Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Natasha Compagnon]

Hello!

Through CK Teachers recruiting, I've received a job offer from Kids College in Kangseo/Gan Seo. I came here to do research and found that the Kids College chain has had a lot of horror stories connected to it from two or three years ago, and that schools apparently connected to it have been blacklisted. I've been emailing and PMing people, and I've gotten some information that indicates it's not that bad now, that some people get along very well there.

The director/owner is a Mrs. Lee, and I think she's married to a Mr. Ahn. These two were warned about in some of those stories I found here. The supervisor and a teacher I talked to there seemed pleasant, and the teacher said that there are a lot of people staying on for several years. Nothing she said sounded that bad to me, but I also know she would want someone quickly, since they've just lost a teacher (I wasn't told the reason).

I'd be teaching young children - not my first choice - and I'd have kindergarters for five hours a day, broken into five classes, and then primary and possibly elementary children. 9:30-6:30 Monday-Wednesday-Friday, and 9:30-4:30 Tuesday-Thursday. I'll apparently start out single housing, like I wanted, but might have to move in with other teachers later.

I have to decide quickly, and if I accept I have to be over there for the 26th - originally 24th, but the supervisor pushed it back when I said that was a bit quick for me.

I'm looking for information on the school, the owners, and whether the contract they've sent me is a good one. The hours seem reasonable, for example, but I've read that 120 or above is actually too much.

Please, I'd appreciate any opinions, information, and advice. And quickly, if possible, I don't want to take too long to give them my decision.

Thank you!

Edit: The kindy class is the same group of kids, taught for five classes of about fifty minutes each, with ten-minute breaks. I thought it was a bit strange; is this normal?




EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


This Agreement is made between , _______________________________________
herein referred to as "Instructor," and Gang Seo KID'S COLLEGE, herein referred to as "Employer,�� whose principal place of business is located at 641-1 Deungchon-Dong, Kangseo-Gu, Seoul, Korea


Employer: Gang Seo KID'S COLLEGE

Instructor Name:

Date of Birth: ___________________________________________

Nationality: _____________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________

Telephone #: ____________________________________________

Passport #: ______________________________________________


Position : English Conversation Teacher (or Instructor)

Period of Employment : One year

(Upon mutual agreement may be extended to 2 years)

From____________________ to ______________________






I. In consideration of the mutual promises and agreement herein contained, Gang Seo KID'S COLLEGE employs Instructor and Instructor agrees to work for Gang Seo KID'S COLLEGE under the following terms hereby agreed on by both parties.

II. The services to be performed, by the Instructor shall be that of a conversational English Language Instructor.

III. The Instructor shall commence his/her employment on _____________
The employment shall continue to ____________, unless terminated sooner as provided
herein, and for such further period as provided for herein, subject to the following
qualifications.
A. If as a result of wilful and wanton negligence, gross negligence or intoxication, the Instructor damages facilities, materials or other property belonging to Employer; or causes damage to the institute and/or the image of the Employer, the Instructor shall assume pecuniary liability in accordance with Korean Law. Furthermore, if the Instructor violates any of the covenants of this agreement, Employer has the right to terminate this agreement at the time of the violation without further compensation or responsibility to the Instructor.

B. If the Instructor seeks release from this contract, he/she must do so in writing at least forty-five (45) days prior to the date of termination. Extenuating circumstances, which might require termination of employment without prior notice, will be handled on a case by case basis.

C. In the event of the death or total incapacity for business of either party hereto, or upon the Employer ceasing to carry on said business, or becoming bankrupt, this contract shall terminate. In case of the sickness of the Instructor or other reasons causing him/her from attending to his/her duties for 10 consecutive workdays (without valid proof), the Employer may terminate this agreement.

D. The Employer may terminate this contract at any time because of the Employer's dissatisfaction over, violation of instructions or rules of the Institute, or failure of Instructor to comply with any one of the agreements contained herein.

