Korean Job Discussion Forums

[saskatchewanian]

What's the deal with breaking contracts? How hard is it to do? I've been reading so many posts with people talking about how miserable they are where they're at. I've never been to Korea before, so I'm trying to do all my research and get a good school from Canada. My thinking was, that if I get there, and 2 or 3 months in things are really bad, I should be comfortable enough to travel around there and find a new job. I figured there would probably be some sort of monetary penalty for breaking the contract, but if it's common practice for schools to pay sometimes thousands of dollars to fly you over there sight unseen, why wouldn't your new school be willing to pay your monetary penalty if they don't have to pay that expensive plane ticket. I've read the sticky saying that a letter of release won't be accepted unless you've worked 9 months. Is this the reason people don't just goto a new school when they're there?

[JW]

Hey man
I got out of a contract and spent about two months of hell. I had to pay him off then he had to pay off immigration because of some other illegal misshap on his part. It was interresting and I thought deportation was in order. I don't regret it though. My advise is this. Ask to speak with another foriegner there. Ask them silly questions like where is the bathroom, what floor is the school on, what is the director's wife or husband like. Then ask the director the same question but indirectly. This is to ensurethat you are talking to someone who actually works at the school. Don't be frightened. It is just that I don't put much past some directors. Get as much info about the school as possible. This son't completely prep you for the journey but at least you won't travel blind. I got here with no ride to my city from the airport. Little things like that can be annoying. You'll be fine though. I suggest that you consult a lawyer on the contract thing. There are several on this site willing to help. Contracts are sticky. Koreans will listen to a Korean first..bottom line. I will argue this point to the ground. There is hope,though. You do have rights. Don't let anyone tell you differently. Good luck. (didn't check my spelling so it is what it is) Peace