks for the replies,

I guess from reading other posts and replies from here everyone has a different opinion. Does anyone know someone that has gotten fired or been told by their hagwon that a DUI on their record is the reason for not hiring or being fired?

Couple recruiters I've talked to (teach away, say kimchi) flat out told me no one would hire me.

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

oldtrafford · Joined: 12 Jan 2011

Actually, under the new MOE rules (dating from last summer), it may be a denial of registration as a teacher at the POE (meaning that the hagwan/school can't legally employ you).

To echo what was said above...it doesn't bar people from the job it bars them from the visa.
Koreans don't need a visa to work in Korea.

However no one knows if these new rules for F-visas are in effect yet or are being enforced.

Urban, I was led to believe from what Tom wrote that it was a POE ruling and not an immi ruling. Anybody which of the two it is? Cheers!

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

jamesd · Joined: 15 Aug 2011 Location: Korea

Actually, I was told by my co-teacher that one of the VP in my district was busted for DUI and was fired from his job.

jvalmer · Joined: 06 Jun 2003

oldtrafford · Joined: 12 Jan 2011

He's on a F-4 visa so it would be a POE ruling (in his case) not an immigration issue.

Cheers Urban! Smile

jrwhite82 · Joined: 22 May 2010

That doesn't prove that it was a POE ruling (although I'm sure they were involved if the person was at a VP level) and if it was, there could be a lot more to it then just a DUI. Perhaps a DUI that took place during school hours or something....

It also doesn't prove anything about working in a hagwon.

Furthermore, it doesn't prove anything about how they will treat DUIs that occurred many years ago.

I don't know of any blanket rule that applies to everyone that gets filed at the POE to teach in hagwons/public schools here in regards to their CBC. I mean isn't it common practice to just transfer a teacher who was accused (and maybe even proven) of diddling or hitting a kid.