E. The Employer may terminate this contract if the services rendered by Instructor are not satisfactory to the Employer, and the Employer shall be the sole judge of such satisfaction. Services considered include, though are not limited to, adequate class preparation, the effective presentation of class lessons and the ability to work professionally with other staff members and supervisors.
IV. The Employer further agrees:
Compensation will be paid monthly by the Institute. Any errors in compensation shall be reported by written notice within one week of receipt of compensation. Instructors will be guaranteed a base salary of 1,905,500 won per month (However, Korean taxes of 55,500 won will be withheld) plus extra work bonus 50,000won barring absenteeism. This base salary covers 120 hours of teaching a month, plus occasional additional duties mentioned below. The base salary will be paid to teachers in Korean Won. Teachers are also responsible to pay 50% of health insurance which is approximately 120,000won (For a year) (The pays are the 15th of each month-If the 15th is on a Sunday, you will be paid the next day-Monday & if the 15th is on a Saturday, you will be paid coming Monday)

If this teaching load requires that the Instructor teach over 120 hours a month, the
teacher will be paid an additional 16,000 won an hour for each hour over 120 hours.
A teacher's hourly afternoon pay, however, will be subject to Korean taxes (approximately
6%)
. Fluctuation in this rate is common and prospective Instructors are encouraged to check
the current rate at a local bank.

Bonus System: There is a bonus system at Gang Seo Kid��s College.

After a teacher completes six months of their first contract, a monthly
bonus of 50,000 won (It will be subject to Korean taxes - approximately
6%) will be given for the remaining months of the contract. (It does not include the very first month)

Gang Seo KID'S COLLEGE will assign elementary-level classes based on teacher performance, professionalism and attendance record. Instructors will receive 16,000 won an hour for each elementary-level class they are asked to teach or substitute teach once their monthly teaching hours have reached 120 hours. Assignment of classes and substitute teaching assignments by the Employer is necessary to the effective operation of the institute and acceptance of these assignments by Instructors is mandatory.

For summer camp and winter camp (scheduled from Thursday to Saturday, one in January one in August); Instructors will not be paid an hourly wage, they will be paid a wage of 80,000 won, plus their base pay for the week. Not all Instructors will attend summer camp Gang Seo KID'S COLLEGE will select those Instructors required to attend.


In the event that a summer or winter camp is not conducted, an afternoon field trip will be scheduled in its place. For this trip Instructors will receive an hourly wage. Instructors required to attend these field trips will also be chosen by Gang Seo KID'S COLLEGE.

The Employer agrees to provide the instructor with a round-ticket. (If a teacher doesn��t complete his/her one-year contract, the teacher will refund the amount of the round- ticket and recruiting fee that Kang Seo Kid��s College paid for the teacher.)
*Kang Seo Kid��s College will pay/provide a one-way ticket to his or her home only when a teacher decides not to work with Kang Seo Kid��s College any longer at the end of the contract. (If a teacher extends his or her contract another year, Kang Seo Kid��s College will pay a one-way ticket to his or her home after the fulfillment of the newest contract.)

At the successful completion of a one -year contract, Instructors will be paid severance
pay. Severance pay will be equal to one month's base salary. (However, 6% of Korean taxes will be withheld)

After 30 to 45 days in Korea, the Employer agrees to provide the Instructor with medical
insurance. This delay is caused by the processing time involved in obtaining Korean
medical insurance. The Instructor will be responsible for the cost of his or her own
medical treatment until insurance is issued. Dental and eye care coverage is not included.
Furthermore, life insurance coverage is not included.

The Employer agrees to provide two sick-leave days to Instructors each year. On the first two days per year on which an Instructor misses work he or she will be paid in full for that day, with the following conditions. The Instructor must notify his or her supervisor either the night before the absence, or as early as possible on the morning of the absence. The Instructor must also present a doctor's note to his or her supervisor on the day on which he or she returns to work. Unused sick days may not be used as vacation days. Should the Instructor be absent for ten consecutive days without a valid reason, his or her contract may be terminated.
If you are absent after using all of your allowed sick days (2 days), from the fourth absence, it will be deducted from the daily wages of your monthly salary. Additionally,
Your severance pay will be deducted by 2%.

