Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Michelle]

I was wondering if anyone has had this similar experience.

I am working a short term job.

First I wanted just afternoon classes.

He piled on Morning adult classes and Saturday. I asked for one or the other.

He wanted me to do all of it, so I did the first Saturday, he told me on Thursday I wasn't needed, last thing on Friday I found out I was needed, plus he was going to pay me on Saturday (we had previously said Friday).

ie. You don't come you don't get paid.

So I came and got paid after a lecture about doing lesson plans by the following Tuesday.

The next week I find out the mothers had complained about my accent, which is Australian but is honestly minimal after spending so much time here.

So they ask me to observe this girls classes. I came
there twice in the morning because he refused to tell me if she was taking over or not.

So now I refused Saturday, he's got someone else and someone else in the morning. I can live with 20 hours a week.

The clincher is that a Korean teacher who was first just 'observing' some of my classes (but seemed nosier then the others) is now my 'assistant'. I have four 50 minute afternoon classes of only a few kids in each class. She sometimes takes another class.

It is helpful for the kindergarten class, and the lower levels to have her to translate.

But she is really not needed in the end. She takes one or two classes.

Half the time for 2 hours she drinks a coffee in the corner (better then commenting on the class).

I have gripes: Why does she, ever hour magically come up with something the Director (who can speak with me), asked me to do?

How do I distinguish between her and the Director?

Why is she coming to me every 10 minute break to give me paperwork or something to do?

Watching nearly ALL my classes + Speaking for director + giving me work for the director + taking up valuable break time + being an assistant who doesn't assist but wants me to give her the material for her classes = Spying on me for the director and being a part of a global conspiracy.


Her presence is making me tired. I am well qualified and experienced.
I don't need this S***

Anyone relate?

PS I am aware that this is nothing compared to what people are putting up with at other schools.

PPS Wonder if she'll gt paid, the last Korean teacher didn't and she looked worried when she was told.

PPPS: By the way Calypso Wins if we're talking about major problems, been there done that, this is more of a gripe.

[Real Reality]

Who is the assistant? Are you?

You do not fit well into the Korean system.

Could this article be correct?
Foreigners Experience Difficulties in Living in Korea
Overall living conditions, including education, housing, medical care, transportation, immigration, and access to the Internet are pointed to as inconveniences. Not only inconveniences caused by different systems and customs in Korea, but also special discriminating practices, such as the practice of submitting two years of monthly rent in advance like a deposit, which is required of foreigners just because they are foreigners, are ubiquitous. "Even though Korea has achieved some degree of globalization in going abroad, it has still a long way to go for globalization in embracing foreigners inward," said foreigners residing in Korea. An official in the International Cooperation Division of Seoul City admitted, "The same complaints regarding visas, transportation, education, and environment are raised every year without being solved, due to the lack of cooperation from government agencies involved and their passive attitudes."
http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?bicode=040000&biid=2004070522448

[Michelle]

"You don't fit well into the Korean system?"

How do you mean, real?

I was willing to either do split shifts or mornings, even put up with both for a while.

Or do you mean the screwed up system?

[Real Reality]

"you mean the screwed up system."

The system (or employers) do not want you to fit into the system. You are an outsider. You will be kept in that position. You can try to adapt but you will be more of an "assistant" than a "real teacher."

Good luck.

[Michelle]

How true you are. Good comment

I see now that looks have decieved me.

You really are a master of real reality.