Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sands]

My husband and I accepted a couples position recently, but just found out we're pregnant today.

We're trying to decide what our best course of action would be. We would love to go to Korea for as long as we could, and have even considered having the baby in Korea. But it is possible that we would leave around December and have the baby in the states. Perhaps we could stay in Korea after the birth and my husband could work while I stay home with the baby.

What matters most is we're trying to do what is best for us, and for the school, and for the baby. It's not a situation we necessarily expected, but it is one that we are so excited about, we always knew we wanted a baby.

Please be kind, I'm trying to figure out what's right.

[optik404]

If you can have the baby in the States, you'll save yourself a lot of trouble. Lots of paperwork from what I hear.

[le-paul]

Your wishes aside, if that were me, id rather have a baby/infant in my own country in terms of medical treatment.
ive seen a lot of bad practice here and I wouldn't inflict that on a child of mine.

Any way, congratulations

[Fox]

[guavashake]

First of all, you didn't ask any specific question.
Numerous people have previously asked for feedback regarding your type of scenario.

Some people have negative input and say having a baby in Korea is a horrible idea.
Virtually all the people who say this have not had a baby in Korea.
Most of the people who say this never had a baby anywhere, and they are Korea bashers.

Some people have positive input and say having a baby in Korea is a fine idea.

You are the one who knows what your current home situation is like, and therefore you are the one who has the information for making a comparison between your place and Korea.

From personal experience, I think having a baby in Korea is a fine idea.
There are multiple benefits, and logistically it is nice for getting around and getting the things you need and doing the things you need to do. In other words, its a user friendly place.

Regarding contractual things, you need to confirm them for yourself.
I believe you should be able to get good benefits.
You should be able to get good health insurance.
Public school contracts that I am aware of include a generous maternity leave.
I don't know of any law that requires you to inform your employer of your pregnancy at any given time.

There are many things I could tell you based on personal experience, but if it includes personal details, I would prefer to do that via pm. I would be happy to go into detail in a personal message.

[ttompatz]

I have 2 (extended) comments to add (and yes, my wife and I are foreigners and yes, we have kids who were born in Korea):

1) Having a baby in Korea is a fine idea. It won't hurt the child (often turns out to be a very positive experience).

Costs are reasonable:
- about $500 for prenatal care if all is going well and another $600-$800 or so for the birth (assuming your employer has you on NHIC).
- If your employer did not enroll you in NHIC (the case for most hagwon workers) then the costs will be about double.
- IF there are complications that necessitate a c-section then double the costs again.

2) Being pregnant and then relocating to another country to BEGIN a job is another matter.

- you (or your husband) probably won't finish your contract so there are financial issues (repayment of airfare(s) or other costs, potential penalties for leaving the contract early, etc.).

Then there are the costs of going home early (December is an expensive season to travel and the employer won't be paying the airfare for anyone.)

- FINDING a doctor to take care of you (immediately after landing and before even getting your ARC or medical insurance) is another matter to worry about as well.

- There are the mandatory x-rays for your medical (your boss will find out real fast that you are pregnant - even if you did want to hide it and work for the next 6 months).

- If you tell them now that you are pregnant you won't get/keep the job. They won't fly you over.

IF you do come and do stay for the birth then living arrangements are another issue to deal with. 2 adults and a baby in a 15'*15' room (typical "one-room" that teachers are placed into) is going to be a squeeze to put it mildly. Newbies and renting their own apartment is a recipe for disaster (not to mention large deposits ($5000-20,000 are typical)).

My personal advice:
- stay home. Have the baby.
Have ONE parent come over AFTER the baby is born.
When that parent is settled and STABLE, have the rest of the family join (F3 visas).
AFTER that you can find daycare and a 2nd job for the other parent.

It's only a year to wait and EFL will still be here.

.

[Overture1928]

[Died By Bear]

I wouldn't take the chance. I knew a Korean teacher that took an after school position to help with the costs of having her baby when she was about 6 months pregnant. One of the boys walked up to her and punched her in the stomach. She didn't lose the baby, but she came damn close.

[NohopeSeriously]

[Who's Your Daddy?]

It would be a lot easier to have the baby in your home country, and have family around to help you and support you. Also talking to the doctor.

My (Korean) wife had our son here, and watching the delivery I think if you had communication difficulties it would be pretty scary.

[wanderkind]

Another question would be: Where would you be working? (presence of English speaking medical staff varies)
You need to consider how easy it will be to make use of available prenatal care. Even if you have a co-teacher willing to go with you for every visit to translate, the average Korean English speaker wouldn't know medical terminology.

[ttompatz]

[guavashake]

[le-paul]

[Lazio]