Instructors, on occasion, request an emergency leave in order to attend to urgent matters in their home country. Since there are no substitute Instructors available, the extended absence of Instructors creates a serious problem for this institute. Additionally, when requests for leaves coincide with holidays observed by Gang Seo KID'S COLLEGE, such as Christmas, the potential for abuse, in order to extend existing vacation days, compounds the seriousness of the situation. Therefore, any Instructor requesting a leave of absence during his or her contract will be subject to a 10 percent deduction from the Instructor's severance pay. Should a leave request coincide with a holiday on which Kid's College does not hold classes, the percentage of this deduction will be raised to 50 percent.
*Emergency Trip: If you have to leave because of a family emergency (i.e. illness or death of a family member), you must provide us with an official letter that is issued by
the doctor or hospital treating your family member. In addition, we will only allow you 7days (Included weekend: Saturday and Sunday) leave and you will have to extend
the end of your contract by 7days.

G. Employer will provide housing for all Instructors. Free of Charge.
(See attached housing contract) If, at the time the Instructor is hired by Gang Seo KID'S
COLLEGE, all company apartments are occupied the Instructor may either ask.

Gang Seo KID'S COLLEGE to provide an apartment or the Instructor may arrange his or her own housing. If, at the time the Instructor is hired by Gang Seo KID'S COLLEGE, company housing is available, the Instructor is required to live in the company's apartment. Instructors living in housing provided by Gang Seo KID'S COLLEGE will be required to leave a 400,000 won deposit with Gang Seo KID'S COLLEGE to cover any damage to the apartment or unpaid bills left by the Instructor when the apartment is vacated.


If Instructors wish to take advantage of the housing provided by Gang Seo KID'S COLLEGE, the housing contract must be signed before arrival in Korea. Instructors who initially choose to provide their own housing and later elect to take advantage of company housing will be accommodated only as housing becomes available.

Whenever possible, Instructors will be provided with an orientation period (Normally, one week to two weeks). This is generally the Instructor's first working day, on which the Instructor meets with experienced Instructors, observes classes and becomes familiar with Gang Seo KID'S COLLEGE teaching techniques and activities. On this day, or for the period designated by Gang Seo KID'S COLLEGE as the training period, during which time the Instructor will not be asked to conduct classes, the Instructor will be paid a training wage. This wage will be 7,000 won per hour.



V. The Instructor Agrees:
To teach any group assigned by the Employer and to participate in special activities (such as over -nights 2 times per year, summer & winter camps and field trips 2 times per year) a required by the Employer.
To prepare for their classes on their own time. Class preparation should include researching and producing teaching materials, on time submission of weekly lesson plans, BI-monthly tracking reports, BI-monthly progress reports and semi-annual teaching method reports. Failure to submit these items on 3 occasions will result in a withdrawal of Gang Seo KID'S COLLEGE offer of the 50% airfare at the completion of the teacher's contract. Three late submissions of any of these items will count as l non-submission.

To, at all times, follow the rules regulations set by the Institute and the Institute director. To follow class schedules and activity schedules, to not dismiss, cancel or begin classes late without the express consent of senior management. To submit all progress reports, tracking reports, weekly lesson plans, or other requested work on time. Instructors, who routinely fail to observe the rules of the institute will be verbally notified by the supervisor, continued non-compliance would result in a warning letter. Three warning letters in the period of one year will result in suspension without pay, a reduction of teaching hours or termination.

To have the accompanying statement of general physical health completed by a physician certifying that the Instructor is free of contagious diseases and may safely participate in activities such as leading outdoor games and exercises.

To use the teaching materials supplied and recommended by the institute. The Instructor is encouraged to supplement these materials with other materials, but must obtain prior approval from the Institute. All books, tools, craft supplies or other materials issued by the Institute remain the property of the Institute and any must be returned to Gang Seo KID'S COLLEGE when no longer required to conduct class.

To perform his/her duties in a professional manner and refrain from conduct which could damage the reputation of the Institute, including, but not limited to: conducting class while smoking or under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs: making sexual advances entering into sexual relationship with students or instructor of the Institute; conducting any business or accepting any funds without the express written consent of the Institute; and borrowing or lending of funds or selling of items to students.
Private teaching outside of the Institute is prohibited without the written approval from the Employer. If the Instructor desires additional employment, such interest shall be expresses in writing to Employer. Upon receipt of such request, the Employer may, at its sole discretion, allow additional employment. Any and all exceptions to this provision can
and must be made by written consent of the Employer.

The Instructor agrees by execution of this Agreement, to abide by a dress code. Instructor shall dress in professional attire. Male Instructors shall wear a dress shirt, tie and slacks. Female Instructors shall wear dress, skirt or slacks and an appropriate top. Extremely short attire is prohibited. This dress code is in effect during the indoor teaching period. For all the events directed by the school outside the classroom, such as physical education outdoor classes, picnics, field trips, etc., the Instructor shall be dressed in designated attire.

