Korean Job Discussion Forums

[imagicaxx]

I arrived Monday night with another new teacher and were brought to an apartment in Yongsan even though my recruiter told me housing was by Yeouido where the school is. Now, i guess Yongsan is close, but part of my duties in my contract include riding the school shuttle and I actually haven't been scheduled to which means I'm having to pay both ways to get to and from the school on a city bus. The girl and I are expected to share a room with one bed which we were not expecting since we were each told to bring sheets. We didn't want to share so I went to a hotel. I have to keep my luggage at the apartment and go back each morning to get my things. I was told I'd be getting an apartment Friday. Well, today they tell me the landlord (who is currently living in this room) called last night and something happened so the apartment won't be ready for about a month, maybe 2 weeks if lucky. So I was asked to share with another girl. I guess they could tell I was shocked so they offered it might be possible to find a goshiwon and they'll let me know tonight. Needless to say, I still haven't heard anything. I've also been questioned about wearing glasses even though they knew before hiring me, the director doesn't like teachers wearing them but I'm blind without them. Told to wear brighter colors even though the other teachers are wearing the same colors as I am and told to pull my hair back even though the other teachers are wearing theirs the same as mine. My question is, can I do anything about the housing since it's going against what's in my contract? Are they just regretting hiring me? I don't want to leave Korea but this is just getting ridiculous.

[valkerie]

Sorry to say this but if they are complaining about things that other people are not in trouble for then they are likely trying to drive you out. Perhaps because you protested (rightly so) at the housing situation?

I can't wait for the day when people are free to move between jobs more freely. I don't know much about the D10 (?) option but if you are up to looking for escape options it may be a wise move.

[newb]

LOL. PS programs are so flooded with applicants that they are using every means possible to weed out the undesirables now. 3.5 GPA in underwater basket weaving is better than 2.0 in TESOL.

[imagicaxx]

[ibeattheborg]

FOR REAL? Ride the school shuttle bus, wear brighter clothing, don't wear glasses, share a bed with another teacher or live in a goshiwon and preferably be a resident of a state in EASTERN USA. What kind of school is this? I don't know what to say except RUN. You should absolutely ask if they are trying to get rid of you before you even begin, did they hire too many teachers? If so, get a release letter and a new job.

[imagicaxx]

[ibeattheborg]

What kind of mistake do you think they made in hiring you? Wearing glasses or not being from the eastern US? Those kind of things wouldn't usually matter to a hagwon. They're just weird expectations because they knew all this beforehand.

That six month transfer thing is not the truth, a letter of release would be enough to find a new job, which is much easier now that you are in Korea. Maybe this job will turn out okay but from what you have said so far, it doesn't sound like a 'nice' school to work at.

[lithium]