Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mooncalf]

Keep in mind: I'm a newbie looking for my first job in Korea!

A few days ago, I received a job offer from a private school in Seoul. After looking over the contract, I noticed some of the typical "deal breakers" mentioned on this forum:

-housing deposit
-recruiter fee reimbursement (if fired before 6 months)
-undefined hours and pay for "summer / winter intensives"
-no sick leave

Other than these things, the contract looked great:

-defined block shifts (2pm to 10pm)
-no weekends
-volunteer overtime only, paid at 120%
-2.0 mil won
-single apartment

In any event, I modified the contract and sent it back to the school. The next thing I know, I get an email from my recruiter that says I am no longer being offered the position.

Can anyone offer insight into why?

I wrote the school in search of an explanation, so I'll give you all updates as the situation unfolds . . .

Thanks!

[daniellelievre]

I am also a newbie but have had this sort of thing happen and what is more than likely happening is they have another teacher (a dumb one) who is ready to sign the contract without modifying it. I've had a couple of contracts retracted because "we have another teacher willing to take this position". Sure, they might be bluffing, but who cares, they're not good employers if they aren't willing to work out things like you mentioned.

[Big Mac]

You're too smart for them, that's why. If it's a school that knows it is doing things wrong, then they want a teacher who is naive and won't ask questions. You asked too many questions. You're not naive enough. Look at it as a good thing...you've weeded out a bad weed.

The things you mentioned aren't necessarily deal breakers though. Someone like Grotto will tell you to just say no to deposits, and I see his point. But I think it is a reasonable request for a school to ask for one...many have been burned by midnight runners. If you agree to it, and if there is a provision saying that it will be returned immediately upon completing your contract, I see nothing wrong with it. I agreed to a deposit and got it back at the end. It's highly unusual to see a contract without such a provision.

I do agree that you shouldn't have to refund recruiters fees though...but I think it is reasonable that they ask that you pay them back airfare if you leave willingly before six months are up.

I think bigger red flags are inflated tax rates, no offer of medical insurance and no mention of pension.

[mooncalf]

Well everyone . . . here's an update!

The school never replied to my email, but my recruiter informed me how contract negotiations are viewed in South Korea. Here's what he said:

1. Schools are offended. If a teacher doesn't like the contract, why would he or she apply for the job in the first place?

2. Schools think the teacher is a trouble-maker. They want someone flexible and easy-going. Many foreign teachers have trouble adjusting to Korean values. If a teacher has too many questions about the contract, he or she may be difficult to deal with in the workplace.

3. Schools use a set contract for everyone. As a result, they don't like to make changes.

Any thoughts?

[Big Mac]

[peppermint]

[mooncalf]

So peppermint . . . two questions:

1) What are the reasonable bare minimums for a newbie contract?

2) Any advice on how to bring up contract changes in a tactful manner?

Others feel free to answer!

[peppermint]

2.0/month, single housing, no weekends, volunteer overtime only, medical and pension split 50/50. 10 days vacation is good but it will probably be a week in summer and one in winter, when all the Koreans take their holidays too.

block shifts aren't the end of the world, either is a housing deposit ( though anything over 300,000 is a bit much) No mention of sick leave doesn't mean there isn't any- it's a question to ask the current teachers about. Don't expect defined hours for things like intensives- it's hard to plan that stuff until they happen.

Negotiating with Koreans can be picky, and in this case it might've been handled badly by the recruiter. If there's a clause in there you don't like, suggest an alternative that would be acceptable for both parties.

housing deposits- suggest either a lower amount, getting the bills set up for withdrawal from your bank account ( good if you're staying in country but at another school) or finding a guarantor that's acceptable to the school.

vacation time- there's really little room to move on this at most schools, but ask for a month or so's notice so you can plan your vacation at least.


you get the idea?

[Big Mac]

[chessmaster9000]