If the Instructor wishes to drive in Korea, an international driver's license is required. The Instructor shall take full responsibility for any cost of acquiring a vehicle, the maintenance of such vehicle, any insurance/fees of such vehicle, and shall hold the Employer free from any harm and/or responsibility of and from such vehicle.

J. The Instructor accepts liability for any damages that arises out of the conduct of
Instructor.

The Instructor shall not at any time or in any manner, either directly of indirectly, divulge or disclose to any person, firm or corporation in any manner whatsoever any information concerning any matters affecting or relating to the business of Employer, including without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any of its customers, the prices it obtains or has obtained from the sale of, or at which it sells or has sold, its products or services, or any other information concerning the business of the Employer, its manner of operation, its plans, processes, or other data without regard to whether all of the foregoing matters will be deemed confidential, material, or important, the parties hereto stipulating that as between them, the same are important, material, and confidential and gravely affect the effective and successful conduct of the business of Employer, and Employer's good will and that any breach of the terms of this paragraph shall be a material breach of this Agreement.





VI. It is further agreed between the parties that:
The services to be rendered by the Institute are of a unique and original character entitling the Institute to acknowledgement of this contract by injunction or other relief in a court of equity.
No waiver or modification of this Agreement or of any covenant, condition, or limitation herein contained shall be valid unless in writing and duly executed by the party to be charged therewith and no evidence of any proceeding, arbitration, or litigation between the parties hereto arising out of or affecting this Agreement, or the rights or obligations of the parties hereunder, unless such waiver or modification is in writing, duly executed a aforesaid, and the parties further agree that the provisions of this Section may not be waived except as herein set forth.

Both parties have read the above conditions and agree to the terms contained herein in good faith.


























The Employer

Signed on ___________________2004

Signature ______________________________________________
Principal of Gang Seo KID'S COLLEGE




The Instructor

Signed on ____________________2004

Signature ______________________________________________
Instructor of Gang Seo KID'S COLLEGE



















Housing Contract

This agreement between KID'S COLLEGE and _____________________ is concerned with housing for teachers employed by KID'S COLLEGE. Teachers choosing to live in housing provided by KID'S COLLEGE will be required to leave a 400,000 won deposit with KID'S COLLEGE to cover any damage to the apartment or unpaid bills left by the teacher when the apartment is vacated. The teacher will be required to pay the full amount of this deposit within the first 2 months of employment.

The apartment will be shared with another Instructor. The apartment must be kept clean and the appliances maintained in good working order. Instructors should report malfunctioning appliances or apartment damage to their supervisor as soon as possible. The apartment will be furnished with following: bed, cooking stove, refrigerator, hot & cold running water for bathing, a western style toilet, television, VCR, and washing machine. (Meals, utilities, telephone and incidental expenses are the sole responsibility of the Instructor) The Instructor shall be responsible for maintenance of such furniture and appliances as provided by Employer. Kid��s College retains the right to alter housing arrangements of employees at any time during the term of employment should circumstances require this.
Upon acceptance of housing from Kid��s College, employees are bound to this housing for the duration of their employment contract. Housing arrangements can only be negotiated prior to the signing of the Kid��s College housing contract or prior to renewal of existing contracts.

If, for any reason, the Instructor ceases to be employed by KID'S COLLEGE, the Instructor will be given 24 hours in which to vacate the apartment. The Instructor must set up an appointment with the manager of teachers to inspect the apartment prior to moving out, in order to establish the condition of the apartment. The information from this inspection will be used when calculating the amount of the housing deposit to be returned to the teacher. If the apartment requires cleaning or repair, these costs will be deducted from the teacher's deposit.

The procedure for returning the deposit to the teacher at the end of his or her housing contract will be as follows:
For the housing deposit, after determination of any damages and last month utility bills, any remaining amount of the deposit will be wired to the instructor��s bank account. (usually, 2 or 3 months).
Instructor's bank account # _________________________ .

Barring changes in the employment status of the teacher, this contract confirms that housing will be provided from __________________to _________________ .
Signed (Instructor) ________________________________ . Date ________________.
Signed (Employer) ________________________________ Date _________________2
Health verification form for prospective Instructor

To the applicant's health care provider :

Concerning : ___________________________________ (Patient's Name)

The above named individual has applied to our company for the position of kindergarten/elementary school teacher, in Korea. This job will require that the individual lead children in outdoor games and exercises, group singing and other activities requiring good overall physical health. The individual's workplace will require that he or she frequently climb stairs, and walk as far as one-half mile to work daily.

Having recently examined this individual, I have found him/her to be in good overall health, free from contagious diseases at the time of my examination, and capable of executing the duties described above.


Doctor's Name __________________________________________________________


Hospital, Clinic or Health Care facility _________________________________________


Phone Number ___________________________________________________________


Address _______________________________________________________________


_______________________________________________________________


Signed ____________________________________ Date

[Bunnymonster]

seems like they have infinite fines worded into this contract which makes me fear they will try to nickle and dime you ever step of the way. The idea you should repay your recruiters fee if they fire you is another BIG red warning flag. I'd pass, but it depends how desperate you are really, just remember a year is a long time

[the eye]

um, pass.

some of the biggest laughs were the parts where you have to pay back the recruiter's fee and the airfare for any reason you cease to be employed there.

...and no vacation.
...and teaching 5 kindy classes a day.... haha! no way.
...and no definition as to how long a class hour is. one class is 1 hour? 45min? teaching 120 hours a month at 45 min/class...results in morea than 120 classes /month.
...and you weren't told why a teacher just left.
...and you only talked to ONE other teacher there. not enuf. management doesn't count.
...and if you renew your contract, you don't get the return airfare until the end of the second contract.
...and the possible SHARED dump apartment that you are financially responsible for in case of damage.
...and submitting late paperwork results in loss of airfare
...and fieldtrips and 'special activities' on top of regular teaching duties.


i wouldn't even think a second before throwing this offer in the waste bin.
i'd love to talk to some of these 'extended time' teachers.

oh, and as for the pressure tactics...'you have to tell us now!..

[Natasha Compagnon]

You two caught some things I didn't on the first reading of the contract. Thanks.

I did find some strange things in there, especially all the fines ... I wasn't sure that it was normal or not, but it seemed like something that could be easily exploited.

[Badmojo]

Just leave.

Don't try negotiating, change this or that.

A good school wouldn't have it there in the first place.

[Pyongshin Sangja]

That bonus used to be money that was paid to teachers in exchange for coming to a weekly staff meeting. This is now unpaid.

The contract is sooooo shifty. I actually signed one of these years ago, it didn't have quite as many under-handed things worked into it, though. They have been burned by so many teachers that they have a million ways out for the school now.

Seriously, they lost something like 14 teachers in 2001-2002. Turnover was huge. I was one of 3 illegals there at the time. This school is involved in bribery and exploitation of teachers and will screw you at a moment's notice.

You have to sign now! Hell, they did that to me four years ago too. The pressure tactics are just beginning.

[Natasha Compagnon]

Thanks, guys! Everyone I talked to, except for the recruiter, has said this was a bad contract for one reason or another or five. :p I've declined it, and now I'll see if my recruiter's going to stick with me, I guess. I'm also going to do some research on schools and sites that have been recommended in the last day or so by people I've been talking to.

Thanks again!

[Phoenix]

[Zenpickle]

I know you've declined it (and good for you), but I also found another red flashing light: they reserve the "right" to deduct severance pay for sick days. I believe that is illegal.

[Grotto]

Run dont walk RUN from this hellhole.

That is by far the worst contract I have seen in 3 years.

It is a good thing that you didnt sign that contract because everything in it is designed to favor the school and there is nothing to protect the teacher.

[Natasha Compagnon]

Thanks again, everyone. Grotto - that was especially impressive! Several of the things you pointed out were things I noticed, but I couldn't be sure whether they were warning signs or not.

[hellofaniceguy]

Is that contract someone's idea of a joke? Gag?
If not...I can't believe that anyone with half a brain would agree to it!! And if teachers are working for this school at this time under the terms of this contract....you are bad excuses for teachers! Why? If I have to explain why....it's obvious then....that you didn't learn anything in college.
Or desperate for a job. Or newbies.

[Natasha Compagnon]